On our hearts

I feel like it's been a long time since I've done any updating other than fundraising highlights. We are still wading through the piles of paperwork to finish both our homestudy and dossier. Homestudy is just about complete but I keep holding onto a few documents just waiting for my fingerprints to return. They were sent back the first time way back in early July and I went back and had them re-done the next day and here we are almost two months later still waiting. I know that's all part of the journey and there will be lots more waiting in our future so I better learn to cope now. I've had several people ask what the paperwork entails so just to indulge you let me give ya a run down of a few of the documents needed just for our homestudy....

FBI criminal background check

State criminal background check

Local criminal background check

child abuse checks

Medical for both Rocky and I

Medicals for all 4 kiddos

Birth Certificates

Marriage Certificate

1040 Federal Tax Return

Copy of drivers license

Copy of social security cards

Proof of Life Insurance

Proof of Auto Insurance

Proof of Health Coverage

Employment and Income confirmation

Guardianship statement

Bank letter

Financial Worksheet

Personal Profiles (one each)

Reference Letters

and more....

 I know every piece of paper and notarization has it's purpose.  While we work and wait we keep Henry and his mama and caretakers in our prayers. I have moments when I am purely focused on the tangible items I need to accomplish and other moments when I'm completely flooded with an overwhelming sense to drop everything and pray for our son. Josie still has nights when she cries out. Some nights I'm able to find her binky and rub her back for a minute or two until she's settled again. Other nights it takes a bit more cuddling and comforting for her to return to her peaceful slumber. There is not a night when I care for her that I'm not thinking and praying for Henry. I wonder does he cry out? How is he comforted? Does someone cuddle him in these moments? My heart aches for him but it's also heavy for the other 147 million orphans. It's been nearly a year since my eyes have truly been opened to the orphan crisis and the hurting in my heart is just the same. I pray it stays that way. I pray that long after we have our sweet boy home and in our arms we are still working whatever paperwork or agenda we need to work to help others see the crisis. To help other children come home to their forever families and to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

The above picture was taken this past weekend while we were able to get away for one last family retreat before we officially welcome fall. We were so blessed to have the use of a friends condo in the Port Townsend area and it was a perfect ending to a sweet summer. A few more pictures from the weekend....

                         Josie Kate loved the sand on her bare toes!

                                      Investigating the sea life.

                                     Maggie with her catch of the day!

                           Playing Peter Pan on the Pirate Ship.

                                            Cathing some air!

With Labor Day behind us I think I can officially say "Happy Fall!!" {my most favorite time of the year}