Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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".

5 comments:

  1. Hi Renae! I recently found your blog and can't believe the similarities! I too tried to adopt from Nepal but got stuck in the suspension. I am now pursuing the adoption of a little girl from AP Ind*a. Then I just read that you have to come to Cincinnati for your prints...I'm from Cincinnati! I'm so excited for your journey!! I still have a while to go so it's encouraging to see your journey nearing the end :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristin - great to meet you. So excited to read a bit of your blog and get to know you. Are you adopting from India AND the Congo?? We have good friends here in the states from the Congo. Let's keep in touch!
      Renae.

      Delete
  2. Thanks so much for this, Renae. What a good reminder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renae, I'm just going to reply to Sarah, because for some odd reason it won't let me post my own comment. :)

      First....I love you...just today I was missing you so much...I don't even know why...I just was. Maybe because you had all this going on, and the Lord just put you on my heart something fierce. :)

      I'm so sorry you have to end up doing all this paperwork stuff that is going to take time, and cost money....all I can say is that it WILL be worth it. In fact, it is worth it. It will probably all be for naught, because I bet you'll travel before anything expires....but in doing it you are just being faithful to the call that Jesus put on your heart to love....He went to every expense to love us...and you my friend are going to any expense to love too....just like your Father. I bet He's so proud......

      Delete
    2. Great to talk to you today, Mer!! I don't know what I'd do without you and all our blog girlfriends - sharing in this journey. The ups and downs :)

      Delete