An Update....Finally

So I just got off the phone with Bethany.  Apparently our Preliminary Application has FINALLY been approved, and our Pre-Formal paperwork should be coming in the next day or two!!  Good news!  But I also found out some potentially not good news.  The reason that our application took so long to get approved is because there has been an abundance of new applications for the domestic adoption program.  Which means that it could potentially take a lot longer than expected.  Bethany is trying to figure out how to handle all of these new families applying and think that they will need to enlist a pre-waiting, waiting period.  Which means after our home study is completed, we'd have to wait to enter the waiting family process.  We'd have to wait to wait!  So we're trusting the Lord!  We don't feel like we should change agencies at this point.  We're already so far in the process, we'd hate to start it over somewhere else.  We'll be finding out more in the next couple weeks as Bethany is preparing a letter to send to all of the new families that have applied.  Please keep us in your prayers!  It has been difficult to wait so long to hear anything.  But soon we'll have paperwork to work on, which will be great!  I've never been this excited to do paperwork!  During this time, I have to remember God's promise, that "all things work together for good." (Romans 8:28)

Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heard: wait, I say, On the LORD."

Waiting on the Lord,
Katherine

Garage Sale

I went to my first garage sales of the year today!  Nothing too spectacular, but I did find a few good things!  I purchased a safety gate, and a pile of onsies and PJ's.  That reminded me that our adoption garage sale is just around the corner!  Our dear church friends are putting all of this together to help with our adoption expenses.  Thank you to all of those who have put time and effort into this, and those who have donated!  What a blessing you all are!

Multi-Family Adoption Fundraising Garage Sale!

The dates are May 5th-7th        8-5pm

There will be baked goods and crafts for sale too!

The location is: 9552 River Forest Drive  

  Monticello

Taco Seasoning

I used up the last of my homemade taco seasoning last night, so I made another batch this morning.  I got this recipe from my cousin Amy, and it is the best taco seasoning!  Plus, you know what's in it; no preservatives and other things you can't pronounce!  I get my bulk herbs and spices from Azure Standard.  It  is a lot cheaper buying everything needed in bulk.


2 cup dry, minced onion
1 cup salt
1 cup chili powder
1/2 cup arrow root
1/2 c dry garlic
1/4 cup oregano
1/2 cup cumin
cayenne pepper to taste
paprika  to taste (I use probably 1/2 cup, it gives the nice red coloring.)

Mix it all up, and store in an air tight container.

To make tacos, brown and drain 1 lb ground beef and add 2-3 Tbsp. of mix and 1/2 cup water.  Simmer 10 minutes. 

A quick update on the adoption. I talked to the lady that is working with us at this stage, and she said our application is still pending for review...  So it might take a little longer than I was anticipating.  But all is well!

Enjoy the weekend!

Information Session

   We had our first adoption information meeting at Bethany on Thursday!  We didn't find out much more than we already knew about the domestic program, but we did learn a few things.  Now we're just waiting for our preliminary application to get approved, and then we can move on to the Pre-Formal application, then the Formal application, and finally the home study!  The lady that presented the meeting said to get ready for a LOT of paperwork!  It is a very unpredictable program, some people wait years to be placed with a child, and others, just weeks!   Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."  This will definitely be a good lesson in patience for us!

  We've made some progress on the baby room too!  (Nothing worth taking a picture of though!)  We repaired 2 big holes in the wall, and put a piece of new sheet rock on the ceiling.  Dan cut a few pieces of baseboard today, and I have been painting the trim and casing.  Just that little bit makes a big difference!  I definitely have a vision of it in my mind, so I am really excited to see it completed!

   Thank you to all who have been praying for us!  It has been exciting to see all that the Lord has done thus far, and we're excited to see all that he will do!