In Addition...

I'd like to add just a bit to what Sean said yesterday...

We also greatly appreciate your praying for us which, of course, is the best thing any of us can do in any circumstance. I cannot say enough how blessed we have been and will continue to be through your involvement in this process, whether it be through prayer, donation, kind thoughts, smiles, or words of encouragement; it all means so very much to us. Even a little note or comment can do wonders for lifting my spirit especially, and for all of that, we thank you.

Through some reading I've been doing I have learned that, in general, most people who haven't had experience with adoption don't really know much about adoption apart from some common myths (which we also used to believe to be truth). We both enjoy sharing this part of our lives, but we are not always sure how to bring it up in everyday conversations. We welcome any questions you may have. :)

Accepting Donations

Here's a post from Sean. Heather and I have almost completed the Home Study portion of this process. Once this is completed, we will be able to apply for grants and/or loans, but we will still need additional funds. Our total cost paid to Bethany Christian Services will be over twenty g's. These monies go towards counseling of the birth mothers, legal fees/paperwork, and other good things. Heather could probably explain that better. Anyway - there is now a "donate" button in the right margin that would allow anyone to contribute to our cause through PayPal. ANY donation would be greatly appreciated by myself, my wife, and our yet to be determined child(ren). Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.

Short Update

With the completion of our CPR and First Aid course on Saturday we are officially finished with all of our Family Assessment obligations. We have our individual interviews set up for Tuesday, July 27th and hopefully we'll be able to set an appointment for our home visit soon after that. I was hoping to be able to get to work on our profile during summer vacation, but I suppose it will have to be an after school and weekend project instead.

There's not really much more to tell right now. I do feel the need to say that I do not intend for my blog to come across as me trying to show off our seemingly wonderful life. I do not want anyone to read this and feel envious of us, nor do I want to be pitied. We are so excited (and at times nervous) about this process, but it is not without months of heartache that we have arrived at this place. It continues to be a daily (and sometimes hourly) struggle to give our future up to what God has planned. Again, it is my hope that by reading this, someone will be encouraged just as you all have encouraged us so very much with your interest and positive comments.