Where we are right now....

I've been so busy updating the posts for the fundraiser and writing Thank You cards, I haven't really gotten much of a chance to update on the progress of the adoption.

1. I did 10 hours of adoption training last weekend. I actually learned quite a bit and it gave me a lot to think about. I also met some great people that are in the same situation I am. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I still have 4 hours to do online. I plan to do them this weekend.

2. I am STILL waiting for the form from my doctor for my physical. I'm going to call again tomorrow since it's been two weeks since I was there and a week since I got my blood work done. Seems like plenty of time to fill out a two-sided form to me. (Have I mentioned that I will be looking for a new doctor when this is all done.)

3. I talked to my home study social worker on Friday. She is still having a hard time getting some information from Mexico. I've contacted a few people and I'm hoping to get this situation resolved soon. Please pray that the right person will read an email or receive a call so that we can get this ball rolling. It's frustrating to me that this little thing could halt my adoption!

4. Once I get the form from the doctor and the one from Mexico, the home study will be done. It then has to go to Springfield for approval. Apparently, there is one person in the whole state that approves all home studies. Kind of crazy!

5. I owe $7,500 for program fees. The agency is going to let me pay half now and continue on with the dossier. I hope to have the rest after I apply for some grants--something I can't do until the home study is done. I'm glad that they are willing to work with me so that we can keep this process moving. I want my little girl home!

6. I got a really nice message from the school district. The director of special services says she's very excited to work with Sara and I. (She has no idea that I'm a special ed teacher.) I'm hoping to meet with her after my spring break since she is on break this week.

7. Next week, I will be traveling to NY to see my family. It will be nice to take a bit of a break from all the craziness and just relax. I'm also REALLY hoping that my new neice or nephew will make his/her entry in to the world while I'm there.

8. I continue to be very overwhelmed by all the love and support Sara and I have received. I really thought that people would just think I was crazy and go on with their lives. I had no idea how supportive and excited everyone would be for both of us. I'm inspired by the amazing, generous, loving, people in my life. I am so blessed!

Please pray....because I'm panicking (and changing the date of the Give Away).

I've run into my first real hurdle in the adoption process.

I got a call today from my adoption agency. The director of the adoption agency has given his official ok. I have my physical tomorrow and training on the 23rd and 24th. After those two steps, my home study will be done. It will then go to the state to get approved. After that, it will be official and I can send my paperwork (called the Dossier) to Immigration and the country for approval. Sounds great and it's moving quickly, right? Here's the catch.....

Before I can submit the dossier to the adoption agency, I need to pay the $7,500 country fee. I have some money in my Reece's Rainbow account and some left in my savings but I'm still about $4,000 short. Unfortunately, I can't apply for any no-interest loans or grants until the home study is finished. So, if I wait until the home study is official and then apply for loans or grants, it could be several months before I can send the Dossier. This will keep Sara in an orphanage longer and delay my travel plans into the new school year.

I know that it will all work out in God's timing but I'm a planner and I don't like all this not-knowing stuff.

In light of all this, I'm moving the Give-Away up a few weeks. I'm going to start it on Sunday. Please let me know if you'd like to donate something. I will post all the rules and regulations later.

Thanks for all your support!

The latest

Things just keep rolling along.

Last night, my class was cancelled and I was thrilled to have some extra time. I was even more excited when I realized I didn't have ANY adoption paperwork to do. I got to spend a night knitting and catching up on some tv shows. Don't worry, though. I won't be bored for long. I got another packet of paperwork from the home study agency today.

Here's the latest things to be crossed off the to-do list:
1. Set up my appointment today for my physical. The first available appointment isn't for another 2 weeks. Frustrating but not much I can do about it.

2. I found out that the person handling my home study will be the same woman that I met with for the intake. This is a HUGE blessing for me since I really don't enjoy meeting new people. It stresses me out and this process is stressful enough.

3. My home visit is next Wednesday. I wish they would give me a list of what they are looking for but they just keep telling me to be myself and everything will be fine.

4. I registered for my the 10 hours of training that I need to finish my home study.

5. I told my students. They were really precious about it and asked some great questions. One of them asks me every other day if I've picked up my little girl yet. I don't think they quite get it.

6. I picked out bedding, and therefore, a color scheme for Sara's bedroom. Anna is coming during her spring break to help me with creative ideas and to do some of the work.

7. This weekend, I put together a photo album of my life to send to the orphanage. I'm excited to think that Sara can now see a picture of me!

Things to do tonight or tomorrow:
1. Contact the school district. I feel like I need to give them a little warning about what's coming their way and I want plenty of time to look at options and ideas. I'm hoping to be able to use one of my spring break days to visit potential programs. My plan, at this point, is not to tell them that I'm a special ed teacher. I want to see what they have to offer. Don't worry, though, I have absolutely no problem playing that card and advocating for what I think is best for my daughter.

2. Finish this pile of paperwork that came in the mail today.

3. Work on all those little fix-it projects that I've been meaning to do around the house. Gotta make a good impression!


Thank you so much to all of you for all your support and encouragement. I'm amazed every time I log into Blogger how many people look at this page daily. It means so much to me that so many people--a lot of who I don't even know---are excited about Sara finding a family.