News!

This has been quite a process so far.  When Ryan and Gavin were adopted, we were only going by laws and guidelines that pertained to one country.  Simple.  What made it even simpler was the fact that it was our own country.  No translators needed, not a whole lot of weird terms we didn't understand, and no I800 forms or 'biometrics' to worry about.  However, the world of international adoption is about as easy to understand as instructions for putting together a 4-handed robot . . . in Vietnamese braille.  However, we've learned much about what it takes to be able to adopt internationally, and by God's grace, we're almost there. 

On December 18th, we'll have our dossier appointment.  On this day, we'll have everything done that we can possibly do.  We'll sign our names to all of our documents, and Lifeline will finish up.  After that, its on its way to Bulgaria, and hopefully we'll get travel dates telling us when we can go and see our girl.

Which leads to the question many have asked about.  A lot of you know that a few weeks ago, we were faced with a decision that scared us.  Have you ever gone to the opthamologist and put that crazy machine over your eyes?  You know, the one that fits over your face so you look like a housefly?  On the other end, someone with crazy-bad coffee breath, that's within three inches of your face, is saying, "better one, or two?"  Well, that was the question we were asked.  One . . . or two?  We found out that there was a strong possibility that Melina, the little girl we tried to commit to first, may not have had a family, after all.  As I've written about before, adoption is a big money-maker for Eastern European countries.  The agency that had her file said, at first, that they weren't going to let us have it because they had a committed family for her.  However, when the files were due again, she wasn't coming up on the 'committed' list, which led us to believe that the first agency lied about it.  Melina was young, and she could make a lot of money for them, so they could've been trying to keep her simply for that fact.  Maybe not, but maybe.  You just never know.  Anyway, we really didn't think we could leave her behind if there was no one else to take her.  If she could just come here and get treatment, there was so much potential for her.  Not only that, but she was the one we fell in love with first. We just couldn't risk her staying in an orphanage without getting the help she needed.  After talking it over with our agency, we decided to get approved for two.  So . . . we did.  As far as we were concerned, we were bringing Maya AND Melina home.  I had no idea how in the world we were gonna do this.  I really didn't.  Craig would think about it laying in bed at night and start to sweat.  I mean, it wasn't even the additional funds of getting her here we were worried about.  I'm just talking every day operations!.  We were convinced, though, that this is what we were supposed to do.  We prayed like crazy.  I just knew that God would work it all out and that he would 'equip the called'.  We just prayed for his will, and today, he showed us what that was.

The new lists came out today (or yesterday in Bulgaria) and we now know that Melina is officially committed to another family.  Are we disappointed?  Well, maybe a smidge, but we're also relieved.  We're thrilled that she has a family that's waiting for her, but, again, we fell in love with her just like we did Maya.   God has shut a door, though, that I'll not try and pry open.  That's his plan.  I was reminded so much of the story of Abraham and Isaac when this was staring us in the face.  Abraham knew what he was supposed to do, as hard as it was.  He knew that God was asking him to sacrifice his beloved son.  He followed through without fail.  But, it was God's perfect plan and timing that ultimately prevailed, and Isaac was saved.  I wondered if this was the same kind of lesson we were being taught.  Was God testing our obedience?  We doubted and were questioning our ability to bring not ONE, but TWO children with significant special medical needs into our lives.  Our strength, sanity, and resources said , "NO!", but our trust and faith in God said, "YES!"  We were willing to do what seemed impossible.  I truly believe that God was just sittin' back, with his arms folded, saying, "Let's just see what happens here . . ."

Anyway, we're bringing Maya home and we're very at peace with the thought of seeing her sweet face joining our family.  I PROMISE . . . that as SOON as we receive our official immigration approval, I'll share her photo with you.  You really have no idea how badly I want people to see what a precious, beautiful little girl she is.

Now comes the hard part.  It shouldn't be, but it is.  Some have asked us about donating money to help with Maya's adoption.  First, let me say that we're incredibly appreciative of donations that we've received this far.  We're constantly praying for God's provision, and he's doing that.  But, those of you that know our story with the twins know that we've experienced his provision beyond what we ever could've comprehended 5 years ago.  There were so, so many of you that gave to us during a time that was difficult in every way imaginable.  With the amount left over after our bills were paid, we were able to help others with similar needs, and I can't tell you the blessing that it was for US to be able to do that with what we had been given.  I'm BLESSED to be married to an insanely meticulous, brilliant man that keeps up with every dime we spend.  Not only that, but he's kept me grounded in realizing the value of saving.  We've been married for almost six years, and he's been very diligent about saving money.  We have an 'Emergency Fund' that we've been putting money into for some time now, so we're able to pay for a good chunk of our expenses from there.  But, again, God has his ways of using others to complete his purposes. If you'd like to help with any expenses, we've set up a Lifesong account through our agency.  This account will allow you to donate, but also will also give you a tax deduction . . . YAY!  Please DO NOT feel obligated or 'guilted' into doing this.  Its simply a way that we can make it easier for those who want to give.  You can contact me through email (paigestewart0120@hotmail.com) or message me on Facebook and I'll pass along the information you need to be able to do this. 

Thanks so much for all of your prayers and support throughout this entire journey.  We have the best friends and families ever, and although some think we've lost our minds thinking we're able to do this, we know that there's so many others who have our backs.  Just trust and know that we're absolutely doing what our Lord has called us to do.  There's a tremendous joy just in following and saying "YES!" 

Much, much love . . .