There is a lot of catching y'all up. This could really turn into a very long blog so I will do my best to keep it short. First, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all! I pray your time today has been spent well with family and reflecting on the true meaning, which is Jesus! I am so thankful for him! While it has been said this is not truly His Birthday, I still love this time where He is the focus by so many. I wish it was a year long thing for everyone. He is so amazing!
Second, we made our first Puzzle goal! THANK YOU so much to everyone for being a part of this goal! God showed up in some AMAZING ways during this time. It literally only took 18 days to meet this goal. We have an ON TIME God, maybe not always on our time, but ALWAYS on time.
This puzzle is going to look so cute hanging above our little ones bed. I cannot wait to explain all the names on the back of each puzzle piece to our little one when he/she is old enough to understand. There are still a few pieces left for those who are still wanting to buy a piece to bringing home our baby. We have a fundraising site at youcaring.com, we found out this site does not charge any fee's, thanks to some friends of ours who are also adopting. Please be praying for them as well during this process. It is not any easy one to travel.
Third, WE HAVE A HOME STUDY DATE!!! I will say it again, because everytime I do, I get so excited, WE HAVE A HOME STUDY DATE!!! Our last meeting on December 4th, with our awesome Social Worker was so hard. It was a very emotional time. Both Al and I had to go way back talking about life, family, and choices made. Many of you know our tesitmonies so you know it was not really a life to be proud of, however, while talking to her she said, "I would have never thought this about you!" What an amazing compliment to God's grace and healing! After about 2 hours of tears, laughter, and even healing we heard the news, "Let's set a date for your Home Study!" This date is a sweet date too, it will be on Al's Birthday which is January 9th at 4:30pm. Please be praying as we get everything ready and that she will feel a sweet presence in our home. I need to add just how good God is. This passed January 9th, we had two precious children leave our care. It hit really hard on all of us and Al said he would not enjoy his Birthday again. I love that God has given him a sweet gift so he can enjoy his day.
Many have asked what this Home Study all means, let me explain. When Adoption is something your called to do or want to do you must legally have a Home Study. Your Social Worker will visit your home to make sure it is safe for Children, meaning Chemicals, Cleaning Supplies, Medicines or anything else harmful should be locked up or put up high. You must have a Fire Extinguisher and have all outlets covered. It is basic things like this. It will take about a month for our Home Study to be finalized. Once it is finalized we can begin our grant application process and then "patiently" wait for a match. That last part is so hard.
Lastly, we will have more opportunities for you all to give as you feel led. We are still praying about more fundraisers. We trust God through this whole Adoption. We know He already has our little one hand picked, chosen for us. We know that every cent He will provide, for He already has up to this point. We also know how much we need Him and how much we need your prayers. You are all so wonderful and are a part of something greater. You are sowing eternal seeds. You are loved tremendously!
We get so excited when people talk to us about our adoption and ask questions, so please do so. We love hearing the kids in our care talk about our baby and how they cannot wait to be a big brother or big sister. I love hearing friends congratulate us and I love when our families buy things for the baby or when we just sit around and think about that day we will meet him/her. This week we were able to make a quick trip to spend a few days with family for Christmas. Here is a picture that got me excited:
I cannot wait for cute little baby feet to fill these booties! We were also able to take some family pictures that my younger sister has been wanting to take for a while. Here are a few of my favorites:
It was good time! My Dad was missed, I have to say though it was so nice to have some happiness and laughter back in our family Christmas's! God is Good people.....HE REALLY IS!!!
Finally I cannot end without sharing our Christmas Tradition we do with our kids. It is so much fun to go shopping for these and wear them to our campus tradition events:
Merry Christmas! Thank you for loving us, praying for us, and supporting us!
Until the next year;).....
Love,
Us:)
P.S. Here is our youcaring site:
http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/bring-home-baby-fishburn/274448
we also have a paypal account at brittfishburn@gmail.com
