So, I realize I haven't posted on here in quite awhile, the reason for that is not much is happening. As I've said before our agency requires us to be married for 9 months before we start any paperwork, which takes us to June. So until then we wait, read, research, and just gather as much information as we can so that we are prepared when we start the process. The financial part of adoption is number 1 on our list right now. We don't want this process to be any more stressful than it already will be...we want to look back and have good memories of it...not financial stress, etc...so we want to make sure we are fully prepared financially. Just because we meet criteria doesn't mean we have to do it in June. Our agency requires us to have a positive net-worth...us being so young not much has been paid on our house, student loans, etc...so that's sort of holding us up right now. We know we can make it work through fundraising, loan, savings, and adoption tax credit, but for them the numbers need to add up first. So we wait :)... and man do I love waiting...NOT!!
The more and more I read everyone else's adoption blogs (THANK YOU by the way) the more inspired I get. I know we are not going this alone and that so many like us are stressed and looking for ways to raise money and I have gotten some really good ideas from everyone!! Selling T-shirts, making jewelry, spaghetti or pancake suppers, save save save, collect used cell phones and ink cartridges, etc....the list goes on and on. I find everyone's blogs so encouraging!!! They are by far our best, real insight into adoption. For them I am so grateful :)
Also, on Feb 27th in Bismarck there is a gathering for all families who have adopted, are adopting, or want to adopt from Ethiopia!!! We are soo soo soo excited for this! What a cool way to absorb information, see them interact with their littles ones, and just ask questions. I think it will be so comforting to know they all went through, or are going through, what we are about to begin! So fun! I'm sure many people don't know this, but adopting from Ethiopia is really becoming popular in Bismarck...middle of little ol' North Dakota :) Imagine that!!! The more the word gets out there, the more minds it's intriguing...you watch some of those "Gotcha Day" videos and you can't help but care for those little babies.
Anyway, that's all that's going on here...our next step is to fill out a Financial Worksheet for our placement agency and send that in and see if it get approved. If it does, we can send in our application in June and we begin!! Wish us luck :)
~Tasha & Chaske~
