Breath.....Just Breath

OMG!  Just heard from our case worker that we were selected by CPS for these children.  The process now is we await the case files which could take 7 to 10 days, then we go through them with our case worker.

Sometime after that we meet with CPS, our case worker and others for questions then we decide if we want to continue to pursue.

This must be what it feels like to know you are about to be a parent;  will we be good parents, will we be able to handle whatever comes our way, will we be able to show them the love of Christ that he so wants them to know.   I have so many feelings running through me right now; excitement , anxiety, a little panic, ...I've cried and now I'm kinda numb.   Give me a second, I should be coming up on another emotion any time now....

Too all our friends:   We know many of you are anxious for us.  We appreciate everyone's concern but know this, God has set us on this path and He will see us through.  For I know the plans I have for you.... He knows the plans He has for these children as well.   We go into this eyes wide open and are confident that God has placed this within us.  Every child deserves a home and to be loved unconditionally.  We know God has the children for us already determined.  We are trusting him through this process.    We aren't naive and this isn't everyone's road.  All we ask is that you stand beside us; pray for us and for the children.

Thank you so much!   We love and appreciate you guys more than you could ever know!

Josh and Juli

What does morning sickness feel like?

Ok, so no, I'm not pregnant, but man am I nauseous.  I didn't think you were supposed to get morning sickness when you were adopting. LOL

Here's the scoop.   About 1 1/2 weeks ago we were notified that there were two children in need of a family by our caseworker.  We decided to put our file in for these children.   To recap for those new here, the process goes like this - 

1.  Children identified and our family asked if we would like to send our file.  We will have received a photo and a short bio on the children at this point.

2.  If we say yes, the file gets sent and put together with other families' files that are interested in these children.  

3.  Selection Staffing is where the CPS worker and others go through the files and choose their top 3 families; and put them in order 1 through 3.  Family #1 will be notified and the children's detailed files are sent.

4.  A Presentation Staffing is held with the family to present information and for them to ask questions etc.  The family has 48 hours after this meeting to decide if they would like to continue to pursue the children.   If they say no, CPS then goes to Family #2 and the process starts again.

5.  If you say yes after Presentation Staffing, they schedule the meetings with the children.  They are always done wherever the children live; so if they are in Lubbock, El Paso, Corpus,...we go to them.  Usually there are at least 2 to 3 meetings, sometimes more to help the transition.   

Once they are in our home, the clock starts counting and at 6 months the adoption is finalized.

SO, now that we've gotten through all that - here's the deal -  we know we are in the top 3 families for these children - 8/31 they will decide the order.   Please pray, because we want God's will for this.  If these are the children for us, we want the door thrown open wide, if not we want it shut.  

Thank you everyone for standing with us.  We so appreciate your friendship, encouragement and love.  

Will keep you posted.

Josh and Juli

We are officially licensed!!!

Lots has happened since I last posted; top of the list if we were notified yesterday evening that our agency signed our papers and we have been officially licensed by the State of Texas for adoption and respite care.

Respite care is basically caring for foster children when their foster parents need a sitter. While we wait for our matches we will be able to do this for families in our area.

We are SOOOO excited and nervous and happy and anxious and just about every other emotion you can think of. So, you ask, what now.

At this point they will take our profile and begin the matching process. I'll write more about that later.

Also, God has given me the most fantastic job. I'll write more about that too but I have to run; Josh is calling. Love u guys!