One of the really neat people I've met so far on this adoption journey is a Mom who is adopting from the SAME ORPHANAGE as Nadia (her blog is on the right called, "Loving Alina"). She has referred to the paperwork as the "morning sickness" phase of the adoption process. Since I have had the blessing of never experiencing morning sickness with the 3 children I have birthed, I started this phase thinking that the "overwhelming" nature of adoption paperwork was a little overstated. ha ha ha
The first signs of "nausea" occurred yesterday around 3:30pm when I tried to get some answers as to whether I was allowed to send in the i-600a form without a completed home study. 5 hours later (I kid you not), I was definitely "hugging the porcelain bowl" when I realized that yes, I can send it in now but I had filled it out incorrectly for the 4th time (and printed it out in duplicate each time).
The "dry heaves" set in last night around 11:00 when I printed out the form for what I thought was the last time but then noticed that something needed to be changed AGAIN!
Today, after gobbling down some saltines to stave off any new waves of nausea, I headed to the post office to mail the dreaded form. I was so thrilled to hand this particular document over to the postal worker that I had my son, Allen, take a picture to document this event!!
OK, so I learned a couple of things. I must pray before I fill out any form or for that matter before I attempt any step in this process. God was very clear in reminding me of that when I woke up this morning. He also convicted me, once again, of my prideful thinking that I'm the one who is going to make this adoption happen as quickly as possible. He reminded me that He has Nadia's days numbered and knows exactly when she will officially be a part of our family. I just need to rest in His promises and work within His timeline without a preconceived idea of what that should look like.
Ah, yes, isn't it just like God to use a 2-page form to continue to mold my character and remind me of His Sovereignty!!! Guess I'll put the saltines away and get my bible out--and some CHOCOLATE of course!!! :)
Wow. That must have been a very, very long day. But now you know you are 1 step closer to getting precious Nadia! Hey! I want some chocolate too! But after that day you deserve it Aunt KK. :)
ReplyDeleteAMEN SISTER! You wrote the words that are in my heart today!
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't mind...I took part of your post and put it on my blog....linked it to your blog:)
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up! I used to wonder sometimes how I could spend a whole day on a few pieces of paper. At the end of the day I would think, wow, I barely accomplished anything. How could it take THAT long? I still don't know how--but it become a full time job for awhile. So, could that be morning, afternoon and evening sickness? :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I swear that is the same lady who works at our post office! The woman who handled my passport application looked exactly like her. Too bad I did not have a picture taken :)
ReplyDeleteWe are learning a lot about ourselves through this process, and about understanding that our own plans don't take the top spot :).
I am looking forward to meeting you~!
I think you and Lisa could be sisters- you are both SO pretty!
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteOne thing,among the many, that God taught me through our adoption journey is that to Him it is all about the journey, not the destination. It is about all the lessons He can teach us, as we lean on Him to get us to our children. You're ahead of the game to realize it this early!!
http://www.clocklink.com/gallery.php?category=ANALOG
ReplyDeleteIf you go there you can choose a clock for your blog like I have on mine...you just have to pick the clock and the time zone and then copy the url into your blog. Do you know how to do that?
Welcome to it, dear friend. Soooooo much fun, isn't it??? :) One tiny piece of paper at a time--slow and steady--that's the ONLY way!!!
ReplyDeleteYou CAN do this...if I can, anyone can :)
You should consider writing a book about this--your wit is astounding and it would be beneficial for those who are out of blog-world! :) Hang in there honey, you can do this,as you said, only thru HIS strength--and Jodi you are right, Krissy and Lisa do look like sisters --especially when you know how pretty Kris's sisters are!! :) Just as pretty as K & L
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I hope your adoption goes smooth--and fast!
ReplyDeleteThis too shall pass. I endured 38 weeks of throwing up around the clock. No fun but so worth it:)
ReplyDeleteLisa
Dear Friend,
ReplyDeleteGreat update. As of mother of 5 adopted children I can honestly say that the morning sickness you are experiencing is NOTHING compared to the joy of giving "birth" to that little love over in the Ukraine. You don't look too bad for being "pregnant" either!!!! Take care and hang in there. Love reading the blog and how God is using this is so many lives to remind us of His faithfulness and love!!
What a wonderful photograph and epiphany of GODs workings.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful to be celebrating with you this journey to bring Nadia home to you.......
Many, many blessings.
tara marie
My teacher's friend was adopting a little girl and in the first month of her at home, her biological mother took her back! That family is in the process of adopting another one and are waiting for the phone call anyway! I thought I'd say that (or type that) since this blog is about adopting. I'll give you her blog name if you want aunt k!
ReplyDelete