Thursday, October 25, 2012

So....what is happening??

Sorry again for the delay - my life really isn't all that interesting on a daily basis, yet at the same time I am too busy to always write.  It is kinda weird.

Currently we are close to our home study being complete.  Jim and I are taking the necessary educational courses (on-line) that we are required to take.  So far, the courses have given us some great ideas and things to think about.  Otherwise, we are waiting for the government to provide info on our background checks/fingerprints.   I have heard this can take quite awhile.  We did this back in September, so hopefully it is almost done.

In addition, I have been trying to figure out something or somethings that I could make and maybe sell to raise money for the adoption.  The cost of an international adoption is so high because the process involves a lot of documents and filings, the use of multiple agencies, flights and fees.   I know that it will be so worth it, but it worries me.  I know we are not the only ones in this situation, but we have taken the first step....following the call to adopt.  I truly believe that God never would have led us down this path unless he was going to see that we could make it to the end...our precious little girl.

Speaking of her...we are trying to find a name we can all agree on for her.  So far, we have not been very successful.  For those that are asking why are we changing her name...Yasmine is just an alias to protect her true identity.  We plan to incorporate her birth name as a middle name, but we think we are going to give her a new first name.  I have asked others that have gone down this path if it is difficult for the kids to adapt or if they have a lost sense of identity and in all cases it has been "no".

Please continue to pray for our family as we continue down this path.

THANK YOU to those that have prayed and/or donated to our adoption fund.  We appreciate everything!

Cathie
http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Where did the week go?

I can't believe I have been bad for an entire week about blogging...oh - who am I kidding?!  I will be happy if I can keep this semi-up-to-date.

This week we had the local Buddy Walk.  It is an event to raise awareness and money for the local Down syndrome organizations.  It is always a lot of fun...however, this year God decided to add a little of his own fun in the form of a tornado warning!!   Fortunately, the storm was not that bad, but those who know me know I did not see much of it due to my hiding in the building.

We had our visit from our social worker for our home study on Saturday.  She is the sweetest person and we really enjoyed meeting her in person.   I also made a journey with Ian to downtown Chicago to get some special stamps on our documents (apostille), only to find out that one of them needs something before they will stamp it.  I am proud of myself for not throwing a hissy fit and for staying optimistic.  From stories I have heard about the adoption process this is like a pebble in my shoe.  

I have been so excited watching the kiddos on Reece's Rainbow be moved to the My Family Found Me page.  It is overwhelming how many families are opening their hearts and homes.

Before the last few months, I really wanted to help the cause of the orphans in Eastern Europe and never knew if we would be able to adopt.  So, you ask, what types of things did I do or can you do?

1.  Pray for the little ones to find their families, pray for the families that are on their journey to adopt or may be seeking to be able to adopt.

2.  Donate to the funds of the little ones or the families that are adopting.  The costs of international adoptions are very high and involve a lot of work.  Many families more families would be open to adopting if there was more financial support.  All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are Tax-Deductible!!  So it helps you too.
Here is our link - http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

3.  Participate or coordinate fundraisers for those adopting.

Basically - there are lots of ways to help!!

We had a bump in our donations this week - I don't know from whom...but whomever you are - THANK YOU!!!!

Cathie

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Just a thought...

While I love this time of year, it seems that my system does not handle the change very well and all I want to do is sleep.  Unfortunately, I don't have time for this semi-hibernation.  So....I must push myself to go about prepare for our home study visit.  She is coming Saturday!  I am so worried that the house is going to look like a disaster zone as she arrives.

Speaking of our home study - after answering a ton of questions thus far - it is a wonder my 3 kids have survived!!  When we started our family way back when...we thought we were prepared...but we NEVER addressed some of the questions she has asked us.   The questions are really good ones that make you contemplate life with the child now and in the future.  I personally think the questions should be given to all couples contemplating actions that may result in children. If you are not ready to answer all of these questions - you should not be having kids!  I think I will make a list of the questions to give to my kids in the future when they have a serious significant other...better yet - what a great conversation starter if they are over for dinner..LOL!!

P.S.  I am not trying to make light of the home study process at all - it is invaluable and important to ensuring that our decision and those in our situation is made with all care.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

I can tell this is going to be a long wait....

It is amazing to me that last week I saw her picture for the first time and now I can't stop thinking about her.  I wonder what her days are like...I pray she is well taken care of.   I really wish she could know that we are coming to bring her home...especially as winter approaches and she will long to snuggle tight with someone and will have no one.   On the positive side of things - each day that passes is one day closer to the day we will meet.

I try to picture what she is going to think of our family....we are a bit of a crazy bunch.   I really, really hope she loves music, dancing and singing...or she may find it unbearable here at our home.   Gabi and Ian LOVE to dance around and I think that Gabi sings more than she talks:)  She is blessed with the voice of an angel so that is just fine with us!   She also will need to like playing with electronics.  All too often it seems they are an additional part of the boys...she will likely think that they are actually connected to the devices at first!

We set about preparing for our homestudy visit and have a great deal of anticipation about the coming months....((HUGS)) to you little one so far away...may we meet very soon! Your Mom


Cathie

http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

Monday, October 8, 2012

Being comfortable is overrated!

As the upcoming addition to our family becomes more of a reality..I think about the fact things were finally just starting to get comfortable.  Not easy mind you, but comfortable.  The routines get crazy sometimes, but they are our "normal."  However, the more comfortable I find things, the more my mind wonders to those that are less fortunate.   Which ultimately makes me feel more UNcomfortable.   I am excited in knowing that my life will be "uncomfortable" so that our little girl can finally be with her family that will love her to the end of the earth and back.

I know that adoption is not for everyone; however, I pray that most people search deep and push themselves to be a little uncomfortable in some way so that others in this world that are suffering can be made a bit more comfortable.  

Cathie

http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson


Saturday, October 6, 2012

What a difference a few years makes!

Had you told me five years ago that I would soon have four children and half of them would be blessed with an extra chromosome I would have told you - "you are making that up!"   Well....fast-forward and this is exactly where I am.  And I could NOT be happier!!!

We currently have the "perfect" family....so why change it you might ask??  My response...being that it is so wonderful why not SHARE it with a little one that has known nothing but an orphanage all of her life.   But for the grace of God that could have been Ian had he been born on that side of the world...I can't imagine.  In addition - Ian has taught our family so many things, that we would love the opportunity to be taught even more by this little one!  What can a four-year old teach??  Perseverance, kindness, humor, slowing down and taking each day for what it is, etc...the list is endless!  

Throughout the past couple of years I have made various FB posts asking people to help children on Reece's Rainbow.   I have also prayed that God let us know how Jim and I can help these children.  I have longed to bring one of these babes home, but know that it is a huge commitment that cannot be taken lightly.   Well...as our feelings got stronger the homilies at church got more specific.  I feel like in the past 3 months the  readings have included every reference to God calling us to help orphans.

The title of this Blog is like the story of the starfish...while there are MANY orphans out there and we cannot possibly help them all...we CAN make a difference to ONE!!!   In addition, I would love to be the source of inspiration to others who are contemplating this journey...I know I have MANY friends who have inspired me:)  Thank you from the bottom of my heart all of you!!

Friday, October 5, 2012

We are so excited!!

With October as Down syndrome awareness month, it seems like the perfect time to share with everyone that we are adopting an adorable little girl!   http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson



The next few months we will be fundraising to bring her home from the orphanage and asking for lots of prayers!   Stay tuned!!!