A Treasure Chest Overflowing....

This evening we had our first home study visit! It was exciting to think that we are really beginning the process once again! Our next visit will take place at the beginning of March, and then we will be ready to send it off to USCIS and wait for our approval! In the meantime we will begin working on our dossier. And while we thought we would definitely be adopting again from Ethiopia, a child most likely 1-3, another country and age range has entered the mix- Thailand! Our agency also offers an HIV program in this country, and it is an option we are seriously considering. We are also considering adopting a child that is maybe 4 or even 5. How did this come about? Honestly, we just kind of overlooked this country as an option, but the more we looked into it, the more excited we became. We love Ethiopia and we will never forget this country or the impact it has had on our lives. We also feel that God may be desiring to expand our family not only in number but also in geography :) So, we will just wait and see.....

As we have been trying to seek God's will on which country to go with and what age range to request, I admit, I have been a little anxious and have had some trouble sleeping over this decision. Some very gracious and helpful families discussed with me via email their experience with adopting children in the age range of 3-5. They were so helpful and encouraging! One amazing woman offered this observation- I don't think she would mind me sharing it:

When we sat at the National Adoption Center in Ukraine across from a representative who passed us a 3-inch stack of orphan files, I felt overwhelmed. How would we ever choose a child from all those needing families? Immediately, an image came into my mind: a treasure chest overflowing with jewels of brilliant colors, sparkling and glittering. It was like God said to me, "These are my precious jewels. Just choose one and be blessed."

Wow! This image has caused so much peace to come over me regarding our country and age decision. This wise woman is right- just choose one and be blessed. Amen.