What's a little more crazy??

It has been just a few days shy of 2 years since my last blog post.  In case you were wondering, I did not miss it one bit.  But since I do feel compelled to journal this process, I am starting the blog back up.  Before I get to the juicy details, let's review the ground rules for my blog.

1.  I loathe writing.  It is not something that comes easy for me.  I'll do what I can, when I can.  But there are no promises you will find it entertaining or interesting.  It will, however, be authentic.  The good and the bad.

2.  Don't judge my grammar.  If I am able to get a post up, it is strictly because Littles are sleeping or otherwise occupied.  Those moments are brief so I will have to knock out posts quickly and probably won't proofread for run on sentences or comma splices.  Complain about it on your Facebook page. #grammarnazis

3. I covet your prayers.  That is one of the main reasons that I put up the blog.  I truly believe that it takes a village to accomplish adoption.  You are my village.  If however you found yourself on my page and you have something negative to say or you are an internet troll, do us all a favor and leave now.  Love you, mean it, bye.

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAME FOR

Many months ago, I began feeling a nudge (once again) toward adoption.  I mentioned it to Brant and we agreed to pray about it.  While that was going on in the back of our minds, we also began clearing our property to begin construction on a new home.  And we started the search for a house plan.  And began packing up our current house to prepare to list it.  So the "back of our minds" is pretty much where it stayed.  Plus Christmas and its presents, and Christmas card photos, and decking of the halls and such.  :/ We had SO many big decisions going on at the same time.  Fast forward to now.  The land has been cleared, the preliminary house plan chosen and the Christmas gifts opened.  I love closure.  With some of the mental burden lifted, we were able to focus more on adoption.  We are looking at international adoption again.  This time China.  We loved our experience with Colombia.  The culture and the people are simply extraordinary.  I do not, however, relish the idea of another 7-8 week in-country stay with an even larger brood.  China will require a trip of approximately 10-14 days.  Much more doable.  We also appreciate that China has a very established adoption program.  All adoption has uncertainty, but a tried and true program leaves less room for hiccups.

Where we are at the moment:

- We have mailed our application to CCAI.  They are our adoption agency.  Since they are located out of state, we must use a different in-state agency for our home study.  That will be Villa Hope.  We have also mailed our application off to them.  We hope to hear from both agencies within the next 7 days.

- We are applying to adopt 2 unrelated children.  You heard me right.  See blog post title above.  That does not mean we will be approved for 2 or that we will end up adopting more than one.  But it makes it a real possibility.

-We have requested either gender and children whose ages are between 12 and 48 months at time of referral.  They will most likely have special needs of some sort.  We had to fill out a form stating needs we thought we were capable of handling both financially and time wise.

-Yes, we will fund raise again.   Yard sale......not even sure about that.

- The process will take approximately one year.  Please, please add us to your daily prayer list.

I told a friend earlier today that I'm not sure I am ready to commit to blogging again.  I think I have already conveyed my disdain.  But I am truly SO excited about this adoption and I cannot wait to share all our news with you!!!  We love and appreciate each and every one of you.