Change is good.....right?

It's been a busy couple of weeks. We rushed around last week to get all of our paperwork mailed out. Now we wait for the I171-H, that allows us to bring a orphan back into the country.....and our referral for a child. We are #7 on the list for a little girl. I don't really know what that means other than we could get a referral next week, next month, or in 2,3,4 months...and on and on and on. There is just no way know. So we just wait and trust that God has that perfect little girl picked out for our family. I can't wait to see her face...I am already in love with her and I have no idea who she is yet.

This week has been a little stressful. We found out that we now may have to travel to Ethiopia TWICE. They have changed the proceedure and now want both adoptive parents to appear at the court date, that's when your child is officially adopted. Right now the proceedure is that a representative from our agency would have power of attorney to represent us at court. Then once all the visas and so forth were done, we would travel to pick up our child. There is much speculation on why they have changed this, one is a "medical" issue. There have been a few cases that the parents have traveled to pick up there child only to find out they are not as healthy as stated....I'm talking some pretty major issues. I've heard of one case where the parents left the child in the orphanage...can you imagine??? But once that child has passed court...they are no longer adoptable by another family, therefore spend the rest of their lives in the orphanage. So on one hand, it's good that we would have to travel and meet our child. We could also spend some time and visit the country and learn more about the culture. But on the other hand, that's alot of money and time away from my family and work. It would be hard to be away from my 3 kids that long. And work....what would they do without me??? :) We sure don't have another trip figured into the budget. We are guessing when this is all said and done this adoption will end up costing between $20,000 and 25,000...now add another $6,000 or so....holy cow. It's a little scary to think about. We have to believe that God will provide.

We have talked about doing some sort of fundraiser, but haven't come up with a great idea yet. So if any of you reading this have an idea, let us know!!!! I plan on having a garage sale this summer, but that won't even come close to what we need. We are also looking into "Lifesong" who will set up an adoption account for us and family and friends can donate and get a tax deduction, they also award matching grants. Which would be wonderful.

So the change has shaken things up a bit...but that's good right?

Speaking of change...I started a diet. A real diet. I went from teaching yoga and aerobics 4 times a week to being a bakery owner....not the greatest career change for my body. Honestly, the diet hasn't been too bad. I can't have any sugar. I thought it was going to be unbearable. But it's really not bad. I'm only 4 days in, but I was told the first 4-5 days were the worst. The one thing I am craving is salt. I would love to have a bowl of popcorn or chips and salsa. Those, I miss.... :( So I am trying to get myself back in shape and healthy again. I have to get in shape to keep up with a toddler again!!!!! I am only allowing myself to get on the scale once a week. I don't want to get crazy about it. So to my bloggy friends, keep me accountable. I will give my weekly updates and can hopefully report on my success!!