Adoption Update

It's been a while since I've updated you all on how the adoption is going....this is because well....there's a lot of "hurry up and wait" in an adoption process. For the past (what seems like forever) we've been tweaking my homestudy to reflect my desire to adopt an HIV+ child (hopefully boy) from Ethiopia. That is finally done! YEAH! We've also had to do some research into some extra immigration forms that need to be done to bring an HIV+ child into the U.S. - my worker had never seen these forms before and we had to do some digging to figure out who/when/where these needed to be done. But - we eventually did figure it out. And finally, my Immigration packet to Homeland Security has been sent out as of yesterday! This is a big step in the process - and typically takes between 1-3 months. Once I get "approval" from the big D.C. dudes that I can bring an orphan into the U.S., we will send the full completed packet to Ethiopia and then wait for a referral (a "referral" is when the staff in Ethiopia look at my packet of information and "match" me with a child). I'm not expecting a long wait for my referral simply due tothe incredible number of HIV+ kids that need homes. I'm praying right now that I'll be traveling sometime early 2009 - but I'll certainly keep you all posted as I know more. In the meantime, a big thank-you to all of you for your continued prayers and encouragement! I certainly covet them and am grateful that God has blessed me with so many incredible friends and a great family! My cup overfloweth!

I've been Tagged

Okay - well that happened awhile ago from my dear sister-in-law Brooke, but I haven't gotten around to responding to this challenge until now. So here goes! Enjoy the 10 random, weird, quirky things about me :)

1) I adore sweets. I think this came from my Grandma Keeler who would "reward" herself everyday with a small scoop of ice cream. I sometimes think I really could indeed survive just off deserts!

2) I'm a pretty planful organized girl - so when plans change unexpectedly I tend to not handle it well. Some of you have experienced the joy of watching me "adjust".

3) I have a goal to adopt an HIV+ child from Ethiopia! YEAH!

4) I love painting my toe-nails, but hate pedicures. I only like to use the color pink (or course) on my toes.

5) I love reading and whenever have a little extra money will excitedly purchase some used books on Amazon.com. I'd much rather buy books than shoes, clothes, or anything else really.

6) I love taking bubble baths - not a huge fan of showers.

7) Large groups of people make me nervous, I do much better in small groups of one-on-one (it's the Keeler introvert in me!)

8) I love cleaning - it's really therapeutic for me - but I hate grocery shopping and laundry.

9) Did I mention that I hate grocery shopping? I guess that sort of goes along with the fact that I detest cooking (but baking is okay). I should add that I thoroughly enjoy eating - especially when someone else has done the cooking :0

10) I LOVE JESUS and am grateful everyday for the hope and purpose He gives my life!

So most of my friends don't have blogs...so I'm not sure I can tag anyone else! But thanks again 'sis - hope you get a kick out of the above :)

Prepare to be Humbled and Challenged!

Check this out....

Did someone say Skydiving?

Yup - someone sure did! Kimmy and I went skydiving on Saturday - we've both wanted to do it for a long time and since she left for S. Africa today, we had to fit it in before she left :) It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had a ball (and can't wait to do it again!). Check out the pic's - although you wouldn't think it - falling from 10,000 feet is really hard work!

Me w/ the SkyDiveInc sign :)


That would be me and my man Bill practicing how we are going to get out of the plane (10,000 feet in the air, going 80 MPH, on a platform the size of a shoe box, hooked together in 4 spots).

Bill again - hilarious guy but super professional and made us feel really safe! (a definite must for novice skydivers!)

Picture of Bill, Kimmy and her tandem guy Harley - we crammed 5 of us in this teeny-tiny plane!

Me - (will Bill looking very focused over my shoulder) just as I'm about to get out of the plane. You can probably guess what I'm thinking at this very moment - "I'm about to do WHAT???"

Anyway, it was an amazing experience and the place we went to was great (SkyDiveInc in Hastings, MI). We free fell for 6,000 feet (during which it's really cold and hard to breathe - sounds fun, huh?!), and then played in the parachute for another 4,000. The whole thing took probably like 7 minutes - but was totally worth it! If anyone wants to come next time - just let me know :)

P.S. On the adoption front I really feel like God is giving me clarity day by day - I've talked w/ several very Godly people who I know, trust, respect, and admire, but most importantly have just been seeking the face and wisdom of my Lord. I'll keep you all posted once I know "for sure" about what direction I'm taking :) Thank you again for your continued prayers - they mean the world to me!

Fasting and Prayer

As I prepare to send my dossier to Ethiopia and officially begin the waiting process, I am asking for your prayers. I'm spending the next 3 days in prayer and fasting - asking God what child He would have me request (yes, you do have to be specific about what kind of child you desire - boy/girl, infant/toddler/school-age, HIV+, etc). When I initially started this process several months ago, I was interested in pursuing an HIV+ child - since that time, fears and "practicalities" have moved me away from this - but recently, God laid this burden on my heart again. My prayer during this process has been, "not my will, but Yours" - I've seen many times in my life how God does indeed know what's best for me and has a wonderful plan laid out for my life (when I say "wonderful" - that doesn't necessarily translate into "easy" - but I've also learned through the many amazing experiences God has given me, that "easy" doesn't build character, doesn't give us an opportunity to show our faith to others, and doesn't make an eternal or lasting impact on the world). With that said, I am asking God for clarity, wisdom, and discernment in regards to the child that He has for me. I'm also praying for courage to be obedient in whatever He asks. If that is an HIV+ child (which has little to no chance of ever being adopted, and millions will languish and die in orphanages overwhelmed by all these children) - I will certainly need courage to face the potential negative or confused reactions of friends, family, neighbors, communities that may (or may not) have a difficult time understanding this decision.

This "decision" is truly agonizing - as I know that when God's reveals what child He desires for me, another will be left behind.

Thank you in advance for your prayers in this decision. I am grateful to know that many have been praying and will continue to pray as I walk through this process....by faith.

Riverbank Run!

The girls and I ran the Riverbank Run here in GR on Saturday. We had so much fun! Most of us did the 10k and one of us did the 25k (Go Kimmy!). We all were pleased with our times and none of us crawled over the finish line! It was a gorgeous day and it was awesome to be part of this huge event! Our next adventure may be a 15k in Traverse City this summer and/or the 1/2 marathon here in the Fall. Does all this running sound crazy to anyone else?

Lizzy :) Thankfully we were able to get her in the car on time as we headed for the starting line - she tends to run a little bit on her own schedule (i.e. LATE!)


Kimmy and Me :) We have a skydiving date in mid-June! Yikes!


The adoption process continues - still gathering paperwork together - my hope is to submit everything within the next 2 weeks. After I submit everything, it goes over to Ethiopia for translation and the clock then officially starts :) They are saying right now at least a year wait for a referral (but could be longer) - but I figure that's a good amount of time to try and prepare myself to have my world turned upside down by this little one.

Also, I'm happy to report that my Uncle Jim is doing just great. He's back at work and is even running around the neighborhood! Thank you to everyone who has kept him in their prayers as he continues to recover!

Thanks again for all your love and support!

The Home Study ;)

Some of you who are aware of the adoption process may have heard about the infamous "home study" - which I think they really should call the "parent study"! The home study can strike fear in the heart of even the most confident would-be parent as they dig around into your most intimate thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams! Although I certainly feel it's a necessary part of the adoption process, it certainly can make one feel really vulnerable! All that to say, my adoption worker is coming over next week of check out my home - so I'm busy preparing by making sure all is in tip top shape for her visit! Mom and Ron are coming over this weekend to install some new electrical outlets and covers, hang a door in the basement, etc - (I didn't think that having exposed outlets would be a great thing for my adoption worker to see). Also, you'll all be very happy to know that I do indeed plan to make a trip to the grocery store in anticipation for the big visit! My mom reminded me yesterday that it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have some type of food in the house when she comes over - you know, the basics, like some milk, bread, eggs.....details, details! I'll keep you posted on how things progress!

Thanks again for your thoughts, encouragement, and prayers as I walk through this process. I can't put into the words the support and love I have felt especially from my family and dear friends. Just yesterday, my Dad told me he's going to read a book about adoption so he can learn more! How amazing! Even though I'm single, I certainly haven't felt "alone" in this process. Not only do I feel God's love and support and guidance, but also feel such love and support surrounding me from family and friends! THANK YOU!

Also, to my mom, step-mom, and sister-in-law - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!