Bumps in the road, broken cars, and backpacks

It has been an interesting week or so since I have been in touch with you. I received a call early in the week with excellent news about our home study. We have been on pause for about eight weeks because of the the referral that is not set to happen for a very long time. But, our Maine case worker met with her agencies Central Office for a meeting to discuss our case and determine how they wanted to proceed with this adoption. It was decided after much discussion that they would like to continue to work with us but, would need to tweak our contract a bit so that the wording is very specific as to what services they are able to offer to us. So, with that being cleared up, we are hoping to receive that document in a week or so and then we will be able to review our much anticipated home study. We just continue to praise God for His perfect timing. Even though in the midst of the wait, it doesn't feel perfect, we are continuously encouraged by the fact that our Creator has "got this one all planned out."

Our car has kicked the bucket this week. We had a few opportunities to experience our car while overheating. Thankful that we are not in a desert nor were we far from where we could still be helped by friends. We think we have found another automobile that will be a good fit for our family. Interesting story...Randy was down in New Hampshire (he had just dropped me off at the Portland airport) to look at this car that we found through Uncle Henry's. Well, she is a beaut, minus the transmission (a rough shift into second gear) so Randy offered them less and they didn't take it. He leaves feeling very disappointed, but immediately begins to pray for the Lord's will, hoping that they will meet in the middle. About forty five minutes later, Randy gets a call from the little family owned dealership. The owner felt bad that Randy and Gray had driven four hours to look at the car and then asked if they put a new transmission into it, would he still be interested? Ummmmm...God, thank you for clarity. We are hoping to pick up our new addition (the car that is) next weekend if a few more things fall into place.

I am writing this post from Las Vegas, hence the airport drop-off. I am visiting my folks, taking in some mountain views, and eating...often. I am relaxing, reading, and jogging in an attempt to prepare for the next leg of the adoption process. We still have a long road ahead of us before we meet our little girl, and then a lifetime of adventure after we bring her home. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We feel blessed to have each of you walking alongside us as we continue to hike uphill.

Kum-by-ya, my Lord, Kum-by-ya

Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, whoever decided that this would be a good combination was an absolute genius. We had a wonderful opportunity to camp out last weekend with some new friends. I have to say that it may have been one of the best times that we have had since moving to Maine.



The trees on the way to New Hampshire and Vermont were definitely in peak on both sides of the long stretch of Hwy 95.



There was a bit of rain the first night, but the following two days shared around a camp fire were truly memorable! We ate our fair share of snackies...had to if we were to stay warm through the below freezing nights.



I shared a tent with Gray and Randy shacked up with bears and a lone chipmunk in the lean-to. (there really were no bears at our site) I worried about Gray each night as he continued to snuggle deeper and deeper down into his sleeping bag, but he rose each morning bright eyed and bushy haired. It was our first trip with another family in quite a long time.

Actually we have only gone solo since having Grayson, our last trip with a group involved rafts, many laughs, and expensive pizza, but that is a story for another blog spot) Anyhow, if you are thinking that camping with kids is not pleasant, you are mistaken...just take more than your own with you.



Grayson and Dominik played all weekend. There was actually time for stimulating adult conversation over cocoa and chicken sausages. (again we wanted to be warm in our sleep)

So now we are home preparing our apartment for the pumpkin carving that is to commence this weekend. We watched a little pumpkin didy called, "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" (thanks mom...he has already asked to watch our special family movie in the morning again...this may be a re-gift if you have small children of your own, be on the lookout.) This will be Gray's first carving so I am anticipating a fun-filled evening.

A quick update on the adoption...we are still on hold. The snag started a couple of weeks ago but is nearly sorted out. I ask for prayer on the 20th when our home study coordinator shares our case with the central office. (our agency in Maine is not equipped to handle the referral process(this is when Rwanda refers a child to us, still very far away) and Rwanda is still firming up how they plan to proceed as they continue to lay down the foundations of international adoption with their country. Also, pray for the minister in Rwanda that works on the adoptions, her family has H1N1, so lift them up for a fast recovery.

That's how things are looking in the artic north. I should have more information next week and will be thrilled to share it. Until then, Kum-by-ya, my Lord, Kum-by-ya.

Not much going on here

I really haven't been putting off posting, but nothing has really been going in the world of adoption. The meeting portion of our home study has been complete for just over six weeks now and now we are still waiting for the written portion to make its way back to us. All in good time...Our God is faithful and I am holding true to the scripture that says "be anxious for nothing."

On other fronts things are well. Randy just might defend his thesis before Christmas which would be a load off of him as well as our family. Grayson has transitioned pretty well into the next round of school. They should be starting up this week with some curriculum so I am expecting that he will be creating haiku poems within the month. I have been enjoying the fall. I am not taking any course work this semester so that has left me with more time to spend with my family, read, crochet, and bake. The problem with me baking alongside Randy is that we may get fluffy for the winter. The good news is that we live up North, so fluffiness is flattering.

I will share more once more is available to be shared. But for now, take in the palette of colors that the Lord has blessed us with this fall. If you are in an area that appears to be palette less, just be still for a moment, something is bound to catch your eye.