First, I want to apologize for it being so long since my last blog post. I know you have all been agonizing over the lack of my witty, informative rantings. A lot has happened since I posted about us being accepted by CCAI for adoption. I have been entrenched with loads of responsibilities at work. I have devoted what little free time I have to working on adoption paperwork with my beautiful wife, and treating her to the most romantic date nights imaginable. The look on Brandy's face is indicative of our emotions when this paperwork process began. We were concerned and overwhelmed. "How much paperwork is there?", you ask. We are required by our Home Study agency and our Adoption agency to compile an extensive list of documents, photos, and training; some of which overlap with each other. A few items are:
Home Study - This one deserves a blog all it's own, but it went very well
12 Hours of Adoption Education
Autobiographies
Child Safety Agreements
Background Checks
Sex Offender Registry Checks
Rankin County Sheriff's Office Checks
Mississippi State Background Checks
Police Reports
FBI Fingerprinting
Medical Health Evaluations
Professional Photos of Family and Friends
Passport Photos
Firearm Statement
Swimming Pool Statement
Petition to Adopt
Employer Letters
Form I-800 Homeland Security Travel Document
Financial Statements
Copies of every personal document imaginable
....and I'm sure I left a few out.
I bought Brandy a Christmas ornament that became our mantra for this entire part of the adoption process. It had an angel standing on the words "One Day at A Time". Once we got started, things really started to click away. We are still hard at work, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, I feel like Punxsutawney Phil. Once we get to the end of the tunnel, I wonder if I will see my shadow and have six more weeks of paperwork. Nevertheless, we know that what we are doing is driving us toward the goal of bringing home our child. We hope and believe that will happen in 2014. Today, we actually completed our twelve hours of adoption training. Here is what Brandy posted on her Facebook:
T.j. Paul and I are done with our adoption training! Yay! It was a lot to take in however we did learn a great deal about what to expect when we get our child home! Feeling a little overwhelmed and excited at the same time. With all the support that you all have shown by praying, donating and encouraging we feel truly blessed beyond words! This journey has taught us that God love is still shining through His people! You guys keep His light shining no matter what because, I promise you, it is making a difference! We have to give a shout out to Ramey's in Florence who donated ALL the paper goods for the soup supper next Friday! Thank you everyone and we love you all!
We are still working and raising money, and being blessed with so many kind words and donations. This week, we are gearing up for our soup supper fundraiser that Brandy and co. have dubbed "My Cup Runneth Over." Please see our previous blog post for more information and join us and invite your friends this Friday the 31st. We have already received pre-orders and donations for the event. Now, here comes the part where we thank our sponsors. We would like to thank all our friends and family for their personal donations of money, soups, deserts, and time to My Cup Runneth Over. Also, Ramey's of Florence provided us with a gift card that we used to purchase all of our supplies for the soup supper. We would also like to thank Wrapro Graphics in Florence for providing the venue where we will host the supper.
Again, thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to support us in this endeavor. We are truly touched by your support. We are constantly reminded and become more and more confident in the generosity of all people.
