Don't let the process get ya down

Well, here we are in the closing months of our long wait for our daughter. Fingerprints expire May 7, 2012. It's easy enough to update fingerprints, but along with the application for the update is the requirement to submit an updated home study. Our home study doesn't expire until sometime in June of 2012 -- and well, it's entirely possible we will travel in May of 2012 -- or even earlier. BUT the process to do these things takes so long, we have to do them basically now to ensure they are done JUST IN CASE our travel date is after their expiration. This process can be so frustrating at times. Really the frustration is multi-fold: 1.) the prints are free, but the home study update is like $550 2.) the completion of one more application - intense reading of instructions and fear of filling something out incorrectly 3.) scheduling our social worker again, making arrangements for another visit, paying her mileage... and did I mention it costs $550 to update?? 4.) oh yea, and we have to take off work to go to Cinci for the fingerprints. But hey, who is keeping a list of challenges, right? If you can endure the paper chase of adoption - you can certainly handle any challenge life may throw at you. It can be so disheartening. BUT, at the end .... there is this child that will change your whole world.... she will be the daughter (or son) you've longed for, the sibling for your existing children, the child that brings a new dimension to your life.... a child you will have that your entire purpose is to connect, bond, grow them up, teach them life lessons, and live life as a family. So, I praise the Lord for this calling, even in this challenge ... and remind myself, "don't let the process get ya down".