Another Sunday Update

As I write this, it is a little after 5pm in our daughter's country. Here in the States, our day is just beginning. I woke to the sounds of my alarm clock (i.e. EJ) and after her morning nursing session we are in the den playing. It's hard to think about the fact that in the first 45 minutes she was awake, EJ probably received more attention than our daughter in EE received ALL DAY. More on that later in this post.

Highlights of the week:

Homestudy
Our homestudy was finalized and arrived in our mailbox on Thursday. Friday morning I sent it off to USCIS! Please keep praying for speed and favor as we are matched with a USCIS officer and receive an appointment for our biometrics.

Baby girl
There was also another pretty noteworthy event on Thursday. Click here to see a beautiful photo!
In a few days I will write another post answering some questions that have come up since we've committed to Nadiya.

I know it's easy to see Nadiya's sweet photo and become overwhelmed with how cute she is, especially with those delicious cheeks and darling ears! And oh, how fun to have a sweet little baby!
But that's not why we are going to fly across the world to adopt this sweet little one. It isn't because she is so precious, or because I LOVE having a baby so much (although she is, and I do).
I don't specifically know Nadiya's condition or situation, but I am familiar with what I know to be true of many former-orphans from her country. I know that most likely, she is not receiving the nutrients she needs and probably is hungry a lot of the time. Her interaction with caretakers is probably very infrequent. She might have already learned not to cry after months of having no one respond.
I don't say this to depress anyone (or myself). I think it's important to remember WHY we are adopting and the conditions orphans with special needs face each day in EE.

Last day of work
Many of you know that I've had the wonderful opportunity to return to work on a part-time/contract employee basis. Wednesday was my last day, as the hotel was sold and my services were no longer needed. I'm not going to lie- it was a stressful 3 months of trying to balance EJ's therapy (four sessions/week), getting this adoption process underway, being a FT mommy/wife, and fitting in 2 days at work. The money I earned is going straight toward adoption costs which of course is a blessing.
We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped with babysitting EJ while I've worked. Justin and I know you all are busy and your sacrifice of time is so appreciated!! Auntie Arlene, Becky, Grandma Coco, Grandma Sheri, and Nana- thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Fundraising Update
Our garage sale is on Saturday. We have tons of neat things to sell, please pray that there will be a large turnout! We have a little less than 3 weeks to continue our shoe collection. As of yesterday, we have gathered 820 pairs! Please continue to spread the word.

-M