We are SUBMITTED!! Things are getting real!

    Last week on Facebook, I asked for prayers knowing that this could be a very big week for us, and as of Thursday we got our big news! We are submitted. To clarify what that means, we are now waiting for them to tell us when our appointment to receive Henry's file will be, in short we are waiting for them to say COME MEET HIM!!! The current average from date of submission to referral appointment is 4 weeks! Yes you read that right 4 weeks!!! Thank you for your prayers! This is the stage we have been waiting for as we do loads and loads of paperwork, as we wait for people to approve us. The finish line is near! As I say this I also want to mention that though this process has seemed long at times in the big picture it isn't long at all, we are blessed that the country we are adopting from is fairly quick. We know people who are adopting and their processes are much longer, families who are waiting to meet their child, families waiting to go back for the gotcha trip, and families waiting to be chosen. Adoption looks different for everyone and I want to encourage you to pray for those families too, those families whose days are extra long as they wait. Waiting is never easy.

I promised myself I would remain calm, that on Thursday (the day people are usually submitted) I would not check my phone more than normal. That didn't happen...I was a crazy lady refreshing and refreshing and when I finally saw the news I went crazy! I was so excited and then I panicked, I tried to think of every possible thing I needed to get done, every possible scenario for packing and travel, and then I paused and thought of the moment I get to meet my son, the moment that all of this crazy is worth it. That pause was so crucial, I paused and thanked God for all he has done for us on this journey, I paused and rejoiced. This has been a great journey, and as we approach this finish line, I am getting excited for the next leg of the race, the leg in which we learn what a new normal is and where there is one less orphan in this world. We had a lot of fun as a family this weekend doing small things to prepare for being a family of 4, even as I type that I get butterflies!

                                  

Griffin trying out his brother's newly decorated bed!

We could be in country in 4 weeks! BUT we still need some help! We are still quite a bit short on what we need to bring him home. We are so grateful for all of you who have given to our adoption and for those of you who have prayed for us. We are currently praying for financial mountains to be moved, if you would consider sharing out story with a friend or two that would mean everything. I am currently making loads of bow ties and taking as many photo clients as I can mentally handle but it so far is not enough we still need several thousand dollars. We are hoping that some grant money will come through, and we know God can do anything so we are once again trusting him and sharing our need with you. Thank you for following our story, thank you so much for your support through this crazy process! 

If you or anyone you know would like a bow tie, have them contact me :) I can special make them in many designs!