Back on Track
After a flurry of new information about the U.S. side of things involved with our prospective adoption from ACFI (Dixville) in Monrovia, Liberia, we have decided to go the independent route toward Sayfou and Maddy (Liberian name: Matterline). God willing, we will go with a local agency that is known for its solid home studies and we will utilize the resources of both the Rutledges and the Caswells, who have recently adopted independently from the same orphanage. My husband and I feel very much like God is on the move and we are on a swift ride. Yes, we've discussed the possibilities that these children might be special needs' kids. For hours into the night, we've talked about how this will shake up life as we know it... and life is pretty good right now. Our daughters are 10 and 12; both will be in middle school next year; we see the end of hiring babysitters as soon they will be able to stay at home alone for small stretches of time. It's so fun to sit around the dinner table and laugh at their jokes; their senses of humor have developed quickly in this house where both their parents love to laugh!
But we are realistic about this MAJOR life change. We want our son downstairs and our daughters upstairs. That means Dave is giving up his office that is right off the foyer. That's a tremendous sacrifice! We need to purchase two more beds for the two more Verhaagen bodies that will fit into them at nighttime.
We need to postpone our summer's vacation plans because we need to be ready to travel to Liberia at a moment's notice.
We are making serious commitment and movement... not toward just "any" children, but these two children in particular. We are letting our family and friends know our intent, and hopefully, this blog will be a helpful resource toward our thought process for any who are interested.
More than anything, it's fun to hear my husband say things like, "Well, next year when we have four children..." because I, too, have already adopted Sayfou and Maddy into my heart as I make preparations to adopt them into our home and family. I am joyful, for the first time in a long time. It feels like this is a lavish gift from the Lord to me and I am experiencing great joy DAILY with anticipation. Happy Holidays to all who read this!
But we are realistic about this MAJOR life change. We want our son downstairs and our daughters upstairs. That means Dave is giving up his office that is right off the foyer. That's a tremendous sacrifice! We need to purchase two more beds for the two more Verhaagen bodies that will fit into them at nighttime.
We need to postpone our summer's vacation plans because we need to be ready to travel to Liberia at a moment's notice.
We are making serious commitment and movement... not toward just "any" children, but these two children in particular. We are letting our family and friends know our intent, and hopefully, this blog will be a helpful resource toward our thought process for any who are interested.
More than anything, it's fun to hear my husband say things like, "Well, next year when we have four children..." because I, too, have already adopted Sayfou and Maddy into my heart as I make preparations to adopt them into our home and family. I am joyful, for the first time in a long time. It feels like this is a lavish gift from the Lord to me and I am experiencing great joy DAILY with anticipation. Happy Holidays to all who read this!
I was so excited to read this blog and learn that I am to have 2 new cousins in my family. I love them already and can't wait to meet them. What a blessed family you have. God bless you all as you continue on this journey.
Reply to this