My little Junior Historian

Isn't she cute? Ashleigh is a Junior Historian at the local living history museum. It's a fun place to go and see history in a fun, alive way. She participated at Spring on the Farm and her job was to play with the old toys to demonstrate how children would have played back in the day. She loved it!

Homework

Homework is not as fun as it used to be. You're wondering...was homework ever fun? I always loved school, but now it's not so fun. Our social worker told us to keep busy while we wait, so I am, but it's not fun. I am working on the MEPAP, the course required to become a certified Activity Director. When I am finished, I will get three little letters behind my name, ADC. It's a good thing for job security, and I like what I do, but this course I could do without. I am writing a book report now. It's the last of my big projects for Modules 1-3 before I start Modules 4-6, the management aspect of my job. I do have to recommend a good book- "Life is so good" by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman. This man, George, was 101 at the time the book was written-he had never learned to read or write and finally realized his dream when he got to go to school at the age of 98. Can you imagine? It's pretty inspiring. Anyways, needed a quick break from the report. Now, back I go.

Still no adoption news so we'll keep waiting!

Always something to do...

Yesterday, I spoke with a nurse from the Health Dpt about necessary immunizations we will need for travel overseas. We need to get our Hep. A immunizations now because six months later, a booster is required. Ashleigh is not looking forward to a shot but she has always done fine. I remember at her five year old vaccinations, she watched the nurse put the needle in her arm, never flinched or cried. I am not crazy about needles, but I have learned to look away, and all is fine. We need a couple other things (typhoid immunization and anti-malaria meds) but those wait until closer to travel date.

It's all so exciting, scary, overwhelming, exciting, so many emotions tied into one wonderful feeling at the thought of a new person becoming a part of our family.

Well, we are all going to relax, enjoy some sun (although not very warm), and spend some time with family this Memorial Weekend. Happy Memorial to everyone!

Still a Kid....

Kory is such a great dad because he's such a kid himself! Kids love him. While we were hiking at Salt Fork, he took a moment to swing on an oversized vine. Once a kid, always a kid!

Ten Years!

Friday was our 10th wedding anniversary! We celebrated by spending the weekend at Salt Fork State Park. We hiked, swam, relaxed, ate, and enjoyed the scenery. We appreciate the rolling hills when what we are used to is flat, flat, flat. There was a Bigfoot convention held that weekend, too, but we didn't spot Sasquatch! Anyways, we had a great time. Ashleigh enjoyed a "no rules" weekend with "Grandma" Pam, my co-worker and very close friend.

If ten years of marriage passed by this quickly, then the adoption wait should, too!

Promises...

Okay, everyone...I've been really bad about keeping our blog updated. I was searching for something on the Internet the other day and found this awesome blog about another family adopting from the Philippines. They have links to other blogs of families adopting from the Philippines. I feel so alone at times that this was so cool! It inspired me to update ours.

http://ribaradoption.blogspot.com/

Check it out! It's an awesome blog. I love their entry about people asking why they are adopting from the Philippines. The answers are many that we feel, too. Why are we adopting from the Philippines?
-They are a Christian country and they will only adopt to Christian families. This is important to us because our faith is such an integral part of our lives.
-Our child we sponsor through the Church of God Children of Promise child sponsorship program is from the Philippines.
-We fit the requirements they set and we love their requirements such as only one trip, a maximum of 4 days in the country (though we want to stay longer), and although the requirements for our dossier seemed to take forever, the Philippines are thorough and particular about who they adopt their children to.
-The weather is always warm, they speak English, the people are friendly, and the food is great.
-And the number one reason of all, the most important, this is where we feel God has called us to adopt!

So, we will keep waiting!

Waiting...

Still Waiting...

I spoke to the social worker last week. Someone from the agency is in the Philippines, and when that person returns, the agency will have a more accurate idea how long the waiting time is lasting before a match is made. She told us, though, to expect to wait a while yet.

Life here is good, though. We had a nice Christmas. Here is our family in our Ohio State get-up at Kory's family Christmas.

Keep praying! We would love to have that little one home with us by next Christmas...