Adoption Update - September 5, 2012

Just wanted to give a little update of sorts - although, because of privacy issues, I can't share a whole lot. We are so excited to announce that we have been "officially" matched up with a little 2 year old boy who we will refer to as "Little R". I actually got to meet him when I went to Uganda this past June but I didn't know at the time that we were going to be matched up. I wish we could post pictures of him, but again, because of privacy issues, we can't. Just know that he's so super sweet, ALL BOY (Lord, help me!), and he loves to give hugs!

Steve and I just got fingerprinted at the Homeland Security Office in OKC this morning so that's another big step checked off on our "To Do" list. Next, we will send our dossier documents to our attorney in Uganda (hopefully within the next few days) who will review our case and submit a request for a court date and hearing. Once we receive our hearing date, we could be given a very short notice (typically 1-3 weeks) and we'll be off on a plane to Uganda as a family to adopt our future son. We would love for this to all take place this year but we know it's all in God's hands and His timing.

My sweet friend, Kati, came up with a fun idea of how to help us raise money for our adoption - by saving coins for a month and keeping them in a baby bottle. (You can read more about all the details here in case you'd like to join in on the fun!) She's going to draw a name of all the families that have contributed on October 7th, and the winner will receive a Ugandan bead necklace from Katie Davis with Amazima Ministries. I can not even begin to tell you how amazed I am at Kati's unselfish, thoughtful, and always giving spirit. She is constantly thinking outside of the box and doing so much for others. Typical families (mine included) get so caught up in day-to-day activities and doing what it takes to barely get by, but she is always thinking about what she can do for others. I especially love her ELEOS and Adopt-a-Gram ministries her family has started. (You can read more about those on her blog, as well.) We need more Kati's in this world - it would be such a better place to live ;-)  I am also blown away at the number of people who said they'd like to save their coins for our adoption - most of whom we've never even met. Just goes to show you how God uses those who are available and He supplies all of our needs. Our family is so very humbled and thankful at the gracious and giving spirits of all who are stepping up to bring "Little R" home.

And on a different, yet similar note - did you hear that Scott Wells (with the St. Louis Rams) recently adopted three children from Uganda? I thought that was so cool. You can read more of his story here and here.

That's all for now but we'll share more details as we can and when we can. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers - they are much appreciated!