Plateau's and Speed Bumps

It's difficult to write when you feel like you don't have much to share. We are feeling frustrated by the process suddenly coming to a stand still. Everyone who has adopted before and has offered us advice has cautioned us that we would hit a time of plateau and speed bumps. We are definitely there. We still have not received the much anticipated paperwork we have been sifting through the mail each day, for a month. We are still awaiting government approval on our adoption.

Jesse got the final word this week, that instead of a transfer and because of how his position is funded, he is being laid off. It wasn't the news we were expecting. Jesse is considering applying for other similar positions in nearby districts but if he doesn't get the job, he is most likely spending a year at home.

We see a lot of benefits to this. It will save us a lot on daycare costs and allow Jesse to develop closer bonds with our boys. Also, Kameron speaks very little English-- so it would certainly be helpful to home school him the first year he is here. But, it's an adjustment for all of us. We will have to amend our home study. It sounds like it's a minor thing, but it just feels like one more speed bump.  (I'm actively reminding myself that these are JUST speed bumps and not the mountains they sometimes feel like). 

Sarah received an immense amount of affirmation at her new job. This was such a blessing in what was an otherwise hard to digest second week in a row.

Our oldest has high functioning autism. Change is hard for him. I know change is difficult for most people, but for him it's an extreme. Usually with any change, we see regression for 6-8 weeks and an increase in negative behaviors. The blessing here has been that while he has moments of uncertainty he has largely embraced getting a new brother with confidence and open arms. He knows mom and dad will go to China for 2 weeks without him. We try to keep him informed about what is going on. I read the updates we get about Kameron to the boys and show them the new pictures. We continue to borrow any kids books and movies we can about China. We are all absorbing what we can about Kameron's culture.

Despite all these barriers and speed bumps, we are so loved and cared for. Our friends, family and church community have really wrapped themselves around us. We are being prayed for often. And that has meant so much to us. While this road is bumpy and at times the travel grows weary, we are certainly not alone.

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In regards to our fundraisers, here is the list of current and upcoming events:

1. Adopt Together is our online donation page. Click here if you wish to visit this page. You can donate directly there, if that is where you feel led.

2. We have a beautiful quilt we will be raffling off soon. Thank you to Jesse's cousin for generously being willing to donate this so we can raise funds to bring Kameron home. Stay tuned for details. We will announce more once this is set up and ready to launch.

3. Our adoption Yard Sale Fundraiser. This is scheduled for June 12th-13th (Friday and Saturday). We are currently talking donations. If you have some Spring cleaning to do and want to unload your discard/sell stuff towards this we will gladly take them. 

--The boys still really want to do a lemonade and cookie stand at the yard sale. I am still looking for a kids table/stand we can borrow for this.

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Isaiah 40:31New International Version (NIV)

31 

but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.