So today marks the first month of waiting being over. Although the month went by as any month does, whenever I thought of the adoption, it seemed to drag by. Honestly, when we originally got our DTE and found out it would be 9 months from that date, I was so depressed, I didn't want to talk to anyone about the adoption. People would ask how things were going and I would brush it off by saying "fine, just waiting." If people prodded anymore I would try to find a way to change the subject so as not to have to go into details about how long it was going to take or when we expected to hear anything. Even though I knew "everything is in God's time" (which some friends tried to remind me of), I didn't want to think about that. But of course, God reminds you of these things Himself.
Something we have had to be thankful for is my job situation. Over the summer I decided to try to work "as needed" for several different places in the area. One place in particular decided they could use me up to 20hrs a week (which worked out to be more $ than working 40hr weeks at my current place). Although I have enjoyed the flexibility that the schedule has provided, this past week they decided to offer me a permanent full-time position. Which I accepted...praise #1.
Then last week, we got news back from our tax guy. Because John had graduated from Anderson University in May with his Master's Degree, and AU's county had been declared a federal disaster area from a storm that went through, we ended up with a bigger return that normal. Which will allow us to pay off all remaining debt, including the last of John's student loan...praise #2.
Most of you may not know that John and I currently live in Elkhart county, which as of last month has the highest un-employment rate in the country at aprox. 15%. I feel blessed to have a job where I enjoy working and my field is doing well enough that they wanted to hire me full-time. (Mainly because a robot can't do my job...and there's baby-boomers everywhere just getting older:))...praise #3. However, several weeks ago, we found out that the church (John's employer) was going to cut a position. This was very upsetting to John and I as we will miss the friends we have made in Steve and Jenny and also their kids that we have grown to love who are in our youth group, Elise and Anthony. While we know that God has a plan for Steve and Jenny in their ministry, it is still hard to face the reality of the county we live in and wish somehow it could have not had to impact our church family.
Which brings me to my next point. Even though waiting 9 more months for a referral seems like an eternity at this point, it will allow us to do several things. 1.) Save enough money to hopefully be able to pay America World our final payment when it is due at time of referral (aprox. $12,000) without having to go into debt. 2.) Maybe even have enough to redo the flooring in the upstairs of our house which I wanted to be able to do before Yoshi is here. 3.) Get the nursery (and house) ready (and have the money to do it). 4.) Research and educate ourselves about the things to expect in Ethiopia, the rest of the adoption process and what to do with a 6 month old:)
So, look at that, I guess everything does happen in the timing that is best. I will feel free to re-visit and re-read this blog next month (or next week) when I am questioning it again!...
No comments:
Post a Comment