We have a social worker!!!

Chris and I got an email yesterday afternoon from our Home Study social worker! We are really excited as this means that things will continue to go forward. Her name is Joy and she is located in Dallas. Unfortunately, it means that we will have to drive to Dallas to meet with her, but that is just part of the whole process. I called and talked with her today to set up our first set of interviews. She is available on Monday and Thursday mornings only, so we are going up next week. Because of mandatory TAKS training at school, I will have to be there Wednesday morning. Chris and I are both taking a half day off to drive up, spend the night somewhere and meet with Joy Thursday morning at the Buckner office. She said that it will take about 3 hours total, then we plan to drive home. We will have a joint interview and separate interviews.

Today, we got an email that included 2 check lists: Environmental Health & Fire Prevention so we can keep working on the house to make sure it is ready when she comes down for the house visit. She also mentioned that we will need psychologicals (required by Russia), but I am not exactly sure what that means. I guess we will find out!

Chris and I finally picked out paint colors for the main living areas (living room/office area/dining area/ hallway) and trim for the doors and door frames. Now, we just have to finish cleaning, sorting and getting rid of stuff! I knew that we were pack rats, just didn't think it was this bad.

We should be able to attend the required 2 day Adoption Seminar that is coming up in March once we get past the interviews next week. Thankfully it is during Spring Break so I won't have to take 3 days from school (Chris still has to take the days off). We have the three books to read and will start reading them next week. In addition, Chris and I are attending the Wednesday night Adult Bible Study class at church on "Shepherding A Child's Heart". I am going to ask Joy if it will count towards our required training/education. Hopefully it will, but we are enjoying it even if she says no!

Please continue to pray for us during this time, as well as for Joy. Don't forget to continue lifting up our children and their current caregivers!

Now the money issues (or lack of money) begin....