Paperwork Process

Hey everyone,

Things have been moving quickly, as far as paperwork goes. We have a doctor's appointment scheduled Friday, July 16th, to get the last bit of paperwork completed for the home study. Once our home study agency has the letter from our doctor, they will schedule the home visit.

Regarding our dossier process, our adoption agency will have the paperwork to us within the next couple weeks. Once we receive the paperwork, there are several forms we have to have complete - another letter from our doctor, another employment letter, a letter stating we own our home, etc. Each form will then have to be notarized and apostilled. I had to look up the definition of apostilled. Basically, it is one step above a notary. It states the notary is in fact a notary for the state in which you live.

It has now been 1 month since we began the process. Please continue to pray for us as we move forward.
Much love,

Adoption is Moving Forward

Hey everyone,

here is a quick update in our adoption process. First, a change in country has taken place. We are adopting from the Ukraine. Without a doubt, God is leading us to adopt our child from this country, and we are thrilled. We have decided to adopt an older child ranging in age from 6-8.

Second, our application with the agency was approved today, making this a joyful day for us. The next steps are to send in the retainer agreement to the agency, while simultaneously getting our home study completed.

We ask for your continued prayers over the process and we will continue to give updates along the way.
Much love,

Love bears all things

Hey everyone,

I want to share a verse that has grabbed my heart. I Corinthians 13:7 - Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  (ESV) It's a small verse that contains a powerful message.

As Chris and I begin the adoption process, we are reminded that the love we have for others brings out the best in us and in the people we are around. Love also hopes the best for other people and is not measured by actions alone. In verse 6, we read "love rejoices with truth." Love rejoices!!!

We ask for your action to pray for us to bear, believe, hope and endure the process of adoption.

Today, we are starting to sell jewelry that a good friend donated to me. This wonderful person decided to have me use all the jewelry sales to go towards adoption fees.

We will begin our homestudy soon. The cost of the homestudy is $1,600.00. Below, you will see a few pieces we are offering. Remember, free shipping on any purchase thru June 30th.
If interested, email me at journeymarkcards@yahoo.com. For more items, visit our page on Facebook at Journeymark Cards and Gifts.

We rejoice in your prayers, support, and most of all, your love.

Amber Jewelry Set - $60.00 

Opal and Cats Eye Jewelry Set - $34.99

Coral and Pearl Jewelry Set - $60.00

Turquoise and Brown Cats Eye Jewelry Set - $39.99

Before and After Shots

Hey there,

I want to share some before and after shots of some updates we have done around the house. First, the kitchen. We have had red paint in our kitchen for years and wanted to go with something more neutral. A friend, who is a very talented decorator, recommended a slightly darker taupe to enhance the neutral tones in our kitchen/living area. It turned out great. The last thing we need to do is add our hardware to the cabinets.

Notice in the pictures, it turns from day to night. I just had to finish it in the same day.

Changing the color on our island book shelves

Next, I found this dresser at a garage sale. It's in excellent condition and made of maple wood. I paid $40.00 for it. I gave it a light sanding, painted 2 coats of this beautiful, light honey milk paint, added hardware, and now we have a new dresser for our guest room. 

Enjoy your creativity this week! 

Much love, 

Silence

Hey everyone, 

I can't believe it has taken me this long to write something. As for the silence, I have been so busy over the past couple of months and time goes so quickly. Remember when our parents told us that as we get older, time would go by faster? Well, they were right. 

As quickly as time is going by, I'm reminded of getting older. The big 35 is approaching in the next few months, and I have to say, I thought things would look so different by now. As a young girl, and dreamer, I believed I would have two kids by the time I was 30. I would be a "young, hip mom",  having play dates,  going to kid's soccer games, and enjoying birthday parties. 

Dealing with infertility definitely changes my way of thinking. I do believe I will be a mother one day. I do believe it will be one of the greatest gifts God will allow for us. I also believe it will have nothing to do with me, but everything to do with praising our God who will make this possible. Whether it is through having our own child naturally or through adoption, the child or children will be made by God in His perfect timing. He is the creator of all things, not us. It is just difficult to wait, and wait, and wait some more. Especially as you watch your friends children getting ready to start kindergarten, and you were a part of praying over them and their pregnancy 6 years prior.  

As another mother's day passes and father's day approaches, it is a great reminder to appreciate all the blessings in our lives, whether Chris and I get to celebrate those days or not. I recognize how difficult these days can be to someone dealing with infertility. At church, mothers and fathers are recognized by having them stand and receive gifts. I am not saying this is wrong, but to someone who desires to be a mother or father, it can be a very sensitive and emotional day. 

So, this year on mother's day, I was able to acknowledge all the blessings in my life. I am alive because God allows me to breathe. I am a daughter of the one true God and am able to share the love of Christ with others. I am grateful to be married to such an incredible man who gets me. I can share my experience of infertility with other women, and cry with them when necessary. I can express to others that I still have hope and faith to become a mother because God is not limited to what we can do or what medicines we have to take. I am blessed with my family and friends who love and support us. And on and on I could go. 

With silence, I appreciate all that God teaches me. I recognize dealing with this emotional grief, I am loved. 

May you be blessed and loved over this holiday weekend. May we recognize the freedom we have in this country and thank our troops for their service.

Much love,