Survived the initial walk through

We survived the first home visit. It was so silly.. she was there for about 20 minutes. It was just an informal walk through. She said that there would be another one. One that would last a lot longer. Though she did not see anything of any concern,. She was not worried at all. 

Next step, more paperwork. I feel like that's what I do all the time. PAPERWORK (for any of my past nursing classmates... PUT IT IN YOUR PAPERWORK (Brook would get this best...lol) We will be scheduled to take one set of classes starting in February. This is a 9 week class, we are condensing it down to 4.5 days. DCFS offers the class either one evening a week, 3 hours each session, for 9 weeks, or there is one session that is all day Saturday, 6 hours, for  4.5 Saturdays. Jeff and I will be taking that class. We will also be taking a 3 day class at some point and then an additional 1 day class. We should be well prepared by the time all our classes over to be able to do this adoption thing! We are excited but overwhelmed by paperwork and its just the beginning. I know there will be a lot more to come.

Jeff and I are excited to start a new bible study with some great people at church. We will be diving into the book "All in Orphan Care" Our church is starting a new ministry to help support anyone who will be fostering/adopting/or supporting. They are so many needs out there. Not just needs for the actual kids. But needs for the caseworkers, social workers etc.... 

Romans 8:28 says; And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

Jeff and I truly believe that we are being called to do this. God has opened up our hearts and given us patience. He has helped to calm my nerves and not make me so anxious. He has helped me to see the here and now, and helped me to accept that He has this! 

Deuteronomy 31:6; Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Am I ready? Of course I am!

The day is quickly approaching.. am I ready? Of course I am, God is in control. 

We had our face to face with the caseworker last week and everything is playing out the way I had hoped and wanted. For those of you who know me, you know I am a planner and researcher. If there is something that I need to know, I research it to death! That being said, I had read the agency's web site top to bottom. I clicked on every link. Printed off every form or informational sheet. So at the meeting a lot of the things they told us, I already knew. They did tell us a lot of things that we did not know either. Just more insight into the kids and more details about how the actual placement works. It was a great meeting. We already have our fist home visit on Friday. In order to get signed up for the classes we need, they have to actually see our house. I have been cleaning like crazy. Luckily though, the caseworker provided me with

official detailed information (well a link to look it up) of all the things that they look for during the home visit. I have been really stressed out... but know that God is there helping me through this. Its been good for us because we are doing little home improvements that needed to be done anyways! Tonight I have our youth group Christmas party, that will help with some stress relief. Then I will be grocery shopping, got to have food in the house when the worker comes Friday (and since Friday is my shopping day, I have to go tonight). I am lucky too because my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are going to through this also, so we have each other for support. And she had her home visit today and was able to give me pointers, tips etc... So knowing what lies ahead, well sort of, is good for me it helps to keep me on track. Will keep you all posted after the home visit. 

"The home visit made me realize that you and I were freaking out about nothing and our houses will be just fine" - Jessica Moore

Good quote by my sister-in-law, helps put my mind a little bit more at ease!!

Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

-God is in control!