Here is what we know so far

So many people are asking us about our baby so here is the short version. After extensive research and asking the LORD to direct us, He led us to a domestic cross cultural adoption. We are working with an attorney and will be matched with a birth Mom.  We will be able to follow the end of the pregnancy and be at the hospital when she is born. We have requested a baby girl because we have two boys and one girl. Caris wants a sister and a room mate so bad. All our kids are so excited about adopting Kalea. Even Elijah who is four is learning what adoption means and he is excited that he will be a big brother.  She will be an American citizen but of Pacific Island decent.  So, we dont know anything about her yet or the birth Mom or when we can expect her. We are on a list to be matched when a birth Mom expecting a baby girl comes available. That's where we are in the process
We are very excited that we have finally started the home study process. Wow that is more involved than I imagined.  Again, God has led us to a Christian professional who will conduct the study.  God keeps showing up in every step of this process and I want Him in every detail.
I began that job this week and it is going great.  I'm really thankful that not only will this help with the financial part of this adoption, but I have a chance to work with local orphans. What a ministry this will be. My schedule has worked out so that I will work half days and my kids do not have to change any part of their schedules. I think it will be great.
The most exciting thing that has happened today is that some really good friends of ours went to court today. They learned that parental rights have been terminated on their foster child. They fostered him with the hopes of adopting him. We, along with many of our friends have prayed for them to be a forever family and it looks like the beginning of next year, they will be able to adopt him. Praise be to our GOD!  This is wonderful news that so many of us are so thankful for. What a wonderful end to a difficult few months of uncertainty. God is so good.  I also learned some other adoptive parents that we know gained custody of their twins today in a foreign country.  It has been a day of good news! Two families we know are experienceing the miracle of adoption.  It's so amazing.  I am praying specifically for some other families that are praying and in the process of adopting.  I get so excited when I hear good news from them.  Praying God will give them a child soon.
The last thing I will post tonight is that I am looking forward to spending Saturday afternoon with my family at the Pumpkin Patch.  We celebrated my Dad's last birthday there in  2010. It has become a tradition for my family to go to the Pumpkin Patch the weekend before Halloween. While all of this excitement of our adoption makes me miss my Daddy (just because I sooooo wish he was here to experience this joy with us)  I know the joy he experiences every moment in Heaven does not compare to anything we can imgine here on earth.  I am sooo very thankful for the hope of Heaven and for the Grace and Mercy that our LORD and savior Jesus shows us, to forgive our sin and take us to Heaven to be with Him when we leave this earth. There is no greater reason to celebrate than that. Thank you Jesus!