A Surreal Moment

Well, the flights are booked. We are leaving Friday the 13th...good thing we're not superstitious! I have so many things to do at work and home. I'm an Activity Director in a long term care facility so I'm used to planning for things months in advance but I don't know if it's March, June, April...my head is spinning with the many things that need done. Our daughter is traveling with us so we've been in contact with the schools so she can take her homework. We have felt that keeping Ashleigh involved is very important to helping her adjust as well. I have crying moments, overwhelmed moments, exhausted moments, excited moments...this is worse than being pregnant! There are so many emotions that exist...it's hard to put in words. We've been working, praying, dreaming for this day for 2 years. We've been praying for this little boy for 6 months. Everything is falling into place. God is so faithful and it amazes me every day He is blessing us with another child. Adoption has always been close to my heart. I believe God planted those seeds a long time ago. Lots of people make the statement about how blessed Jay-R will be to have a family. I think we are the ones who are being blessed with the gift of a precious child to love. We'll keep you all updated...

Philippines here we come!

The visa is ready...need I say more! I have flight reservations to make, bags to pack, so much to do but Jay-R we're finally coming!!!!! I can't believe this day is coming. We'll be in the Philippines soon!!!

Email Update

Things are falling into place. The visa appointment was today. We will hopefully tomorrow have a more concrete idea on dates so we can begin to research flights. We're very excited but starting to get nervous butterflies. It's the unknown...we've never flown overseas. It's all a little intimidating but the excitement outweighs everything. The thought of hugging that sweet little guy in less than 2 weeks is ....I can't even put my feelings into words. We're all excited. We are trying to get so many things done before we leave. The appraisal for our refinancing was done today so hopefully that can be completed before we leave. I am trying to finish up my course for work. Taxes need done. Oh, yeah...what about packing? Ahhh!!! It'll all get done. We should know more in the next few days. :)

Cultural Lessons

We met with a Filipino exchange student today and the regional director of an exchange student program. We learned a wealth of information about the Philippines such as foods, games, and money. She shared with us that plain white rice is usually eaten at all meals...that I can cook! It was fun and we plan to stay in touch so when Jay-R returns, he can meet her. Everything seems to be falling into place and we just waiting for the official go ahead from our social worker. We'll keep you posted!

Leaving on a jet plane...very soon!

We received word today that his medical appointment went well. His visa appointment is scheduled for next Weds. So, this should have us on our way early March! I am so excited thinking about meeting our son for the first time. In the meantime, I am working diligently to finish my Activity Director certification course by next Friday and also our taxes. God's timing is awesome and we trust Him every step of the way. Things seem to be happening and falling into place for a reason.

Update

Thurdsay was a really good day. I had a really good day at work, band practice started back up after a month break's, and I received an email from our social worker. His passport is ready now. The next step is his visa appointment which should happen next week, then we should be ready to go! So, if everything falls into place we could be traveling the 3rd or 4th week of February! Keep praying!

Enjoy the warmer weather they say is coming!

February....

Today marks 5 months since referral date September 2nd. Feruary marks 2 years since we began this journey. It's an emotional roller coaster. Right now, we're in the valley as we wait for the phone call to travel. All three of us are feeling the emotionalness of waiting for this little boy. All day I've been feeling more introverted than usual and finding it hard to be around small children. It's hard to explain all the emotions tied to waiting unless you've experienced them. I know the phone call will come soon and all this will be behind us and there will be new challenges. But, for the moment, we're still playing the waiting game! Please continue to remember us and little Jay-R in your prayers. Thanks! We can't wait to bring him home!