Oh the possibilities

Late last week Lizzie and I received some interesting news from our social worker. In what seems like our daily email conversations with Emilee (social worker) she asked Lizzie and I if we would be interested in being a pilot family for their new program in Kyrgyzstan. This was quite a shock to both of us considering we have focused on learning as much as possible about Bulgaria over the past several months, including purchasing each other gifts on Etsy from the country. This possible change brings with it various difficulties and definitely joys. The obvious change is the location of the country. As many of you know, I am a West Wing fan and converted Lizzie as well, and my immediate response was to recall the episode where Sam mistakes Kyrgyzstan for Kazakhstan. While I found this to be an amusing correlation, I was woefully ignorant about the location of what is officially called the Kyrgyz Republic. As I imagine most of you do not know its global location, so I have provided a map.

I am also including the link for the country from wikipedia (against my better judgement as a teacher and scholar).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstan

Other changes include the type of children available to Lizzie and I as well as the possible timeframe for completing the adoption and bring our child home. First of all, most countries that participate in international adoption generally have available children from about the age of 2-3 or older with physical and mental special needs. Whereas, with the program in the Kyrgyz Republic has infants who are relatively healthy, keeping in mind the mental and physical issues of institutionalization. The timeframe is significantly different as well. The Bulgaria program can take 2-3 years while in the Kyrgyzstan program we are looking at 12-24 months from the adoption application (we submitted our adoption application at the beginning of February) to our final trip to adopt our future child. This is a lot of information for one post, so as Lizzie and I learn more, and more importantly, make a decision, we will keep all of you informed through this blog.

Peace,
Eric

The Joys of Moving

Eric and I are about to move yet again. We have, sadly, become used to this ritual  of packing and unpacking, and we find ourselves going through the motions. Yet, this time, we are finding some new joys and excitement in this chaotic time. This time we are having fun painting kiddo's room and preparing a place that we know we will share with our child. It is hard to share the joy we have in our hearts. The expectation and anticipation is building, and we find ourselves imagining what could be, what will be. A house full of love, laughter, toys, and boo boos. We know it will not all be easy or sunshine and daffodils, but preparing our home, our hearts, and our lives is filling us with a joy and hope in and for life that we have not known til now.  It is wonderful to share it with you all. :)

The day that changed everything...

January 15, 2014. That is the day that changed all of my days to come. It is the day that Eric and I officially decided to adopt. We sat in the comfy seats at the adoption agency, nervous, anxious, and very excited, and we knew in our hearts that this day would be unlike any other. Deciding to adopt a child, our beloved son or daughter was an easy decision. Even though we knew that the process of adopting is one full of ups and downs. It is one that is rich and so beautiful that we feel it is important to share with everyone. One that is changing us day by day, as we find that our kiddo, even though we have not met him or her already shapes our days. Already moves us to tears. Already fills our hearts. January 15th it all became real, and I find my heart drifting to 1 Corinthians 13:12-13. "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." We see clearly and are known fully, and our hearts are filled with love. Love for a God that brought our kiddo into the world, and love that will lead and guide us in this journey, and a deep love already for a beautiful child for who we are waiting to share this great, deep love.