Home Study Complete

So, we have been busy around here with paperwork and fundraising and adoption education.  We have read two books  The Connected Child and 20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Parents Knew and have done about 20 hours of online education.  So much to learn and so much to put into practice when we get our little girl home. One minor change that we made that could end up being a major change is that we allowed for siblings or twins if they were to come available at our time of referral. So there is a very slight chance that we may get two children. "What are we thinking" you ask? We just want to be open to the Lord's will in this area and if He wants us to have two children then this is what we want as well. :)

The home study went great. The boys did great and all the interviews went well. We are awaiting approval from Lifeline on our home study and then we will be submitting our i600A immigration form and then compiling our dossier to send to Ethiopia.  We are ahead of schedule at this point. Everything is moving along quite nicely and without a hitch, but if there is one thing that we have learned in all our many hours of education, it is that there WILL be delays and to expect them. Having the home study done is a huge relief and is a big step in the process.  After our dossier is submitted to Ethiopia which will most likely be in March then we will just wait and wait and wait and pray for patience. :)

The Lord has been faithful to us in our financial endeavors to raise money. We are planning a few more fundraisers for the future, but our Tshirts and bracelets have sold nicely and I also did some fundraising with my photography. I offered Christmas mini sessions and will be doing it again in the spring.  Every little bit helps, huh?

Now that our home study is complete we can now apply for grants and scholarships through the SBC and also though Show Hope which is the organization started by Steven Curtis Chapman.

We are loving the Holiday season and praying for our little one who will Lord willing be with us Christmas 2014.

God Bless, the Houghs