Looking Up!

We apologize for not updating for awhile! Now that Easter Break is here, I can finally breath! Yippee! To get you up to date on where we are at, I will start at the beginning.

-During the time of our last posting, we had just found out that James lost his job. Yes, we were confused and a little lost, especially when we thought about our adoption. After all, we were planning on receiving $5K (per child) reimbursement from his work. Needless to say, that has sent me on a rampage to locate and apply for some new grants and loans. However, God was working from the beginning and has opened up a "brand new path" for James to follow. He is currently subbing in our school district and loves it! He is considering going back to school to get his Masters in Secondary Education to become an art or P.E. teacher. So, our lives have gone from "somewhat predictable" to "hanging on tight and let's see where we end up!" I can honestly say however, that with GOD AT THE WHEEL, I'm not going to panic!

-The first week of March, we had to make a tough decision on whether or not to accept our first referral. We were asked to accept a 2 1/2 year old little boy. After some thought and prayer we decided to say no. We really would like a younger child. Also, we are trying to hold out for two children and would have accepted him had he had a younger sibling. Whoever thought that this process would be this difficult! I was not anticipating turning down any referrals and we have both decided that we will pray long and hard before we turn down another one. I'm just trusting that God has that little guy in the palm of His hand and that a mommy and daddy will be loving on him soon!

-Finally, we have received some news regarding the wait time between acceptance of referral and travel. I must say, it rather "bummed" me out. Because of the new 'Hague Convention' (created by the U.S. to safe guard against 'baby selling') the time between our acceptance of our child and the traveling to go get them, has increased from 2 weeks-month to 4-5 months. I have to say that made me very sad. This means that had we accepted the sweet little 2 1/2 year old boy, that he would have been 3 years old by the time we got him home!I understand that the US is trying to help, but how does it help that the child is spending more time in the orphanage? Some things I will just never understand!

-I'm so glad Easter is almost here! It reminds me of new beginnings and hope! It also reminds me that because God cared enough to send his only son Jesus to die on the cross for us, then surely he won't forget about us in our times of need! I feel so fortunate today to be a part of His kingdom and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

HE HAS RISEN AND IS ALIVE!

-Melanie