Our Hearts Grew 2 Sizes

One week before Thanksgiving our adoption agency shared a post on Facebook about twin baby boys in Poland who would be separated if a family was not found for them soon.  This was like a last call, and their files had been sent to several different adoption agencies.  On a crazy whim, we contacted the social worker about the boys.  By Thanksgiving, a copy of our home study was in Poland for review, and we had received the news that the boys were still available.  While the social worker had received several inquiries, we were the only ones to proceed, sending our files to Poland.  What comes next is complicated.

The boys are not officially ours, we have not received an official acceptance letter and will not receive one until our Dossier is received in Poland.  Right now we are working as fast as we can to update our home study (everything was specific to Ethiopia before, a different country means different demands).  Once our home study is complete, we will file for immigration again.  We had filed an I-600A for Ethiopia and Poland requires and I-800.  I don't understand all the reasoning behind these little details, we are just pushing through and doing what is required.  After we file for I-800 status, we will finally be able to send our Dossier to Poland.  And then we will wait for an "official" acceptance.  

In so many ways, it feels like we are in limbo, rushing to complete things while we still don't know anything is completely certain.  At the same time, my heart rests knowing that God led us to this and WE are the ONLY family pursuing the boys.  Next week is Christmas, and we are still the only family that has submitted paperwork to Poland in hopes to adopt these babies.  So we continue to push through as though they are OURS.  

Tomorrow we make one huge step towards completing the new home study, one final home study visit!  Prayers from our sweet friends that we might wrap up all the loose ends quickly!

Moving forward, we need to raise $19,973 in a short 4 months.  We anticipate to travel to Poland late Spring.  On top of that we will be saving for our travel expenses.  We are praying Uncle Sam has a nice tax refund in store for us to cover most of the travel costs.  And here is where I ask all of you to help us.  Everyone can do something to help us bring the boys home, no matter how small or meek it may seem.  We have lots of needs that we need help with over the next few months.

• PRAY.  We need prayer warriors.  Pray for the babies.  Pray for our family.  Pray for our finances.
• Donations.  We are setting up a fund with Lifesong where our family and friends can make TAX DEDUCTIBLE financial donations.  More to come on this!
• GRANTS.  We are applying for every adoption grant we can find.  Pray that we will be awarded grants!
• STUFF.  We will most likely have a yard sale of some sort early spring.  If you have any stuff you would like to donate, we would love to take it off your hands!  One man's trash is another man's treasure!
• CRAFTS.  Calling all of my crafty friends -  We will be raffling items at White's Auction in Bloomfield every Friday night.  Your crafty donations are needed!
• BAKED GOODS.  I have a sweet tooth but was not blessed to be a baker.  We will be raffling items at White's Auction in Bloomfield every Friday night, that includes baked goods.  We would love your baked good donations!  
• SPRING CONSIGNEMNT.  The spring consignment sale is coming up quickly.  I am seeking donations of kids clothes, toys, and baby items to sell at the Sweet Repeats Consignment sale in the Spring!  
• BABY BOY STUFF.  We have specific needs for the boys.  We specifically need a crib and mattress, crib sheets, high chairs, and infant toys.  We will also need clothes but at this time we don't have a realistic idea of what size?!  Hand-me-downs are welcome and appreciated!  

Please consider one or more of these ways above to support us!  Our financial goal for January is to raise $4643 to cover our next payment.

Merry Christmas and may you be Blessed in 2015!