Pause....

So, I've decided I need to update all of you on my current progress and decisions. I've been in touch with Reece's Rainbow and I'm currently reading a book that they require about adjustment for adopted children. The next real step for me would be a home study. I've decided to hold off on that step until February 1st. I just feel like I need some time to think about all the kinks, problems, and blessings that I will incur if I decide to do this. I've been doing a lot of research regarding schools, finances, insurance, etc, etc. Most of the time, I'm starting to see this as a "when" and not an "if." The rest of the time, I'm completely overwhelmed.

So, please continue to pray with me as I make this decision. And, as always, I'd love to hear more opinions, concerns, etc. The last thing I want to do is walk into something this huge without seeing all the possible angles.

Oh, the possibilities....

Here is a message that I sent out to some good friends on facebook last week. Based on the (mostly) encouraging but realistic responses, I'm still pretty excited about the possibility. I have decided not to take any official steps until February 1st. I want to spend the next few weeks praying and seeking wise counsel. I'll keep you all updated on the progress. Who knows, maybe someday this will be my adoption blog. I realize that facebook probably isn’t the most appropriate place for this conversation but I don’t have email addresses for all of you so here it goes…. I am writing to you because I need some advice and opinions. For years now, I have said that I wouldn’t be upset if God decided to “bless” me with a child with Down Syndrome. Since I returned from Mexico, I have been toying with the idea of adopting a child with Down Syndrome. Up until this week, I hadn’t really looked into it seriously or tried to figure out if it was really feasible. It had always just kind of been a dream. After some research, I honestly think it’s something I want to do. I have taken some preliminary steps to get connected with a group called Reese’s Rainbow that helps place children with Down Syndrome with adoptive families and even raises funds to help with their adoptions. I know that a child would rock my world but I’m in a place in my life where I think it would be okay to be rocked. I have a stable job, a support system, a home, lots of experience with children and with disablities---everything a child with Down Syndrome would need to be successful. Sometimes, it seems like the most natural thing in the world; other times the idea overwhelms me and scares me to death. Before I go any further in this process, I want to get advice and opinions from the closest people in my life and from those with experience with adoption and single parenting. I really do want your honest opinions. If you think I’m crazy, please tell me. If you think I can’t handle it, please let me know. I really do want honesty. I appreciate anything you have to say and would covet your prayers as I seek the next step in my life.

Intrigued....

I'm not ready to go completely public with this idea yet but I know that no one reads this blog so.....

I am currently addicted to this website and more so, the concept of it.

Taking some baby steps now to see how feasible it really is.

Where I've Been

I'm up to 40 states!

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And 6 countries.

Silence....

Now that school is in full swing, I'm not doing much traveling. I'm not allowed to talk about work so that takes away all my fun stories. Here are my upcoming travel plans:

Thanksgiving - NY to see the fam. Very excited about the stuffed mushrooms.

Christmas - Obviously, NY with the fam. Still working on final details. Waiting to see what life holds for Janelle. I work until the 22nd so I won't be with my family for too many pre-Christmas festivities.

Spring Break - My friend Mary and I are hoping to visit the Baja mission. She was very interested in my Peru trip and would love to go somewhere overseas to work with special needs kids. Of course, I already know the perfect place! We are just waiting for the final ok from the mission. It should be really fun. I never realize how much I miss that place until I start making plans to go back.

June Break - Anna and I want to go somewhere fun and warm. It would take a lot to top our Costa Rica trip. Any suggestions?

August Break - Most likely in NY. I'm sure there will be some "camping" involved. I think Mom and I should go while the boys are at camp. Sounds pretty relaxing to me!

Peru Video

Here is a video that I made for a presentation at work.

Some recognition...

Check out what Elim is doing in Peru and around the world. Pretty cool to be recognized by a huge organization like Food for the Hungry. Too bad all the pictures are from last year's trip.

http://www.fh.org/blogs/poverty-180-americans-with-disabilities-help-send-children-in-extreme-poverty-to-school.html