On to the next step!

Thank you so much for praying for Jake and I during our home visit Friday night. It went really well. It was supposed to begin at 4 but our social worker didn't get there until 6:30. She did a placement that day and was trying to get all the paper work in by 6 so the family (from out of state) could make it home with their new baby by Christmas. So, Jake and I didn't mind waiting at all.

She loved our home, saying several times how beautiful it was (thank you to all my sweet friends and family who made it that way). It helped that she came in the evening when our house was lit by a few lights and lots of candles. Everything looks better against candle light, right? We had all our medications, cleaning supplies and other potentionally harmful items in a safe,locked place. We have the beginnings of a baby's room set up with a crib, changing table and rocker. All these and many more were requirements. We basically have the safest house around right now! She also loved our dog, Gomer. That was answer to prayer...not because he is a bad dog by any means, he just gets very excited and clingy with new people.

So, all in all, we passed with flying colors and can move to the next phase. She gave us some paper work (nothing to fill out, though!!) to look at. Papers we will sign at the hospital, papers explaining what to do when we get "The Call" and other info sheets as we prepare to bring our baby home. She told us that we can start to get a little excited and prepare a little more because this is like my pregnancy! Yay, for not having any baby weight to lose! There is an upside to every situation.

Now we are starting to work on our profile. This profile is filled with our "stats" like who we are, our ages, occupations, religion, race, education, etc. Also, a letter to the birthparents and lots of pictures of us, our home, our dog, our family and friends and trips we've taken. This profile will be shown to birthmoms/parents and that is how we will be chosen. There are meny steps after that before we actually have a baby but we can talk about that as it gets closer.

If you could be praying for us as we prepare this profile we would appreciate it so much! Especially as we write the letter to the birthmom/parents. I have already written her several letters in my mind as think of her unbelievable sacrifice and gift to us. Pray that God would be close to her and she would know His presence even if she doesn't have a relationship with Him right now. And please pray that God would give us wisdom and grace and love as we write her this letter. We are praying that she would hear our hearts and know our desires for her and this baby. Jake and I could also use your continued prayers for us as we walk this road. To be honest, some days are so good but most days are just really tough. But because we know and love the Lord, there is beauty in this pain and that beauty is all of you who lift us up in prayer, who come and clean our house, who already love this baby and birthmom, who stand for us when we are to weak to stand alone and who show us daily what it means to be unconditionally loved by the Father. We love you all so much.

We hope that you have a fun, relaxing and meaningful Christmas!!