On October 19th, we entered the waiting list at number 85. I am happy to report that in the last few months, over 10 families have had the happy moment of getting that referral. Unfortunately, I don't think there has been a referral of a sibling group all year long. Also throughout the year the process has seemed to get longer and had more than a few setbacks. When we were placed on the list they told us they couldn't give us an exact timeline but because we are wanting siblings (for multiple reasons) they would guess that our timeline until referral is likely 2 years. So 24-2 months= 22 more months.
Somehow doing paperwork and waiting for the government to do paperwork and answering questions about my life all seemed like doing something and made the whole thing "real". Right now I kind of feel like it isn't "real" anymore. In 22 mos, who knows what will have happened, how I will have changed, what I will be feeling.... who knows how life will have changed in 22 mos. And in 22 mos (if it works out that 22 is all we have to wait) I won't be holding my precious children in my arms but will instead just be finding out their names and faces. It's bothersome to me because it seems like so many things have to wait for the babies and I want the babies so bad and all these people around me are getting pregnant and their babies will be here long before mine. So a little bit of a pity party for Rachael (and for all the other "mothers" in the world just waiting to get the chance).
But... it is advent. One part of my job that I loved was last Friday, we had a birthday party for Jesus. We did have just a bit of work in the morning and then we worked our way through the advent. We talked about how advent is a celebration of the "waiting", the waiting for the first Christmas and the waiting for the Second Coming. Can I just tell you that if I were to celebrate something, it wouldn't be waiting. I love celebrating but I don't love waiting. But alas I think that some of God's greatest lessons come to us during times of waiting.
And I keep thinking about the Israelites who had to wait 400 years for their Messiah and then people missed it. I've been checking out new churches (just time for a change) and think I've found the one I want and last week our sermon was on Simeon's song. Simeon had a promise from God that he would see the Messiah and when he did he worshipped him and sang a song. Simeon kept that hope, that faith that God would give him the desire of his heart and it came. There is no age given but I get the impression that Simeon was not a young guy. He probably had to wait longer than that 22 mos. but he knew that God would keep his promise to Israel and to him personally. The pastor said on Sunday that if you think about it that the story of Simeon is sad because Simeon wasn't the only on in the temple that day, the temple was packed with people with their own agendas who in the back of their minds were "waiting for the Messiah" but they missed him. I want to make sure that I am not missing the point in this waiting and that I am prepared and not so stuck in my own pity party that I lose out on what God has for me during this waiting. I know that my trust, my hope, my faith is in the Lord and he will deliver me from this time, from these worries, from the uncertainties that can cause me to waver.
I found great comfort in the blogpost at the bottom check it out. Merry Christmas!
John 14:18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you
http://www.incourage.me/2011/12/because-what-were-really-getting-ready-for-is-love.html
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Officially Waiting :D
So... the birth certificate, marriage license, and not-right-notary were not the end of our troubles. We go to mail our stuff only to have our consultant leave the country but they assured us that if we sent it they would take care of it. So we sent it and they found out our police report was too old (this gathering paperwork has taken a long time. 2 full-time jobs one of which is on an off-shift has really messed this stuff up).
So then I go to the local police to see if I can just get both of our letters but nope they won't let me get Josh's. They say just leave your info and your husband can come tomorrow and get it done. Then Josh worked over so he didn't make it that day but he did the next and so I thought we'd mail it back off that night. I go to get the paperwork and mines not there they told him he couldn't have it. So another day went by before I got back over to the police station to get that straightened out and once again in the mail.
Woohoo everything was there but there was still one more step before "paper pregnancy" was really here. I wonder how long this last step takes so I ask and my consultant says probably within the next week or two. That same day I get an email that we are on the list! On the list! Officially paper pregnant!! Woohoo! So then I have to know, what number on the list are we? 85... So I can't wait for those 84 other families to be complete so that we can too.
Since we are waiting for siblings we have a pretty big wait ahead of us. An elephant has a gestation time of 22 months. So the bet is on, who will win an elephant who got pregnant last week or me and Josh? Any takers?
Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
So then I go to the local police to see if I can just get both of our letters but nope they won't let me get Josh's. They say just leave your info and your husband can come tomorrow and get it done. Then Josh worked over so he didn't make it that day but he did the next and so I thought we'd mail it back off that night. I go to get the paperwork and mines not there they told him he couldn't have it. So another day went by before I got back over to the police station to get that straightened out and once again in the mail.
Woohoo everything was there but there was still one more step before "paper pregnancy" was really here. I wonder how long this last step takes so I ask and my consultant says probably within the next week or two. That same day I get an email that we are on the list! On the list! Officially paper pregnant!! Woohoo! So then I have to know, what number on the list are we? 85... So I can't wait for those 84 other families to be complete so that we can too.
Since we are waiting for siblings we have a pretty big wait ahead of us. An elephant has a gestation time of 22 months. So the bet is on, who will win an elephant who got pregnant last week or me and Josh? Any takers?
Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Not "Waiting" Yet :(
I have been terrible at blogging, and not because I have nothing to say. I have been terrible because I spend every evening at school really late and then have no desire to turn the laptop back on when I get home. I finally started being a "real" teacher. I am in charge of 19 little minds and getting all the information into them that they need to learn in 3rd grade. I am excited that part of my job is leading my students to Jesus everyday. I love when I can connect the curriculum with what we've learned in Bible. I also love that I can ask, "Is this what Jesus would want us to do? Is that speaking in kindness to our friends?" My beginning has not been without its pitfalls and every time I think that this biggest pitfall has been overcome it seems to rear its head again, so any prayers on that would be greatly appreciated, but I love feeling like I am where God wants me. It was awesome my first day because it just felt so normal and peaceful.
I am getting slightly better at not staying at work until very late at night but I am having a hard time coming home alone. My dog was ran over by a neighbor a couple of weeks ago and since then it has been even harder to convince myself to go home to the empty house. I know that God knows what he's doing, and probably Josh wouldn't have as many opportunities for overtime if he worked first shift, but I am so over being on opposite shifts. I either don't get enough sleep and am grouchy all the time or don't see Josh and am therefore grouchy all the time. I don't like going out to people's houses every night but then get frustrated if I'm home alone. I try to do the "Paul" thing and be content no matter my circumstances, but I definitely find these circumstances to be trying. But just when I am complaining to God about how I hate it, He had someone share their family story with me that had me shutting up and thanking Him right then for the great man He has put in my life. I am not sure why I am so lucky to have a guy who works so hard for me or values my happiness so but I am glad that I do.
What else... well my sister had a stroke. At 31. Over Labor Day weekend when we were supposed to be camping. I didn't even know 31 yr olds had strokes. I was so so scared and then so so thankful to God for His healing. A million different "coincidences" happened that day that prevented it from being so much worse and I praise God for each of them. She's doing pretty good now although not quite up to speed (and a little ditzy which isn't normal) but the doctors still haven't given a definite diagnosis and plan of action. So again I would covet prayers for that.
Finally I thought I would be an official "waiting family" this week. I finally had all the paperwork for my dossier and then mailed it off to Indiana's Secretary of State. I get it back in less than a week (with a holiday weekend in the middle, Gold Star for SOS) but alas I am not ready. They refused to certify 3 of my papers. I want to complain about all 3. If you've had enough of my complaining, feel free to skip, but I must get it out!
I was told by my adoption consultant and other adoptive moms that I needed to go to Indianapolis to get my official official birth certificate. So I did. I went to the department of health (which has a super dumb address and my droid was being dumb at showing me at street/walking level where it was) walk in with all my identifications and marriage license so I can get Josh's also only to be told, "Oh, we don't do that here anymore you need to go to the county you were born in." So I ask to confirm that this will be the official one because I was told to go to Indianapolis and they assure me this is the way the state is doing this now. So then on a different day I drive the 2 counties over to where both Josh and I were born (another random "coincidence" I found out that day we were even delivered by the same doctor). I find their vital records department, go in prove who I am and she gets me the birth certificates. While there I explain I need these for international adoption and had been told to go to Indy but Indy said come there so these would be the most official ones, right? She assures me they are what I need. Unfortunately for me she and the people in Indy are WRONG!!! I have to go to some random website enter my info, upload my identification (seems like a wonderful method for identity theft to me), and they ups'd me the birth certificates. That only took another week. After the 2 days and hundreds of miles I drove. For the birth certificates I wish I knew where to officially complain because I would. Because I covered all my bases and asked and asked and was still wrongly informed. But such is life in this broken world we live in and God knows the plan so I/my babies must need the extra time that those birth certificates have given us.
Then they also returned my marriage license. It was returned because the certification (stamp whatever it is called) and signature of the clerk on it were over 3 years old. This is because it's the first official one I received when I got married 5 years ago and nothing in any documentation told me I needed to have a newer one. This is a little ridiculous to me since marriage licenses don't expire! C'est la vie.
The final thing returned was one of the letters we had notarized. Apparently something is wrong with this notary's (who works at a bank) stamp. Her dates are all wrong so she doesn't work so the letter had to be reprinted and renotarized. Since I have no way of knowing this before sending it to the SOS I pray that the new notary is acceptable.
I have the new birth certificates and the new notarized letter. I just have to find time (or hopefully Josh can find time) to get to the courthouse in a town we don't live in. As soon as we get that we will mail those 3 items back to the SOS who hopefully will once again have great turn around so we can finally mail that dossier and be an official "Waiting" family.
Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord
I am getting slightly better at not staying at work until very late at night but I am having a hard time coming home alone. My dog was ran over by a neighbor a couple of weeks ago and since then it has been even harder to convince myself to go home to the empty house. I know that God knows what he's doing, and probably Josh wouldn't have as many opportunities for overtime if he worked first shift, but I am so over being on opposite shifts. I either don't get enough sleep and am grouchy all the time or don't see Josh and am therefore grouchy all the time. I don't like going out to people's houses every night but then get frustrated if I'm home alone. I try to do the "Paul" thing and be content no matter my circumstances, but I definitely find these circumstances to be trying. But just when I am complaining to God about how I hate it, He had someone share their family story with me that had me shutting up and thanking Him right then for the great man He has put in my life. I am not sure why I am so lucky to have a guy who works so hard for me or values my happiness so but I am glad that I do.
What else... well my sister had a stroke. At 31. Over Labor Day weekend when we were supposed to be camping. I didn't even know 31 yr olds had strokes. I was so so scared and then so so thankful to God for His healing. A million different "coincidences" happened that day that prevented it from being so much worse and I praise God for each of them. She's doing pretty good now although not quite up to speed (and a little ditzy which isn't normal) but the doctors still haven't given a definite diagnosis and plan of action. So again I would covet prayers for that.
Finally I thought I would be an official "waiting family" this week. I finally had all the paperwork for my dossier and then mailed it off to Indiana's Secretary of State. I get it back in less than a week (with a holiday weekend in the middle, Gold Star for SOS) but alas I am not ready. They refused to certify 3 of my papers. I want to complain about all 3. If you've had enough of my complaining, feel free to skip, but I must get it out!
I was told by my adoption consultant and other adoptive moms that I needed to go to Indianapolis to get my official official birth certificate. So I did. I went to the department of health (which has a super dumb address and my droid was being dumb at showing me at street/walking level where it was) walk in with all my identifications and marriage license so I can get Josh's also only to be told, "Oh, we don't do that here anymore you need to go to the county you were born in." So I ask to confirm that this will be the official one because I was told to go to Indianapolis and they assure me this is the way the state is doing this now. So then on a different day I drive the 2 counties over to where both Josh and I were born (another random "coincidence" I found out that day we were even delivered by the same doctor). I find their vital records department, go in prove who I am and she gets me the birth certificates. While there I explain I need these for international adoption and had been told to go to Indy but Indy said come there so these would be the most official ones, right? She assures me they are what I need. Unfortunately for me she and the people in Indy are WRONG!!! I have to go to some random website enter my info, upload my identification (seems like a wonderful method for identity theft to me), and they ups'd me the birth certificates. That only took another week. After the 2 days and hundreds of miles I drove. For the birth certificates I wish I knew where to officially complain because I would. Because I covered all my bases and asked and asked and was still wrongly informed. But such is life in this broken world we live in and God knows the plan so I/my babies must need the extra time that those birth certificates have given us.
Then they also returned my marriage license. It was returned because the certification (stamp whatever it is called) and signature of the clerk on it were over 3 years old. This is because it's the first official one I received when I got married 5 years ago and nothing in any documentation told me I needed to have a newer one. This is a little ridiculous to me since marriage licenses don't expire! C'est la vie.
The final thing returned was one of the letters we had notarized. Apparently something is wrong with this notary's (who works at a bank) stamp. Her dates are all wrong so she doesn't work so the letter had to be reprinted and renotarized. Since I have no way of knowing this before sending it to the SOS I pray that the new notary is acceptable.
I have the new birth certificates and the new notarized letter. I just have to find time (or hopefully Josh can find time) to get to the courthouse in a town we don't live in. As soon as we get that we will mail those 3 items back to the SOS who hopefully will once again have great turn around so we can finally mail that dossier and be an official "Waiting" family.
Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Five Minute Friday
1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word on the prompt, “Still.”2. Link back http://www.incourage.me/ and invite others to join in.
3. Get a little crazy with encouragement in the comments of the five minuter who linked up before you.
Still. Well, the first thing that comes to my mind is the verse, "Be still and know that I am God". This verse is on my Bible carrier and on my purse. I use it to help me remember even on those days that I despair in not knowing God's plans that I am not called to action, I am called to be still. I think in reality I am a pretty patient person. I don't like conflict (who does?) and I love kids so I feel like in my interactions with most other people, I am very patient. Unfortunately I don't feel like this patience goes over to my relationship with Josh and with God. In both cases I feel like I present my case (for this idea that I have or that job that I need now God!) and then want their responses to be in line with my ideas and also to be happening right now. This impatience has caused problems in both relationships.
Pfew that went by too fast
Saturday, July 30, 2011
What I want for my children...
I'm late to the party but somehow I got to this cool blog, It's Almost Naptime! and then found this completely awesome post: http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-dont-want-my-children-to-be-happy.html
So please go read it. I can wait..... Ok, did you read it? I know I am bad when blogs send me to somewhere else to read so if you didn't read it yet please do. Anyway, this post reminded me of 2 different things, one in our home study questionnaire they asked us what we wanted for our children, which is a really ambiguous huge question that I answered this way "I want my kids to know Jesus. I want my kids to value themselves. I want my kids to value family and education. I want my kids to love. I want my kids to show God’s love by being respectful and responsible." Wow, I guess I did an okay job there. I want my kids to know the pride that you can feel when you work for something. And the plans that God has for them. And how to be joyful in this life, all of which come from Jesus but aren't highly valued in our "make sure the kids are happy every second of the day" culture.
The other thing this reminded me of was a conversation my younger sister and I had. We have a friend who is currently dealing with some really bad choices that her teenage daughter made. When discussing this we noticed that over and over and over again our friend, her family, and her daughter's friends told the daughter how beautiful she was. This just hit me because I'm pretty sure no matter if my child comes to me with 7 eyes and 3 hands I am going to be overwhelmed with how beautiful the child is. Of course the child is beautiful, it's mine! (and of course my friend's daughter is beautiful, I just don't know that that's what I'd be focusing on currently) But, those of you who know me will totally get this, beauty is not something I spend a lot of time on. It's a blessing God gives but I just feel like if I'm getting up 3 hours before I have to be at work or school I could be using that time for something a whole lot more important than my hair (the first one that comes to mind is sleeping, lol). I feel that inner beauty is so much more important. I guess I want to make it a priority that my children know that I value them for the stuff on the inside and so does God. I want my kids to learn the joy of Christ, to have His peace, and like Paul to be content no matter what their life is like at that moment. I hope this makes sense.
Love to all!
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Phillipians 4:10-12
So please go read it. I can wait..... Ok, did you read it? I know I am bad when blogs send me to somewhere else to read so if you didn't read it yet please do. Anyway, this post reminded me of 2 different things, one in our home study questionnaire they asked us what we wanted for our children, which is a really ambiguous huge question that I answered this way "I want my kids to know Jesus. I want my kids to value themselves. I want my kids to value family and education. I want my kids to love. I want my kids to show God’s love by being respectful and responsible." Wow, I guess I did an okay job there. I want my kids to know the pride that you can feel when you work for something. And the plans that God has for them. And how to be joyful in this life, all of which come from Jesus but aren't highly valued in our "make sure the kids are happy every second of the day" culture.
The other thing this reminded me of was a conversation my younger sister and I had. We have a friend who is currently dealing with some really bad choices that her teenage daughter made. When discussing this we noticed that over and over and over again our friend, her family, and her daughter's friends told the daughter how beautiful she was. This just hit me because I'm pretty sure no matter if my child comes to me with 7 eyes and 3 hands I am going to be overwhelmed with how beautiful the child is. Of course the child is beautiful, it's mine! (and of course my friend's daughter is beautiful, I just don't know that that's what I'd be focusing on currently) But, those of you who know me will totally get this, beauty is not something I spend a lot of time on. It's a blessing God gives but I just feel like if I'm getting up 3 hours before I have to be at work or school I could be using that time for something a whole lot more important than my hair (the first one that comes to mind is sleeping, lol). I feel that inner beauty is so much more important. I guess I want to make it a priority that my children know that I value them for the stuff on the inside and so does God. I want my kids to learn the joy of Christ, to have His peace, and like Paul to be content no matter what their life is like at that moment. I hope this makes sense.
Love to all!
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Phillipians 4:10-12
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Time to get with it
So, July has been very productive. We began the month by seeing friends from Germany. We had visited their home on our European vacation (2009) and Michi (who was one of Mom & Dad's foreign exchange students) was able to spend several days with his parents with us. We went camping (yay for tents) and boating and I actually got to see my husband for a change so that was good. Then came the start of another week of summer school, actually getting into my classroom, and VBS every night (which meant I had to go pick up 3 nieces each day). Then last week I had summer school in the morning, went and worked in my classroom each afternoon and a meeting it seemed every evening. Add in the heat wave and it was also a very long week (we have no ac in the main part of the house :( but do in the bedroom). This week I have had summer school in the morning and yesterday I went to United Arts & Education to return some stuff I didn't need and got a few things I do need. Today I was working on lesson plans. July seems to have been way too full. This week my second summer school session will end and I will begin my summer break; which ends in a week and a day! During this time Josh has been working mostly 12 hour days which is making getting this remaining paperwork done very difficult. We did get our I600A form back from immigration that we are approved! Woohoo! Unfortunately they listed the wrong date for our fingerprints expiring so hopefully the letter I sent last week will fix that. So.... things are busy which is good it doesn't give me time to brood about other things.
One thing that has been brooding in my mind. I need to make sure I'm ready to educate people so that my children aren't hurt. Last week I was at a jewelry party at my sister's house and the saleslady overheard me talking about how immigration approved us and asked if I was applying for a job. I explained that no I am adopting from Africa and she was all well that's good they need it. She then said that they also need to quit having so many kids. UGH! Afterwards I was like oh I should have said this or that but in the moment I was just shocked and didn't say anything which I regret. Good thing I have time to make sure I won't be so caught off guard.
1 Corinthians 2:13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.
One thing that has been brooding in my mind. I need to make sure I'm ready to educate people so that my children aren't hurt. Last week I was at a jewelry party at my sister's house and the saleslady overheard me talking about how immigration approved us and asked if I was applying for a job. I explained that no I am adopting from Africa and she was all well that's good they need it. She then said that they also need to quit having so many kids. UGH! Afterwards I was like oh I should have said this or that but in the moment I was just shocked and didn't say anything which I regret. Good thing I have time to make sure I won't be so caught off guard.
1 Corinthians 2:13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy birthday to my husband.
Today is my husband's birthday! I am so excited for him, because I love birthdays. Unfortunately as luck would have it my husband is a terrific gift giver and I'm slightly terrible at it. I hope even with bad gifts he knows how much I love him.
We mailed off our stuff to USCIS at the beginning of June and then did our fingerprinting last Friday. The government is going to keep doing their part of that now that our fingerprints are done and we are scurrying around making sure we have all of our notarized papers found and notarized. Baby steps toward our babies.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
We mailed off our stuff to USCIS at the beginning of June and then did our fingerprinting last Friday. The government is going to keep doing their part of that now that our fingerprints are done and we are scurrying around making sure we have all of our notarized papers found and notarized. Baby steps toward our babies.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Winning
So I have this friend that keeps winning lots of things on blogs. I never win anything but maybe it's because I never sign up for things, so here goes: I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by Brad’s Deals at I Am Bossy! I want to win the iPad 2! Enter to win here!
You could win too!
Proverbs 12:8 A sensible person wins admiration,but a warped mind is despised.
You could win too!
Proverbs 12:8 A sensible person wins admiration,but a warped mind is despised.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Answered prayers
So yesterday I kind of poured out my heart about my despair over my job situation. I had graduated from Hanover in May 2006 and then returned to college to get my teaching certification. I got done with that in December 2008, in January 2009 I worked as a long-term maternity leave substitute for Spanish 1 & 2 in high school. This lasted until April and then I just subbed the rest of the year. The next fall I was subbing for awhile but decided to try the foot-in-the-door method and took a teaching assistant position at my old job. After 2 years it was time to leave and I faced a lot of uncertainty as I entered the summer with no plans for the fall nor any phone calls or interviews. I had had an awesome interview for a Christian school last winter but hadn't had any positive interaction with them since then.
Then last week I get an email from them asking if I was still interested and listing several positions but they were all secondary so I didn't give it a thought. Monday I started one of my summer jobs and in the course of checking emails had one from the Christian school asking why I hadn't responded. I said you have no elementary positions. They said we have 3rd grade, can you come on Wednesday for a 2nd interview. I say sure. Tuesday I dress really casually because I will have to dress up a bunch on Wednesday and when I send my students home I open my email to find a frantic email asking if I can come immediately. I say I'm not prepared, they say it's okay just come. So in my tank top, capri's and tennis shoes, I went for a job interview. I stayed for about 2 hours. Again it was great just flowing conversation etc.
So today I got the call. I got the job! I am so thankful to a Loving Father who hears my prayers. I am truly coming to the realization that I wouldn't have wanted this job 2 years ago because the pay is not quite up to par. But these last 2 years have shown me that we can survive on this amount of money and that I really need a good workplace where I have my own classroom. I can see that these years have been preparing me for this job. Thank you Lord for your time and your blessing.
Psalm 20:5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Then last week I get an email from them asking if I was still interested and listing several positions but they were all secondary so I didn't give it a thought. Monday I started one of my summer jobs and in the course of checking emails had one from the Christian school asking why I hadn't responded. I said you have no elementary positions. They said we have 3rd grade, can you come on Wednesday for a 2nd interview. I say sure. Tuesday I dress really casually because I will have to dress up a bunch on Wednesday and when I send my students home I open my email to find a frantic email asking if I can come immediately. I say I'm not prepared, they say it's okay just come. So in my tank top, capri's and tennis shoes, I went for a job interview. I stayed for about 2 hours. Again it was great just flowing conversation etc.
So today I got the call. I got the job! I am so thankful to a Loving Father who hears my prayers. I am truly coming to the realization that I wouldn't have wanted this job 2 years ago because the pay is not quite up to par. But these last 2 years have shown me that we can survive on this amount of money and that I really need a good workplace where I have my own classroom. I can see that these years have been preparing me for this job. Thank you Lord for your time and your blessing.
Psalm 20:5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Progress
Adoption Progress:
So our homestudy is complete. We did our online Hague training plus adopting from Africa training. We did adoption training with Gateway Woods. And today I mailed our I-600A to the US Department of Homeland Security. Once they process this, we will get finger-printed and then for the most part our dossier will be done so we are getting closer to being on a wait list!
Life Progress:
I quit my job at the end of the school year. When I took the job I thought it would lead places and it hasn't. So I have a teaching job this month and a different one next month. As of today I don't know what August will bring. There was a second interview this week and maybe I will finally see God's plan in regards to my employment. If not I will know God has other plans for me. If you would pray about my job situation, I would certainly appreciate it.
Psalm 54:2 Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea.
So our homestudy is complete. We did our online Hague training plus adopting from Africa training. We did adoption training with Gateway Woods. And today I mailed our I-600A to the US Department of Homeland Security. Once they process this, we will get finger-printed and then for the most part our dossier will be done so we are getting closer to being on a wait list!
Life Progress:
I quit my job at the end of the school year. When I took the job I thought it would lead places and it hasn't. So I have a teaching job this month and a different one next month. As of today I don't know what August will bring. There was a second interview this week and maybe I will finally see God's plan in regards to my employment. If not I will know God has other plans for me. If you would pray about my job situation, I would certainly appreciate it.
Psalm 54:2 Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea.
Photo Challenge Day 31 Last Day!
This is me and one of my nieces last week at the zoo! Maybe next year's trip will include her new cousins! Thanks for following along!
Job 33:4For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 30
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss
This is my best non-family friend. She moved back to our hometown (she was born there and lived there prior to school age but moved away for several years) in third grade. We were in Girl Scouts together and became best friends. I love her to death but she keeps moving further and further from me! College was 3 hours away, post-college job was 6 hours away, then she lived like 8 hours then 10 (or those might be reversed) and now she's moving to south Florida! Even though she is far away we make time to chat weekly and I know I'm in her thoughts as she's in mine. This photo was from her wedding a couple years ago and at the beginning of this year her world changed when she had her first child. I can't wait to swap "mom" stories!
Proverbs 27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense
Friday, May 27, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 29
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
****Just noticed I already used this picture earlier in this photo challenge... so something else that makes me laugh is these two yahoos. I took them to the Indianapolis Children's Museum for a special day with me and my Gramma, their Grammy, and the one on the left hates to smile for pictures. He seriously deliberately makes terrible pouty faces in every picture. So this one I asked them to growl like the bear behind them and I think it turned out great, just like the day.
How can you not love that face? I love him for many many reasons and I love him period. He is forever making me laugh.
Psalm 126:2 We were filled with laughter,and we sang for joy. And the other nations said,“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Photo Challenge Day 28
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
I know it's silly and there is nothing to be afraid of but earthworms creep the living day lights out of me... In fact some of the google images that pulled up in this search had me shuddering. Disgusting and creepy and I don't know why a country girl like me is so afraid of them but when it rains and they pop up through the sidewalk it creeps me out. I can't walk on them, I don't want to help you find them to go fishing, I just don't want them anywhere near me. One of the reasons I'm so bad at gardening/landscaping is the fear that I might have an encounter with an earthworms.... ewwwww. Did I mention that they totally repulse me? This is one of the things I fear about my kids... I fear they will come home with worms. Normally at my house I get to deal with gag inducing things (gotta love dogs) but if gag inducing things contain worms, Josh will have to take over. Even the Bible has a story of Herod being eaten by worms and dying... I don't ever want to be worm food. Yuck!
Acts 12:23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.
Acts 12:23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 27
This is my family minus one sister's husband and daughter (but her sons made it). One of the nieces is snoozing on my brothers shoulder, but my mom, dad, oldest sister her 2 boys, older brother his wife and 2 girls, older sister her husband son and daughter, me and Josh, younger brother his wife son and daughter, my youngest brother and his bride, my younger sister and her husband, and my Gramma. I am so blessed by God through this wonderful family. I can't wait until my kids are added to the mix!
Psalm 127:5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 26
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
This was my birthday this year. Josh works a lot in order for us to have enough funds for the adoption. For my birthday we spent the day together hanging out in Cincinnati. We had several things planned and really they all turned out to be kinda lame but the spending the day together, spending time together, enjoying being together was an awesome birthday present. I am a lucky girl. As a special bonus, today's verse in inscribed in Hebrew on Josh's engagement ring.
Song of Solomon 2:16 My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies
This was my birthday this year. Josh works a lot in order for us to have enough funds for the adoption. For my birthday we spent the day together hanging out in Cincinnati. We had several things planned and really they all turned out to be kinda lame but the spending the day together, spending time together, enjoying being together was an awesome birthday present. I am a lucky girl. As a special bonus, today's verse in inscribed in Hebrew on Josh's engagement ring.
Song of Solomon 2:16 My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 25
Day 25 - A picture of your day
So here are 2 pictures and neither are from today but they are from my favorite days. On the left are 2 of my sisters and one of my brothers, on the bottom is Josh, another brother, and one of my sister-in-laws. We are playing cards and hanging out. This is my definition of a good day. Being with those I love, having fun, and just relaxing. I had some difficulties figuring out what to post for a picture of my day. I could have posted pictures of me teaching, I love to spend my days helping minds grow. I could have posted pictures of me with the nieces and nephews because I love my days filled with them, laughing and playing. One day my days will be filled with my own children... I can't wait until that day!
Psalm 68:19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms
Psalm 68:19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms
Friday, May 20, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 24
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
This is where for the past 2 years I've had the opportunity to work as an assistant. There have been a lot of great things about my job, namely the kids, but I am so ready to move forward. If I could just change my position here and be a teacher that would be great but if not then I will be changing locations come fall. I wish this job thing wasn't so difficult. I wish that I knew why God was making me wait. I'll get these epiphanies, maybe I'm here for this student, maybe I'm here to learn patience, surely I'm here so that I can understand endurance, and then when nothing changes I'm uncertain whether I've learned what I'm supposed to have learned. As much as I understand about how God talks to people in the present day, I am certain that He called me to be a teacher. I didn't rush into teaching. In high school my mom was like, "You are going to be a teacher" and though I respected what teachers do I was like "Nope, not me, bigger and better plans". And then during a summer break working with kids (when have I not worked with kids), it was like duh Rachael you are supposed to be a teacher you are supposed to be helpful. Then the local college has the certification program with the ESL part that I felt called to, and I get in and do so great throughout the program. And yet here I sit 2.5 years after earning that certification, 5 years after leaving Hanover, and I still don't have a full time job. My husband still has to work 80 hours a week so we can afford adoption because my salary is so little. I just really don't get it sometimes. If I feel called to teach, why am I not teaching? When will I understand? Sorry if I'm whiny tonight, just felt the need to pour out my heart. I am looking forward to actually being a teacher and moving pass this period of my life. Although I'm finding it difficult I will continue to depend on God for my strength everyday. Life changes each moment but God never changes. God is good, all the time.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I[Jesus has] have overcome the world.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I[Jesus has] have overcome the world.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 23
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
I'm getting better at reading this daily. I read through chronologically last year. This year was supposed to be on themes but it's more like 7 different starting places in the Bible. So each day of the week I read from a different book but each week I read the next chapter or book after the previous week (not sure if I explained that well but hopefully you understand). I love reading anything. One thing I really enjoy about this year's reading plan is I get a couple of Psalms a week which has been really uplifting to me. Even the ones when David is upset and crying out to God really speak to me. That said I love reading. I read everything. I love kids books, novels, anthologies, biographies, nonfiction (which I didn't used to like). I'm not big into poetry. I majored in English at Hanover and so to fit classes into the schedule I wanted I took one or two poetry classes and I loathed them. I can appreciate some good poems but usually I find poets to be way to self interested. Anyway, I am currently reading Anastasia Romanov's diaries, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and
some adoption/parenting books. I even enjoy reading books about teaching methodologies. Books are just great!
Deuteronomy 30:10 The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 22
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
So my mom is a quilter. She's completely talented and awesome. I am a member of her quilt club. I am completely untalented and unawesome. My little sister Katie is also in quilt club. She is becoming quite talented and quite awesome. She made this quilt for one of her bazillion nieces and nephews. I wish I were more patient with the learning process because I just get frustrated and give up. I should have spent last weekend sewing on something/anything but I was still completely annoyed at the last quilting weekend (like six months ago) I went on and so it just didn't happen. I wish I was getting better at this though because the results are so fabulous!
Exodus 35:25 All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth
Exodus 35:25 All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 21
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
I really believe that everything in life happens to make you who you are today and that if something hadn't then I wouldn't be where I was today. So I find this question impossible. I don't wish to forget any part of what makes me me.
Psalm 33:11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
I really believe that everything in life happens to make you who you are today and that if something hadn't then I wouldn't be where I was today. So I find this question impossible. I don't wish to forget any part of what makes me me.
Psalm 33:11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 20
The pictures of Ethiopia are beautiful. Just doing a google search provided me with tons great photos but I chose this one because I love the tree. I can't wait to go to Ethiopia and meet my beautiful children. It'll be such an experience and definitely the next planned stamp on my passport.
That said my passport does has some pretty awesome stamps. My parents did an awesome job showing me much of the good ol' U.S. of A. and then paid for me to go to Spain during high school on a school trip. That trip included a layover in Milan, Italy. My dream was then to go back to Italy and especially Venice. Josh brought those dreams to reality in 2009. We went back to Spain and then did Germany and Italy. I definitely want to go back to Spain one day. This was one of my favorite places in Madrid, El Mercado de San Miguel. I tried oysters there for the first time :) On my next trip to Spain I want to return to Madrid but also go to the Costa del Sol and the northern part of the country would be cool too. Part of the trip that was awesome was seeing my foreign exchange "brother" in Germany. I have "family" in Norway, Germany, Ecuador, South Korea, and soon to be Mexico and Brazil. I would love to be able to visit them all one day.Psalm 139:3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.You know everything I do.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 19
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Some of these things are super confusing. A picture and a letter? How about a picture with a number? This past year I ran my first (and okay only thus far) 5k and my number was 104. I have a goal to run another this year but it's not on the schedule yet. Maybe posting this here will give me the motivation I need to get back into training.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;the godly run to him and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;the godly run to him and are safe.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 18
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
This whole trying for over two years to get myself a teaching job really does a number on my confidence. I am pretty sure most days that I'm a good teacher, that God called me to this profession, and that I am making a difference but other days it really gets to me. Hopefully this has just been a bump in the road, a lesson I needed to learn, and soon I will have a full-time teaching job. Until then I guess i will continue to feel insecure about this.
Deuteronomy 8:3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
This whole trying for over two years to get myself a teaching job really does a number on my confidence. I am pretty sure most days that I'm a good teacher, that God called me to this profession, and that I am making a difference but other days it really gets to me. Hopefully this has just been a bump in the road, a lesson I needed to learn, and soon I will have a full-time teaching job. Until then I guess i will continue to feel insecure about this.
Deuteronomy 8:3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Photo Challenge Day 17
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
This is a screen capture of Children's Hope's website and the information they give their on the Ethiopia program. This information, this organization, this dream will change my life forever.
Isaiah 11:11 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to bring back the remnant of his people—those who remain in Assyria and northern Egypt;in southern Egypt,Ethiopia, and Elam; in Babylonia, Hamath, and all the distant coastlands.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 16
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
In between me and my sister in this picture is my mama. Never have I met another like her. She put herself through nursing school while working and raising 7 children. Seven children who adore her, all but one have a college degree (he went military and has an awesome job), all are Christians and raising her grandkids in the church, all are now married, I might be a little biased but I'd say we are all "good people" and that's due to her and dad. Mom must have had limitless energy when she was younger and even now she works hard as a nurse practicioner giving her patients great care, sees those grandkids all the time, and makes beautiful quilts. I am lucky enough to have 2! She is so compassionate, so kind, so giving, so loving, so smart, so talented. I hope I am half the mom that she is, my kids will be alright then.
Proverbs 23:25 So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Photo Challenge Day 15
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
I know there are 5 pictures here and not just one but that's because there are 5 states out of our great 50 that I haven't had the pleasure of visiting. I would love to be able (sometime soon not just before I'm dead and gone) to say that I have been to all of the states. My previous travel goal: Venice, Italy was met when we went on our Europe trip. I would love to go back to Costa Rica and do more mission work for the Lord. I can't wait to get my passport stamped in Ethiopia. The international travel is cool but I think it's also important to know about your homeland and that's why I need these 5 states.
Psalm 139:3You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.You know everything I do.
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