Jitters...

As our plane landed in Atlanta, GA ... I was overwhelmed with the jitters. Nerves. Excitement. Happiness. Not sure what to call it but the reality that I will have two little children within our possession within the next 24 hours somewhat caught up with me. It's all coming to fruition!!!
Our flight was good and now we're waiting for the next one, the long one straight to Ghana. Ghana! GHANA! Ahh! I'm going to be in Ghana. For all my CA friends, think of me when you wake up, we should be landing about then ... around 7:45am Friday PST, that is.
The airport is a fun place to people watch, so many faces, so many things to see and observe and to soak in. I've already seen Ghanaian children, how will I simply bring only two home?? LOL! I got to talk to my friends son, Gideon (foster brother to the kids,) he asked me to tell Max and Anita "he loves them" and "to give them a hug!" Will do little one, will do!!! More than you know!!

Packing and we're off ...

As we ran around and picked up the final items needed, it was time to pack! My friend laughed at me as I sat and debated what to bring my little ones ... yup, I'm a crazy mom with no idea of what I'm doing. But the best part of it ALL ... the power went out while we were right in the middle of packing our bags! That's right, NO light! Have to laugh at that ... just another bump in the road, but with all the flashlights Adam owns, well, we were back in business.
Now I'm exhausted, so so so tired and need to get a few hours of sleep. Then it's time to travel! You'll hear from me soon ... From Ghana!!!
Pray lots. Pray for our kids hearts! Pray for our strength and wisdom. God is awesome and we are so excited to be children of Him!

Plans made

I-600 confirmed - check. Flights booked - check. Visa apps mailed - check. We have little outfits. We have swim suits. We have sandals and shoes. I have dresses and Adam has his khakis. So much still to pack. We hope to pack one suitcase ... um, HOPE is the key word. LOL.
I got to meet up with 3 other Ghana moms on Saturday. It was truly an enlightening and encouraging time. A true confirmation that I am where God wants me to be. Hugging Max and Anita's foster brothers and sisters was awesome and we are blessed to have them so close. God continues to give me more and more friends ... friends to get me through this journey .. friends to encourage and friends to support me!
And my emotions gave out on me today ... finally gave out, ugh! So many things going on, so much to do .. not that it's bad, the reality, it's good. I just get bottled up and it floods out. Red RED eyes, sobbing.
Here's to 9 days ... so much to look forward to!!!

GREEN Light!

I asked for prayer on Monday ... I should have asked sooner. He he. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7, I knew I loved this verse. Adam looked at me and said "did you get the call?" "What call?" "You must have a voice mail, you really didn't get the call?" "What CALL!!???!!!" "[She] called, he has all the paperwork, we can travel." "What? Are you kidding?" AHHHHH! JUMPING LIKE A LITTLE KID! HUGS! SMILES! MORE JUMPING! AHHHH! I get to meet my children ... could the joy radiate any more? So excited, so so so excited.
Time to schedule our I-600 appt. Once this is confirmed, we can schedule travel, send for our Visa's and we're off. Off to a chapter we have waited so long for. Off to meet two little gifts God has given us!
SWEET SWEET SWEET! Time for us to meet our little ones!!!!!!!!!!!!

My heart is slowly sinking ...

As the time passes by, my heart starts to slowly sink into a slump. I'm not normally a negative person (at least I don't try to be) but this little "waiting" period is starting t take its toll. There are days I want to break down and shed tears not understanding why I'm still waiting for my green light after so many weeks. I know there are changes in Ghana and more thorough processes taking place to protect the children but I want to see my babies! Please please can I see my children! Ok ... enough venting, time to see the sun and the bright side!

We built the kids beds this weekend, put their comforters on, rolled out the mattresses, built their cubbies, and built their night stand. Now it's time to paint. And honestly, this mama is ready to hug and kiss her little ones!
Praying for a green light this week ... come on green light!!! Praying we get to travel within two weeks. My heart is sinking, it's breaking ... it's all getting to me. We need our dream to become a reality! Adam and I are ready ... so ready ...

A Child Waits ...

Two out of Four ... not bad! Thank you to "A Child Waits Foundation" for picking us as recipients for a grant! We are truly blessed and ecstatic. God is truly providing a way for us to get our children.
Without organizations like "A Child Waits" and "Lifesong for Orphans" many of families would not be able to make adoption possible due to the large sums of money involved in the process.
We thank each of them for making our dream a reality and giving one more international child a conclusion to their wait for a forever family!!!

Decree DECREE DeCrEe ... for ME!

I'm in shock ... I know I am. No tears. No jumping up and down, simply STARED at the computer "Final Adoption Decree!!!!!" But I want to cry. But I want to jump up and down w/ pure giddiness. It's official, WE have been granted adoption orders for Anita and Maxwell. It's a HUGE step, a HUGE accomplishment in this process. The reality is settling in. "Mommy and Daddy are coming little ones ... we're coming to meet you!" I'm scared. I'm nervous. I'm hoping I do this "mom" thing right. I know it will all fall into place. I know I'll learn so much more from them than they'll probably learn from me. We look forward to the change in our life. We are so excited to have these little ones, these gifts from God, these little gifts who have so MANY of people waiting to meet them, hug them, encourage them, teach them, and LOVE THEM!
To our beautiful Anita and handsome Maxwell,
Mommy and Daddy have waited a full year for this day to happen. We have prayed for you, talked about you, wondered about you, and have simply waited for YOU to be a part of our lives. We hope to give you a life full of laughter, love, values, and opportunity. We know God created you extra special ... and he knew so long ago we would all be together one day. We ask God to prepare your hearts and minds for what is to come. We ask God to give us the wisdom and love to be the best parents to each of you. We cannot wait to hug you and kiss you and live LIFE with you. Mommy and Daddy love you Anita and Maxwell!"