The next steps for us include…. PAPERWORK!!! Everyone who has adopted before us told me this part was daunting…They. Were. So. Right. Fingerprints, copies of this and that, immunization records, check ups, a thousand signatures, and literally pages of questions about our marriage and parenting styles. BUT what a privilege it is to be on this journey.

My kids have been such an example to me in the middle of the craziness of paperwork, fundraising, and preparing to welcome a new little one… Ella and Ben have been praying for “our baby from China” for well over a year now. They asked us whether we were adopting boy or a girl, and we told them that we didn’t know but that they should ask God to show us. Almost every night since then, they do. Ella came to me the other day and said, “Mom, I think we shouldn’t just adopt one baby from China. I think we could at least adopt two.” 😳😳 I went the same “Let’s Ask God to Show Us” route, and every night since then, she does. She even told me that when she gets older, she’s not sure if she’s going to “born” babies or adopt them—“I’ll ask God, and He’ll tell me,” she said. Their simple trust… I love it.

A few more things!

Jen Harris and I have started a little earring making gig that we’ve named Sam & Alice Designs. We've made over $1500 selling these leather earrings that we never even intended to sell as a fundraiser. That is a fabulous story that you should DEFINITELY ask me to tell you. We’ll have some album sales coming up in the next few weeks, and I’d love for you to check it out!

https://m.facebook.com/groups/105284960268299?view=group

My amazing mama is going to be making (THE BEST!) cake balls for a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for us! IMore details to come as we get closer to February!

Finally, thank you for every prayer, encouraging word, and dollar you’ve given. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’ll always be so grateful.