Girl, you know it...

YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT WHEN:
1.The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.4. The fact that, if 7% of the population adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convincing to you.5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about your adopted child's "real" parents.7. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.8. You have never taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.9. You believe God's heart is for adoption.10. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.11. You know what the word "Dossier" means, and you can actually pronounce it!12. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.13. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.-Author Unknown

Sadness and new hope!!!

Ok, so here I am posting after all of this time. I have made some tough decisions, after months of just feeling really unsettled about my adoption in Kazakhstan. I have decided to terminate the adoption process in Kaz. It is so hard....after all the hours I have spent. I am very disappointed and sad. I just do not have a good feeling about it any longer. I am scared about the time I could possibly have to spend away from work and am terrified of the cost of Kazakhstan adoptions and travel right now. It just seems to be getting more and more uncertain and expensive. I do not want to get near the end and have a blip that could cause me to not be able to finish. This has been weighing heavily on my heart.
There is also different news to report. I have decided to follow my heart and apply to Ethiopia. I have always felt called to adopt. I feel that the greatest need is in Ethiopia. I just swell with energy and love for the nation and their terrible struggles. There are between 4-5 milliion orphans in this country and this is just a staggering number.
Many people I speak with do not understand why I want to adopt. This is simple. I have thought about doing this since 3rd grade. I want more children. There are children without clothes, food, family......and I have the space :) Pretty simple.
It's a big commitment...and sure I am terrified in some ways, but my heart leads, and with prayer....I must follow. Travel, money, and freedom don't mean a thing if you have not followed your heart.