Well things are progressing really well. We have officially completed our home study. Our Social Worker, DeNese, came to visit a second time, last Wednesday and we went over in greater detail, the possible issues that may arise during the adoption process and after we bring the boys home.
Some examples of the issues she talked about were – like overeating initially after arriving here. The boys probably won’t be used to having as much food readily available throughout the day like we do here in the U.S. so they can tend to overindulge a bit or hoard food initially. Some of the other issues were more emotional in nature - like issues of loss they may feel from being separated from their birth-family, the caretakers at the orphanage or friends that they may have had at the orphanage. We talked a lot about how Donna and I would deal with the subject of adoption after the boys start asking questions about it. One of the things DeNese strongly suggested is to have them keep a ‘Life Journal’ that we start for them and document the experiences and feelings we are having leading up to being united with them as a family. That way we have something we can show them and refer to when they ask ‘when? Where? Why? And How? All in all it was really interesting to learn about and I hope that when/if these issues arise we will be prepared.
On another note – we’re done with the paperwork for our citizenship and U.S. security stuff. This was really wild cuz we had to have our fingerprints taken – 2 times – and I don’t know about you but I had never gotten my fingerprints done. The first time we had to go downtown (dahntahn) and it was all electronic and pretty cool. But the second time – today – we had to have it done here at the town, Penn Hills, Police Station and I swear we walked back in time. I thought Barney Fife was gonna walk around the corner in the building. The ink pad they used to take our prints looked like it was from the 1800s and the office had no computers. Anyway, it was fun and Donna and I have had such a good time together going to these places and getting to do these things.
Lastly, for this week, I’d like to report that we have made our FIRST purchase of toys for our little guys. The other night we were out and about looking for some things for my office here at home and we were in Target. We walked by the sporting section and they had the coolest little baseball mitts. Not the fake looking plastic kind but real leather, real looking mitts just about the quarter of the size of a regular mitt. So I just HAD to pick them up. But I think we’ve opened up a Pandora’s Box cuz I’m itching to go to Dick’s now and get some footballs and hockey sticks for them as well.
Again we can really see Gods’ hand in all of this. He is leading us everyday in the paperwork, the decisions we make and through the support and love we are getting from all of you - our friends and family. I gotta say that this has really been an eye opener for me. One of the biggest struggles, at this early stage in my spiritual journey, was to just let God take over and show me the way to carry out His will and plans for my life. Outwardly, it’s really easy to say it, but inwardly it’s really difficult to not worry about finances, paperwork, logistics, etc. And if anyone knows me, worrying is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. However, when we heard Him call us to do this I decided that this was the one thing I really wanted to just ‘go with it’ and let Him work this while I would just be His hands and feet. So I when I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:34 where he says “Don’t worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I said BINGO! I can’t explain why or how God has provided for us to do this but it was like all barriers were removed in the areas of finances, paperwork and logistics and he said “Alright…now you have no excuses…”. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that yeah I still worry sometimes but I know that’s just doubt and second thoughts planted there to try and detract me from our goals. Cuz I know that no one has ever added any extra time to their lives by worrying.
Well, I think that’s about it. Thanks so much again everybody for all the support. The responses here are great and really fun to read. Donna and I check it every coupla hours and love to hear from everybody. We really hope you feel a part of all of this – we’re trying to keep the news fresh and up to date.
Love,
Scott & Donna
TRUST
I read through some of the comments you made about things your social worker talked about. If there is one word, a single word that can sum up a successful, loving relationship between adults and children, it's TRUST. From my experiences teaching even the most sullen kids, when they began to trust that I was there for one reason only, to help them learn because I genuinely liked them, most problems became minor ones. I think the two of you will do very well with your children because of the trust you put in one another to make this the best experience for all four of you. Sounds like most of the hurdles have been cleared
Toy shopping
Being a big shopper, I have found that after becoming a Mom that shopping for our kids is WAY, WAY better!! It is so fun to pick up little things you know they will like- (even if it's used on ebay or yard sales! You guys are going to love every moment of this!
Shopping
I agree with CherieR! Shopping for yourselves is pretty much over. First it was the house and now the boys!!!
You are blessed.
I am so touched by your entry. What a way to start my day! I love to hear the exciting things God is doing and I love to read how open you are to His call. Can't wait for more... Lvoe, Amy :) P.S. I'm sure Ron will LOVE to hear that you got baseball mit
Way to go!
Congratulations on getting your home study done!! That's such a huge task and you completed it so quickly! You are well on your way now and with God in the driver's seat, you can't go wrong!! Love, Shelley
What About A Tennis Racquet?
Way cool that you've bought the first of the sports toys!!! But I couldn't help but notice that there was no mention of tennis equipment anywhere. I'm sure this was simply an oversight but in the event that you've decided not to expose the boys to the sport of a lifetime then please accept my rebuke. Ha! Ha! (Although I'm not really all that upset that golf wasn't mentioned.) Having said all of that I'm volunteering to give the boys their first tennis lessons. And of course my normal fee for such extraordinary training will be waived. :) Seriously ... I'm so glad things are progressing well. Last night I spoke with a woman from Columbia who is new to our church - she's been in the states since February. She has her son with her and they're going to be at the Couple's Seminar this weekend so I'll introduce you! Take care, David
Have they ever seen snow????????
Sleds, snowboards and snowman accessories... :o) You will have to take picures of their faces when it snows for the first time. Oh, and maybe some little snow shovels... :o)
Celebration
We are thrilled that you have found joy in the blessings that you will be bringing to your new family - and of the blessings that you will receive from the love that you are already growing. Looking forward to more good new.
Don't foget the running shoes!!!!
Great to read the wonderful progress you have been making. It is also very heartwarming to see God at work in your lives and your recognition and reliance on Him. Don't forget the running shoes, they can start with the Junior Great Race...
Keep Up the Good Work
Scott and Donna, We know it's a long hard process, but it'll be well worth it. Baseball mitts are just the beginning! Keep up the good work! Love, Unc "C" and Aunt Eileen
FANTASTIC
Sorry for the slow response...I loved the mayberry analogy...That passage from Matthew has always been a personal favourite....I love how the first items purchased were sports related...Donna, your father must be proud of that factoid. I hope the newest Steeler fans arrive soon so they can take in NFL season.
Belated Congratulations!
Donna & Scott, What an amazing journey you're on! I can't believe that soon you will be a family of 4. (Now you need the dog back!) I think it's wonderful & you guys will be great parents to those two lucky boys. How your life will change!! Anyway, congratulations & I love being able to keep up with the progress. Love, Lisa
shopping for little boys!
What fun you must be having! And putting those mitts to use will be even better. Thanks for keeping us updated. Will talk to you soon! K, D N and E
hard work
it sounds like you guys have been working so hard but have come a long way! enjoy shopping for those boys! (Can't wait to find out more details so we can start shopping for them too . . . !) love, K, B, J, and S
So Exciting!
Lee and I are so happy for you and I just appreciate the perspective that you're taking on the whole thing. This past year the idea that God gives us enough grace for TODAY really helped me through the pregnancy and has helped to handle Luke's needs. It helps to focus on the immediate and not worry about the future.
Greetings from Germany
You took a great decision to adopt the two boys! When they are old enough you should send them over to Germany for some weeks... I 'll give them a free language course in German :-) God bless, Heiko