In the midst of the adoption process, paperwork does not seem to stop. We just finished our home study (PRAISE THE LORD!), and I (Laurel) desperately want to take a paperwork break. But, all adoption- related paperwork is VERY time sensitive. So, breaks cannot last long, unless we want to redo previously done paperwork. And … Continue reading Paperwork, painting, and pumpkin rolls
Adoption Update: August 2019
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com We wanted to share an update regarding our adoption journey. We have decided to adopt from Colombia, South America! Our home study is in the final review stage, which means our placing agency, Children’s House International (CHI), needs to review the home study created by Creative Adoptions in Ellicott City, … Continue reading Adoption Update: August 2019
Moving from Expectations to a Change in Perspective
Have you ever struggled with expectations? You have in your mind how you want things to go, and when things don't happen according to your plan, you're inevitably disappointed? You, think, "maybe my expectations were too high? Let me try to lower my expectations." But by lowering your expectations, you may be settling for less … Continue reading Moving from Expectations to a Change in Perspective
Love Makes a Family
Home should be an anchor, a port in a storm, a refuge, a happy place in which to dwell, a place where we are loved and where we can love.Marvin J. Ashton Here are the t-shirts that Sybil, Laurel's sister, has designed! This shirt features the outline of Colombia, the country we are adopting from, … Continue reading Love Makes a Family
The puzzle has arrived…
We received the actual puzzle for our Adoption Puzzle Fundraiser! It's so beautiful, right?! But, do you notice anything strange? Well, our goal is to sell pieces of a 500 piece puzzle... And I ordered a 500 piece puzzle... but what you see here is a 513 piece puzzle. Oh well. We have a puzzle. … Continue reading The puzzle has arrived…
Rethinking “stranger”
When Ryan and I launched our puzzle fundraiser to raise funds for the initial costs of adoption, I was surprised when "strangers" were among the first people who bought pieces to support our adoption. Strangers. People that neither one of us know at all. Before some of our best friends and closest relatives bought pieces. … Continue reading Rethinking “stranger”
The country we will be adopting from is…
This week, Ryan and I chose the country we will be adopting from. We are convinced that there is no right or wrong choice in this matter, considering there are children in need of safe, permanent, loving homes in all of the countries that we are approved for. However, we had to choose one. So, … Continue reading The country we will be adopting from is…
Sow something
So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:7 I (Laurel) just planted our garden. Compared to most Maryland gardeners, I feel pretty behind. I also feel completely unskilled when it comes to gardening. Do you remember that feeling when you … Continue reading Sow something
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Ever have trouble sleeping? Well, I (Laurel) don't. Hardly ever. So, when I do, like tonight, I have no idea what to do. I pray. I start thanking Jesus for everything in my life. I picture myself on a beach in Hawaii (not sure why, but this always helps me calm down a bit). Why … Continue reading He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Puzzle Piece Fundraiser for Adoption
Even if you've never adopted, here's something I bet you know about private adoption... it's expensive. Like SUPER expensive. So, most people walk away from adoption at this point. We TOTALLY understand. We tried to several times, but, here we are, trusting the Lord and following Him on this adoption journey. To raise funds for … Continue reading Puzzle Piece Fundraiser for Adoption
Irons in the Fire 