Homestudy - Part 2...

***UPDATE***

Ok, if you haven't read the original post yet, scroll down and read that first....

Now, our 2nd visit is over, and our third (and FINAL) one is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, September 2nd at our house. YIKES! That is only... (counting in my head) 14 days!!!

After that, the caseworker(s) ~ we have TWO very lovely :-) caseworkers ~ have to finish writing up the homestudy. It should be done somewhere around the end of September, which coincidentally (if you still believe in coincidence) is the deadline Pam (the 2nd one) gave me to have our homestudy complete! Love the schedule!! It keeps me on track! :-)

Then, we will be working on our profile and album to submit so that the birthmothers we are matched with can see a little bit about us and determine if we might be a good family for their child.

We will also be using this time to begin applying for grants and loans to help cover our adoption fees.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. God is weaving together all the details...


***Original Post***

Well, our second homestudy visit is scheduled for today, again from noon - 1 p.m. I am looking forward it. Last time actually proved to be rather fun. And now that all the pressure is off from my class, I can totally focus on the adoption process and getting our place ready for the last visit, which will be there. It is amazing how much a couple can accumulate in almost 12 years of marriage! AND, it is amazing how much more room there will be at our place as we get rid of some of that accumulation!! :-)

I was reading in the book of Esther this morning, and I love the verse where Mordecai contemplates God's plan for Esther in her time of trial...

"For if you remain silent at this time,
relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place,
but you and your father's family will perish.
And who knows but that you have come to royal position for
such a time as this?"
Esther 4:14 (NIV)

How amazing that, even in the midst of uncomfortable, uncertain, and dangerous circumstances, Esther was able to gain strength and courage to take a risk from the knowledge that God had ordained her steps!

Whatever you many be facing, be encouraged that God knows right where you are and that His providence is directing each step of your path.

Please continue to pray with us - that we will not give the enemy a place to step in, that we will continually seek God's will and direction, that He would guide our steps, and that He would give us the strength to accomplish everything that is necessary.

I will update everyone soon on today's visit, the schedule for the last visit, and what is next...

Living in His JOY, HOPE, and PEACE...