This past month Lawrence and I got rid of a full sized bed that took residence in the guest room upstairs (thanks to my sister and her husband), and put up a twin bed! The closet is mostly cleared out and there is a dresser and book shelf standing ready against the walls. A colorful comforter was bought and an awesome green curtain hung up. As I stepped back and took survey of the room that my husband arranged, it put a smile on my face, and energy into my soul.

It’s mind blowing to think that we are setting up a room that months from now could be inhabited by a child, our child! A child’s who story has already began and will meet with ours one day.

Oh yeah…..so In case you are confused because you didn’t read our last post, (it’s ok, we forgive you..but go back and read it) Lawrence and I are ADOPTING! Yep, it’s true, really really true. To further explain, we are actually in the process of becoming licensed foster parents, our hope is to adopt through the foster care system.

Just before Christmas we got a letter in the mail about our MAPP training classes starting in January and go through the first of February. As part of becoming foster parents we will do about 30 hours of training with our agency, learning what it takes to be a foster parent. We are working with Children’s Home Society of NC and have been moving forward with this process since October. We have completed a 32 page questionnaire that asked everything about ourselves, each other, families, growing up, life, plans for the children, lay out of home, how will you deal with…and much more. We’ve been finger printed (which were approved..yay!) we’ve been working on getting physicals done, CPR training, and completing a check list of other things. Some of that check list includes getting the rooms ready, having a fire inspection done of the house, obtaining a certified copy of our marriage license, putting together a photo book of our house, lives, families, dogs, activities…and just about who we are- so case workers can get an idea if we would be a good placement for a child in their care.

We’ve been working on a process that will forever change our lives and I can’t explain how all at once I feel nervous, excited, terrified, thrilled- and so many other emotions that I am sure every parent feels…all the time.

Side note: We also are setting up our other spare room (formerly the office) much the same as the other – twin bed, dresser, closet etc. We are preparing our home and hearts for the possibility of two children, most likely a sibling group.

Lawrence and I are very thankful for your prayers are we continue in our journey and we have been so blessed by the outpouring of excitement and encouragement you have sent our way. We continue to ask of your prayers for us and especially our future children.

Side note 2: My(our) goal is to continue to blog frequently about our process, since many of you have asked how it’s going. I hope this gives you a way to stay connected to us and our lives through this awesome time. If you have any questions please just ask!

As we learn we hope you will learn with us.

With love,
HP