What?? My bad

Another stumbling block--I talked to an EAC rep last night about my dossier. It seems that my apostilled birth certificates from California were certified in Oct 2006 and Russia will not accept such "old" documents. I knew that all notarized documents needed a notary's commission to be valid for at least a year, but I failed to look at the certified date of my birth certificates. So.........I overnighted a request for two more birth certificates. Once they arrive here, I will overnight them to Sacramento to be apostilled. There goes another $100. Deep breath.....Will I look back and see God's clear hand? I believe so, but I am tired.....

Pray, breathe, and live....

I have good news to report! On Friday, my last apostilled (corrected) document returned from the secretary of state's office, I found out that I was approved for a home equity loan. Thank you for praying for those specific items. My dossier is now on its way to Russia and we're now in the wait mode--this adoption process has certainly taken much longer than Will's adoption. Since I initially started last September and in Ukraine, I feel that I have been waiting for a very long time. However, I believe that God has this adoption in His care. In yesterday's morning sermon, the pastor preached from Psalm 127--he particularly emphasized the practice of living out God's sovereignty--I was convicted and challenged. I am so guilty of trying to figure everything out on my own. So, I continue to ask for prayer for this child--and for the needed resources. I have applied to Shaohannah's Hope for an adoption grant--we'll see.

I was able to participate in a conference phone call with Robert, family members and different therapists regarding Robert's progress. He is progressing slowly, but progressing cognitively. He is still struggling with balance and dizziness and so is unable to walk without the aid of a walker. The neurologist reported that she thinks that he will never be able to return to full time ranching as before and that he needs to consider other options. We continue to pray that she will be proven wrong as God continues to work His mighty hand in Robert's life. I'm showing a picture that was taken in June that includes my sister and both brothers. We were all together at my parents' house celebrating father's day. Please pray for Robert and the entire family.

Faith.....

As the title of this blog suggests, this is my journey to family. While we are busily enjoying a lot of different activities, I am consistently praying about this current Russian adoption, the child who will join our family, and the resources needed. I visited with my bank loan officer and I believe that I can work out a home equity loan. I'm a little anxious because I no longer have the large equity that I had in our previous home. I will be taking the needed papers in to the bank tomorrow and will wait. If you're reading this, please pray specifically for the successful outcome of this loan. I'm also applying for two adoption grants--we'll see. FAITH.

Last Wednesday, Will and I had a great time at the Pittsburgh Zoo. He particularly loves the aquarium and polar bears. We came home to find that my apostilled documents from the state had arrived. I quickly called EAC to tell them that I would be forwarding my completed dossier to them. THEN.....I checked all of the documents and there was one mistake. The wrong notary's name had been placed on one of the copies of my deed. It's easy to ask God what He is trying to say with another delay. I quickly sent it back and hope to receive it soon. FAITH

Will and I have been enjoying the simple things of walking, playground, riding on a scooter, building Lincoln Log forts, and chatting. The boy LOVES to talk! I'm glad that my parents will be visiting here a couple days before we all head to the international church conference in Michigan. They will return with us and visit for about a week. Will will continue to be on cloud nine when his grandparents are here. I think that the visit will also be very good for mom and dad. They certainly need a change of scenery!