Journey to our Children

"If you can'?" said Jesus,"EVERYTHING is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

Boy's and Girl's Room






Well we have got the kid's rooms set up with a lot of help from family and friends. We still need to hang some pictures, odds, and ends but for the most part they are ready. Aunt Pat, Uncle K, Becky, and Billy brought up some beds and a bunch of stuff from Amanda and others. We are very greatful. We have also had a lot donated by a very dear friend Rose Carter and her family. Thanks so much to everyone.
NO NEWS YET! KEY WORD "YET"

Well we have not heard anything yet about any placement meetings. Now Darrin and I know of 3 different sibling groups that our home study has been pulled to present to the placement committee. Two of the sibling groups that we know specifics about are off active status and put on hold for placement committee meeting. One specifically we have a huge shot at that is the group with their picture on the blog. I have to admit this is the hardest part for me especially during this whole journey of 3 years we have gone through. Simply because me personally, I am a person who sets goals to achieve and if I have a goal to go for with a specific point to get to especially with a time than I am much more stable yet with this situation you have no idea but wait for the CALL that can happen at any moment in any day. So I figured I would sit here and specifically thank some key people in our life.

* My Lord because he puts up with me through out the day going from giving thanks to Him to questioning why. He still shows me mercy and Grace.
* Darrin my husband- He truly is my dearest and best friend. Especially lately I have been an emotional wreck. When I call him in tears or need him to just listen He makes time for me and encourages me constantly when I seem to doubt. I am so proud and thankful for the new job God has truly blessed you with.
*Mom and Mike-Just like many of our friends and Family they have been with us each step of the way on this emotional roller coaster. Many of our close family and friends know of the major set backs we have had this past 6 months especially with health issues, job layoff for us both,and our financial issues. Thank you both for what you have done to help us get through this because you both have done alot behind closed doors that only you and us know about. If you hadn't we would not be here. Thank you so much.
*George and Cheryl-Thank you so much for the constant encouragement. There have been times when we seem so discouraged and you listen and encourage us both. Thank you.
*Aunt Pat and Uncle K-Thank you for what you have done for Darrin and I specifically. You have been a wonderfully support. Also Willing at the drop of a hat to bring us whatever we need for the kids. You are a Godsend.
*Becky-Thank you for constantly thinking of us and always keeping your ears peeled open for a child and trying to help us. Thank you for helping Aunt Pat with anything we need.
*Amy-Thank You so much for caring and calling. You are always checking up on us to make sure we are OK. You are huge help to me.
*Teri Neal Amanda Kelly Jimmy Kristy and all the other family-Thank you all for what you do. You all have helped in many many ways. Looking to give with what you have, encourage our situation. You all are appreciated so much.
*Stacey Simokat(Our Social Worker)- You are truly a God Send. I have heard and read so many horror stories about social workers who do not care or have time to deal with their parents. You have such a kind and compassionate heart for me. You take my calls and answer my questions no matter how many times I bug you to death. Even with your case load of more than 70 families you take the time for us. You stretch out your hand and comforting words with each day and seek out to persist when it seems you hit a brick wall with getting responses from the children's social worker. Thank you for your persistence.
*Jay and Robin-Thank you for caring about us and for trying to help with the search for children. It means so much. We love y'all so much and have enjoyed each time to the fullest y'all have been to stay with us. We apologize for not getting down there yet.
*Church Family and Friends- Thank you all so much for your constant support, prayers, understanding, and help.

*Other Family-Thank you for all those who keep up with us through our immediate family and pray and help in ways we do not know.

I know each of you are as excited, on edge, hopeful, waiting, eager for the children as we are.

As we find out any info we will keep you informed Love you all heaps and bunches

History

Well we actually started this journey February 2005. This is when we received a packet in the mail for no reason with pictures of children in the state system in need of adopted families. Now I will say that two days prior, my husband and I saw a billboard with a child's picture needing a forever family; this is what God used to spark the interest. That is when Darrin and I started discussing in extent about adoption. We spent alot of days together in prayer and seeking Gods confirmation. We did not want to walk into something just based on an emotion that would change. We needed to know this was God's purpose for us. We are unable to have children of our own; and honestly up to this point we were very content in our marriage. Then God decided this was the path He wanted us on. March of 2005 we contacted our local Department of Social Services and requested information. We had our application,fingerprints, references, pictures, along with background information finally turned in by May of 2005. So we have been on this journey for over 3 years. Now I must say 8 months was spent in building a house due to the trailer we lived in just would not pass all the fire codes. I must say God has taught us a great deal through this process. We have learned so much from the people God has put in our path to help us, encourage us, and pray for us. Most of all Darrin and I have become much more dependant on the Lord Jesus. It can be very discouraging at times than at others it can be the most rewarding thing you could experience. My husband has said we have been pregnant waiting on our children for such a long time that as they walk through our door for the first time we are not going to know how to act!

Meet our Dogs

Meet our Dogs:

The Black Dog is Cole. I guess you could say he is the lead.
The Brown Dog is Duke. I guess you could say he is the loyal but not very smart one.

Then there is LITTLE BIT. Yes you guessed it; she is the one under the covers on the couch. From her point of view she does not believe she is a dog.

Cole and Duke

Cole and Duke

Little Bit

Little Bit