Mission: almostIMPOSSIBLE

It has been quite a while since we posted an update. Since our last post,  a lot of things have happened. For starters, we worked quickly to complete all of our paperwork and had everything notarized for our dossier within a few weeks time. We had received our USCIS approval and sent our fingerprints to be cleared through the FBI, which we knew could take up to 8 weeks to come back. We had breathed a sigh of relief that "our part" was done and all we could do was wait. UNTIL.... out of the blue, we received a phone call from Kate (our dossier preparer) saying she had received word from the Secretary of State that one of the notaries we used had an expired license and that 8 documents needed to be redone. One of the documents was the physicians report, which required a signature from the doctor who examined us back in April. Thankfully, upon finding this out, we were able to discuss this with the notary, who paid her renewal fees and was reinstated, and she agreed to re-notarize everything at no cost. However, the next issue was scheduling a time when both she and the doctor were available. This proved to be a huge struggle, as we tried to reach the notary for several days with no success. Once we were finally able to reach her and schedule a convenient time for her to meet us at the clinic, the doctor was then unavailable! You can imagine our stress level at this point was through the roof!!! (mine more-so than Blaine's, of course) The clinic graciously arranged for us to meet with another physician, who agreed to review the original physician's report and re-examine us. PRAISE GOD the report was completed, with a notarized signature, this past Friday (June 15th)!!! We mailed all 8 documents, along with our FBI clearances (which we only waited 7 weeks for) on Saturday. They are currently en-route to New York and should arrive there tomorrow. Our dossier preparer will then have the FBI clearances apostilled (which could take up to 2 weeks). The next step will be sending our dossier to Colombia for translation.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again..... adoption ain't for sissies! This has truly been the most stressful experience of my 27 years of living. But I know, beyond a shadow of doubt, God is using this to make me better. I am not the person I was when we began this journey 9 months ago. I have learned what it means to FOLLOW God - even when I don't know how I'll make it to the finish, He calls me to follow His print in the sand, one step at a time. I've learned the meaning of FAITH - even when everyone and everything (including myself at times) reminds me how impossible this is, He reminds me "with God, ALL things are possible." I am encouraged by the story of Abraham,  and how he waited on the Lord's promise to him concerning the birth of his son, Isaac. Romans 4:20-21 tell us that "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform." Although we face, what seems impossible, makes us doubt, and drives us to fear - scripture reminds us that God is able to perform what He has promised. It's our job to trust Him. 

Pray for us as we attempt to raise the final amount needed to bring our children home. Although the money needed to complete the adoption is our focus, and a great need in our lives at this moment, we face an even greater need. We ask that you begin to pray for us as parents. Afterall, when we bring the children home, the journey will have just begun. We desire to raise our children in way that is pleasing to the Lord. Join us in prayer, as we ask God to equip us to instill in our children a godly character and a love for their creator, so that HE might receive the glory.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISER

ONE:27 Summer Run (5k walk/run and 1 mile FUNrun)

Saturday, July 28th 7:30 a.m.

Longleaf Trace USM Gateway, Hattiesburg, MS

for more information visit www.one27summerrun.blogspot.com