Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thankful Thursday-07/30/09


Five months after the accident, Matt was officially discharged from physical therapy. For anyone who is not aware of the ordeal, just follow the link to my posting.

I have found myself stopping very frequently in the last few weeks, to reflect on the events of that day, and being reminded of how lucky we all are. Matt could have very easily not survived..........but he is still here. It was very possible that he would never be able to walk again, or function in a capacity similar to what he was capable of before the accident. But he CAN walk, drive, work in the yard, and wrestle with our daughter. He can climb steps, jump, and RUN!! His amazing recovery even surprised his Physical Therapist. PRAISE GOD!

The economy is shaky and very scary for many of us, and because of it, we have had to make sacrifices (like most Americans). We have both had to endure changes in work hours, have had to adjust out budget again, and then trim some more. But he is STILL HERE to weather the economic changes WITH me!! I thank God DAILY for that.

I am also so very thankful that through all of the cutbacks at our places of employment, he has been able to keep his health insurance, and all of us have been covered. He desperately needed physical therapy. Although we have not yet received a final billing statement, the cost is well into the thousands, and we never could have afforded that without insurance. His physical functioning was hinging upon a rigorous schedule of exercises, strength training, conditioning, and the skills of a highly competent therapist. None of this would have been possible if he would have lost our insurance. Nor would the pre-school physical and FIVE immunizations that Alina Jayne had today.

I am thankful that we have our home, food on the table, vehicles to drive, and each other, as well as our close relatives and friends.

So many things to stop and be thankful for-this day and every day.

God is so good-in the good times and during the trials.

Thanks be to God.................................

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Visa Day!
05/18/06-Shamian Island, Guangzhou China

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Friday, July 17, 2009

News or no news?



Hello all, long time no writing. We've been enjoying our summer around here. Lots of projects getting done, (probably more not getting done), and LOTS of playing! Enjoying every second of it!

Where are we at in terms of the adoption? I guess there is never an easy answer. Exactly one year ago yesterday, we decided to pursue this adoption. Time sure does fly when you are waiting forever. Our dossier was sent to Ethiopia on 11/14/08. We just received a message from our agency that they referred 11 healthy infants this month, and that there are currently no healthy babies remaining in the nursery-this is bittersweet. It is good news for the babies who have found forever families, but means we have quite a wait. They do not expect to make any new referrals for at least a month.

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete files for new children coming into
care. They also told us that not as many babies are abandoned this time of year-more are abandoned in the fall and winter months.

To put this into (clear?) perspective-there is one family whose dossier was sent in October 2008 who is still waiting for a referral of a baby girl. Then they will start referring to families with dossiers there since 11/08 (aka us).

There is no exact science, but based on past trends, I have an estimate. *Maybe* a referral by end of September. Then a court date usually follows in 4-6 weeks (most cases do not pass the first time). Then we must wait for an embassy date in Ethiopia (another 4-6 weeks), PLUS waiting on all of the Immigration and Interstate paperwork to be completed so the baby can be escorted here, which in this state, can take 3 mos. Maybe a first of the year homecoming? It would have been a little quicker if we were traveling and did not have to wait for the extra immigration step for escorting, but that is not possible for us.

Keep in mind, there are so many variables. How quickly will a court date be assigned? Will we pass on the first try? How quickly will our local USCIS office move? Is there power in Ethiopia so the government offices there can be open, process paperwork, hear court cases, etc?

In the meantime, I will enjoy every second of every day with my family. Will I get impatient? Helloooo? This is KRISTY writing here! But I will remind myself......

It is all in HIS timing....................

Blessings all :O)

(you can click on the collage to enlarge it)
 
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