Sheesh..I've been so busy lately! With having that "pre approval," it has kicked things into high gear around here. It was needed and has basically let me know where I stand. I received the formal application and am filling that out and hope to have it in the mail on Monday!! Can't believe it's finally happening!!!
I just printed my homestudy packet on Thursday and have that filled out. I just need to write my autobiography..which I'm dreading...and keep putting off. I could be writing that right now instead of this post, ha!! I guess when someone has been in college as long as I have, it's understandable. I feel like it's another paper that needs to make "the grade," and it's really not that big of a deal--kind of. After waiting soooo long, I'm procrastinating now!! I have to admit this is a HUGE flaw of mine. One that I'd SERIOUSLY like to eliminate!! So far, I've found a lot of the questions on this stuff to be redundant. That's fine..I can handle that and all these nitty gritty details, but I HATE writing "papers!" Ugh!! I need to make that my #1 project at the moment. As soon as I send this packet back to my social worker and the first "official" fat check )=, it's time to schedule the first home visit!
The only problem is, I'm basically redoing my kitchen and bathroom within the next couple weeks. Some of the kitchen is the original stuff from when the house was built (ie: cupboards, green oven--you get the picture), still in ok shape but definitely could be spiffed up. My mom and I are going later today to check more things out. Anyone else have stuff being done while doing the homestudy? I feel like it would be better to have these improvements done BEFORE my little guy comes home instead of after. This way, there won't be all these "strangers" coming in and out while he's trying to adjust. Just my personal feelings on the matter!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
IT'S HAPPENING!!!
I can finally say it, after over 2 years of waiting and endless prayers, I am starting my adoption!!! I just can't believe it!!!
I made a trip to the agency this weekend and finally turned in the paperwork. Before I left, I chatted with an agency person. She said EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD!!!! I am over the moon and so very excited!!! I don't think I've ever been soooo excited to do tons of paperwork and spend money =). I bet it'll get old quick, but I know and keep hoping that at the end of all this, I'll have my little boy home, sooner rather than later!!
I know of many people and friends that have said prayers...it means a lot and I appreciate it! I ask everyone to please keep praying and don't stop!! =) I feel so blessed that so many friends and family members are supportive. I told my Grandma late last night and she said, "This means I'm going shopping." Too funny!!
The Lord sure works in mysterious ways!!
I made a trip to the agency this weekend and finally turned in the paperwork. Before I left, I chatted with an agency person. She said EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD!!!! I am over the moon and so very excited!!! I don't think I've ever been soooo excited to do tons of paperwork and spend money =). I bet it'll get old quick, but I know and keep hoping that at the end of all this, I'll have my little boy home, sooner rather than later!!
I know of many people and friends that have said prayers...it means a lot and I appreciate it! I ask everyone to please keep praying and don't stop!! =) I feel so blessed that so many friends and family members are supportive. I told my Grandma late last night and she said, "This means I'm going shopping." Too funny!!
The Lord sure works in mysterious ways!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Patience, What's That?
Ok.. I'm known to be a very calm and mellow person and most of the time, pretty patient. Notice I said "most" of the time. Now is not one of those times. I think my patience just took a huge jump out the window!!! In my previous post I talked about needing to find out some info about "things" so I can send all my info to my selected agency. I'm still waiting. I know, I know, welcome to International Adoption!! Big *sigh here!!! I can't proceed without this info because it all pertains to "where I stand." Ugh!!! My mom suggested saying some prayers and that "God hears a strange voice.' I told her that my voice should be very familiar by now!!!! =>
By living vicariously through all the other peoples blogs that I follow, I know I'm not the only one who has the feelings of being anxious and almost feeling like the deck is stacked against me. Well, I had a nice little chuckle driving into work not so "bright" and early (actually it was still pitch black(=, ha! ). I was listening to radio and the DJ started talking about "Not Giving Up Five Minutes Before the Miracle." Throughout this whole time that I've been waiting, I have seen a trend. I feel like I'm really close and then the tables turn to make me feel like I couldn't be further away. When things take a nose dive, I feel like I get a nudge and then a message to not give up and just hang on. I find it quite amusing!! Kind of..=)
Several blogs that I follow have families waiting for a court date or to pick up their child. It puts where I am at totally in perspective. I can almost feel the pain that they are going through. Nothing can compare to the pain of already holding "your" child and then having to be separated from them, oceans apart. Ugh! I hope these families are with their children again, very soon!!! The quote below was put up by one of those waiting families...
"...these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day."
a Living Bible translation of Habakkuk 2:3
By living vicariously through all the other peoples blogs that I follow, I know I'm not the only one who has the feelings of being anxious and almost feeling like the deck is stacked against me. Well, I had a nice little chuckle driving into work not so "bright" and early (actually it was still pitch black(=, ha! ). I was listening to radio and the DJ started talking about "Not Giving Up Five Minutes Before the Miracle." Throughout this whole time that I've been waiting, I have seen a trend. I feel like I'm really close and then the tables turn to make me feel like I couldn't be further away. When things take a nose dive, I feel like I get a nudge and then a message to not give up and just hang on. I find it quite amusing!! Kind of..=)
Several blogs that I follow have families waiting for a court date or to pick up their child. It puts where I am at totally in perspective. I can almost feel the pain that they are going through. Nothing can compare to the pain of already holding "your" child and then having to be separated from them, oceans apart. Ugh! I hope these families are with their children again, very soon!!! The quote below was put up by one of those waiting families...
"...these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day."
a Living Bible translation of Habakkuk 2:3
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Almost a new Year!!!
I can't believe that it is December 26th! Holy Wow!!! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! It was wonderful in my neck of the woods!! My family kept our traditions of going to mass Christmas Eve, my mom making dinner and then some gift giving. It was pretty low key and just relaxing! I came home and tried to watch "A Christmas Carol" but ended up falling asleep=)....*sigh...old age is creeping in=) Christmas day I sort of broke tradition. My church's choir sang at the Christmas Day mass and so I went there before going to my mom's and having her delicious Apple Puff Pancake. Mmmm!! OH-chin F-KOOSS-na (Delicious--testing out my newly acquired Russian(= ) Later on, my Mom, Grandma, my Sister and her Fiancee and I all gathered at my Aunt and Uncle's and FIVE(!) cousins for the afternoon and evening. It was great to get together with my family!
It's been a little over 2 years since losing my Grandpa and Christmas just doesn't feel right without him...something was definitely missing=( Everyone was thinking of him especially when we all had gathered to sing Christmas songs and started "Silent Night," his favorite. I couldn't help think as I was sitting there singing what my Grandpa would think of plans to adopt. He was always my "go to" for advice, ideas, etc. I think his destiny was to be a Grandpa. He would just beam with joy whenever he was with any one of his seven grandchildren. He was a calm and gentle man full of integrity. I have to admit...one of the most selfless, honest, and honorable people I've ever met. If I shared my thoughts with him, I feel like he'd say, "You have to follow your heart and as long as what you are doing is honest and moral, go for it." So, that is exactly what I'm going to do!!! I just wish he could be here to see his Great-Grandchildren.
As the year draws close to an end, I'm getting VERY anxious to jump full into this adoption. I spoke in depth to someone at the agency I would like to sign with and I have to send over some detailed info. Then, we'll go from there. Second test of patience..sending it over during the Holidays..more waiting(that's getting all to familiar & I know it'll only get worse, ha!!). I'm hoping and praying everything "looks" good and then I can sign and get started. I'm asking everyone to PLEASE keep this situation in their prayers!!
I would love to find out more about Russian traditions and culture. I'm going to be spending some of my waiting searching for books about it...if anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear about your finds!!
It's been a little over 2 years since losing my Grandpa and Christmas just doesn't feel right without him...something was definitely missing=( Everyone was thinking of him especially when we all had gathered to sing Christmas songs and started "Silent Night," his favorite. I couldn't help think as I was sitting there singing what my Grandpa would think of plans to adopt. He was always my "go to" for advice, ideas, etc. I think his destiny was to be a Grandpa. He would just beam with joy whenever he was with any one of his seven grandchildren. He was a calm and gentle man full of integrity. I have to admit...one of the most selfless, honest, and honorable people I've ever met. If I shared my thoughts with him, I feel like he'd say, "You have to follow your heart and as long as what you are doing is honest and moral, go for it." So, that is exactly what I'm going to do!!! I just wish he could be here to see his Great-Grandchildren.
As the year draws close to an end, I'm getting VERY anxious to jump full into this adoption. I spoke in depth to someone at the agency I would like to sign with and I have to send over some detailed info. Then, we'll go from there. Second test of patience..sending it over during the Holidays..more waiting(that's getting all to familiar & I know it'll only get worse, ha!!). I'm hoping and praying everything "looks" good and then I can sign and get started. I'm asking everyone to PLEASE keep this situation in their prayers!!
I would love to find out more about Russian traditions and culture. I'm going to be spending some of my waiting searching for books about it...if anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear about your finds!!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Happy St. Nicholas Day!!
I'm a little late in posting but Happy St. Nicholas Day to everyone!!
I can't believe that it is already the 6th of December! I'm staying quite busy and counting down the days till I can start this crazy process. I've spent so long hoping, praying, and anxiously awaiting for the new year. Now it is so so close! I'm very excited but at the same time, a tad nervous about what lies down the road ahead!!! I'm sooo close to taking the next big step and as always,ready to run...not walk! =)
I can't believe that it is already the 6th of December! I'm staying quite busy and counting down the days till I can start this crazy process. I've spent so long hoping, praying, and anxiously awaiting for the new year. Now it is so so close! I'm very excited but at the same time, a tad nervous about what lies down the road ahead!!! I'm sooo close to taking the next big step and as always,ready to run...not walk! =)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Keep Up the Praying =)
I didn't sing with the choir at church this weekend because I had the opportunity to work. When I'm not singing with the choir, I like to go to the Sunday evening mass by myself. I like this mass! It is just very peaceful and I'm able to concentrate better. I'm usually one of the only people under say...30, but it's nice=)
The mass started and for some reason, my thoughts always seem to wonder to adoption when I have these quiet moments to myself. Things are so up in the air right now between Russia and the U.S. that I often still have doubts (I think my blog is beginning to sound like a broken record,*sigh* !! )= ). As I was sitting there, I thought to myself..."It would be great if I was given some sort of sign regarding this adoption." I know silly but hey, it's worth the thought for piece of mind. Well, the mass continues and then the priest begins the homily. He goes into detail about the reading from Exodus. Keep praying and don't stop. Just how the priest chose to say "With the power of prayer and perseverance, all things are possible." Loud and clear, I believe I got my sign. I believe that God has a way of teaching patience. If the Lord sees it fit and wants me to, he will make sure it happens. I just have to trust in the Lord. Maybe a little test in my faith?
Here are two lines from a couple of songs I heard the other day. I don't know the artist or title of either. =( They just spoke to me though.
"You've never lived until you live by faith, trust in fate"
"I wish I could see just three steps in front of me, but the lamp unto my feet does not move until I take a step."
The mass started and for some reason, my thoughts always seem to wonder to adoption when I have these quiet moments to myself. Things are so up in the air right now between Russia and the U.S. that I often still have doubts (I think my blog is beginning to sound like a broken record,*sigh* !! )= ). As I was sitting there, I thought to myself..."It would be great if I was given some sort of sign regarding this adoption." I know silly but hey, it's worth the thought for piece of mind. Well, the mass continues and then the priest begins the homily. He goes into detail about the reading from Exodus. Keep praying and don't stop. Just how the priest chose to say "With the power of prayer and perseverance, all things are possible." Loud and clear, I believe I got my sign. I believe that God has a way of teaching patience. If the Lord sees it fit and wants me to, he will make sure it happens. I just have to trust in the Lord. Maybe a little test in my faith?
Here are two lines from a couple of songs I heard the other day. I don't know the artist or title of either. =( They just spoke to me though.
"You've never lived until you live by faith, trust in fate"
"I wish I could see just three steps in front of me, but the lamp unto my feet does not move until I take a step."
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Russia, US to Sign Child Adoption Deal by Year End
This was posted on RIA Novosti website dated September 30, 2010. I hope it is signed and announced sooner rather than later!!!
Russia and the United States are likely to sign a child adoption agreement by the end of 2010, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
"The text of the Russian-U.S. agreement on cooperation in international adoptions, intended to provide solid guarantees of adopted children's rights, was agreed upon during the bilateral consultations in July," Andrei Nesterenko told journalists in Moscow.
He said a final round of consultations, after which the document will be ready for signing, is expected to take place before the end of the year.
Russia is one of the largest sources of adoptions for U.S. families, accounting for about 10 percent of foreign adoptions. The mistreatment of Russian children, adopted in the United States, has begun attracting public attention in recent months as a result of a number of highly publicized incidents.
In June, a 7-year-old boy who was placed alone on a one-way flight to Moscow by his U.S. adoptive mother with a note claiming he was "psychopathic."
Following the case, Russia threatened to prohibit child adoptions by U.S. citizens until the countries sign an intergovernmental agreement guaranteeing the rights of adoptive children.
MOSCOW, September 30 (RIA Novosti)
Russia and the United States are likely to sign a child adoption agreement by the end of 2010, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
"The text of the Russian-U.S. agreement on cooperation in international adoptions, intended to provide solid guarantees of adopted children's rights, was agreed upon during the bilateral consultations in July," Andrei Nesterenko told journalists in Moscow.
He said a final round of consultations, after which the document will be ready for signing, is expected to take place before the end of the year.
Russia is one of the largest sources of adoptions for U.S. families, accounting for about 10 percent of foreign adoptions. The mistreatment of Russian children, adopted in the United States, has begun attracting public attention in recent months as a result of a number of highly publicized incidents.
In June, a 7-year-old boy who was placed alone on a one-way flight to Moscow by his U.S. adoptive mother with a note claiming he was "psychopathic."
Following the case, Russia threatened to prohibit child adoptions by U.S. citizens until the countries sign an intergovernmental agreement guaranteeing the rights of adoptive children.
MOSCOW, September 30 (RIA Novosti)
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