Friday, July 31, 2009

Dossiers and Babies

Yay! Our dossier packet came in the mail today! It is not quite as daunting as I had anticipated AND we need about 6K less than I had previously expected for this phase of the process. (We still have to raise that 6K, just not immediately). So excited to get going on this!

Kylie and Caleb received their class assignments for school today. It's pretty crazy to think that I'll have two in school this year. They grow up so stinkin' fast! Speaking of growing...we just recently found out I am are growing another Thompson! Baby will be here in late in March or Early April. We're not quite sure how this will effect the adoption, but we are still pushing through with it. From what we can tell, infant referrals from Ethiopia are about 7-10 months out - so they could be arriving at or very close to the same time - crazy, exciting, scary, wonderful!

It is so easy to shy away from what we feel God calling us to because of the enormity of it in the moment. But, over and over and over again, espeically during this season, I have felt God saying "My grace IS sufficient, I AM made perfect in your weakness." And, oh - how my weakness is magnified on a daily basis. There is nothing like being a parent to highlight my shortcomings. And there is nothing like knowing His mercies are new EVERY day to keep me going!

Friday, July 17, 2009

What's New?!




Wow - what a year! July 11th marked one year for the Thompson Clan in South Carolina - it's been a year of adventure, discovery, new beginnings. Kylie successfully finished her first year in public school and she and Caleb are getting ready to start back - she in 1st grade and he in Kindergarten. Macey has fully embraced her life as a 4 year old (as of the 14th of July)! She loves all things ballet and barbies and will tell you about any of those things, and more....all. day. long - I love it! Micah turned two a month ago and is quite the little man. I would say his favorite thing right now is the guitar (tar) and pic (he calls it a key) and daddies guitar pedals. He loves to walk around holding it saying "two, one, two, one - sing!"

Jason and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary at the end of May! I could not imagine walking through this life with anyone other than him. I look forward to the next phase of our lives, exploring, learning, laughing and loving!

So that's what has been happening...now to what we are looking forward to -

Some of you who follow this blog and know us personally know that Jason and I have had a heart for adoption for a couple years. We have talked and prayed, sought council and advice from family and friends and followed (stalked?) quite a few blogs on the subject. After a big push from God and clear "now is the time," we are now officially "in the process" of adopting a child from Ethiopia!

For those of you who are familiar with the adoption process, we have completed our homestudy and adoption application. We are waiting for our dossier packet to arrive (hopefully this week) and applying for the I-600 and visas, and passports. We are also working on raising the funds we will need when we turn in our dossier.



We are excited, scared, nervous, thrilled and amazed! It's been quite a journey to get to this point. We have not always been on the same page, but our God is so faithful and has gently brought us to the same vision for our family. He is a beautiful God!

We ask that you pray for us as we walk in this new phase of our lives - pray for wisdom, for divine provision, for grace for us and Kylie, Caleb, Macey, and Micah. Also for favor with the courts and most of all - please pray for our baby in Ethiopia; that he/she will be kept safe and loved, that he/she will know that their family loves them and is working on bringing them home!

I hope to be able to update this blog more regularly - how many times have I said that? School is starting soon, so maybe, just maybe, the craziness of summer will subside a bit...but who knows?!!