the 4th Quarter Stretch

Back in January when we started the process of adoption, we made it through the first quarter by taking our fantabulous dive trip to Thailand and then sharing the news with family. At that point it really felt like it would be forever to get so close to our little one. Second quarter was filled with more sharing of news amongst friends, getting our camper out of storage, and kicking off camping season. Nothing like Memorial Day weekend at Mill Creek with a little strawberry lemonade and a taco bar buffet. Then came the third quarter with family cookouts, local festival shopping, loss and addition of a new puppy as well as more camping. We again visited Mill Creek to spend Labor Day camping with friends, deep frying anything we could find (Oreos!!), and sharing a pasta bar. 


Well we're now into the fourth quarter and camping season is officially over. So sad, but we did have a great trip over to Indiana where we enjoyed the fall colors and a walk around the Covered Bridge Festivals. However, I would not say the fair style food at these events was so good. I much more enjoyed my turkey chili and cornbread back at the camp site for dinner. While sitting around the fire that last evening, I told Fred, "just think next year when we camp, we'l be parents!" Well not with our child in tow, but in spirit. Now to make it through the rest of the fourth quarter...holidays and hopefully a referral. We've been so lucky this year in keeping busy, and it's flown by so fast thanks to all of our family, friends, and work.
"The future is sending back good wishes and waiting arms."

Slow & Steady

Seems we are still #6 referral ready on the list (our unofficial number), yet we are officially #7. So we've made a little progress since July. Referrals are definitely slow, but at least they're still coming. The South Korea government & adoption program continue to throw surprises at expectant families including new legislation to limit the number of international adoptions, limiting the number of exit permits per year, and now agencies have to increase fees to cover the cost of caring for children longer while in foster care. That'll hit the pocket book were it hurts.

Well, we'll continue to save our pennies and wait in anticipation. Here's hoping December or January will be our month! Wow, as I think about it that's really not that far away especially with all of the holidays coming up. So glad we'll continue to be busy busy busy...this year has really flown by.

Couldn't resist going online to do a little shopping. Found this wonderfully crafted pendant and necklace on Etsy which reads "mom" or "omma" in Korean. I can't wait for this to arrive so I can hide it away till we receive a referral, and then wear it as a reminder during our next long wait.

"Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them."