Home study update

We are still working on the home study. We had hoped to have that behind us this week. We uncovered a small hiccup in regards to character references and are diligently working to resolve that problem. Just glad that we found it sooner and not later. I always offer my assistance to my children as they complete writing assignments. Helping Kevin and Ty write character references on their parents is a bit awkward. I know that I could help them give glowing reports on their amazing life on the farm. The problem is that is not allowed. They need to complete that task all on their own. I am bugging a few other people to do or redo their references to get them in the correct format to include in both our home study and then our dossier. Everything up to this point has been paid for in same fashion. It has been fun watching to see all the different ways that God has provided for the funding. As soon as the home study is complete, we will have the needed documents to apply to immigration. Praying that will be in the next ten to fourteen days. We will need additional funds at that time. The current fundraising projects that we have underway include the puzzle and an auction on my face book page. I was blessed with some shopping money on my trip to China. The items that I purchased are now for sale or auction. We are also collecting yard sale items for a yard sale. The yard sale will be at the beginning of June. We will start the grant writing process once I receive a copy of our home study. We missed the deadline for the first quarter grants for 2013. We will hopefully be near the front of the line for the next grant period. Be praying that we will be blessed with a grant. We are also in communication with an adoption group in north Georgia about a possible grant from their organization. Our fundraising needs in a nutshell, funds to file our paperwork with immigration, in ten to fourteen days. The next step is a huge chunk of change needed to send all our paperwork to China, needed as soon as we get immigration approval, thirty to sixty days from now. The final step will be the funds needed just before we travel to China. I hate to say out loud that it will most likely be six to nine months before we travel. I was hoping it would be much sooner but the reality is six to nine more months. We cannot travel in September and October due to the farm being open. The good thing that I do have some ways to communicate with Nick. I have a friend who teaches English classes at his orphanage, she gives him a hug from me on a regular basis and sends messages between the two of us. I also try to talk to him on the phone each week. The conversation is brief due to the language barrier, but he knows that we love him and are working to get back to China. Thanks for your continued prayers and support!