Home Study Time

Time races sometimes.

And... the home study visit arrives on our door step this Saturday. I feel there are still so many things to prepare for. In my "perfect world of perfection", I like order. I prefer things to be just so. I prefer a clean house, a manicured lawn, and checking off items on my to-do list. Let's just say I am learning to let that all go.

While we will do our best to have our house sparkling, is that really what matters in the process of an adoption home visit? Definitely not.

Although it may be time for the home study, and I don't feel 100% prepared, time is precious. I desire  not to get caught up in the unknown, the uncontrollable, and the unimportant, but to prepare my heart and mind with the love of Christ. It is only because of Him that our love is able to flow out to others. I am so grateful to be going through an adoption and understanding more than ever what it means to be loved by God.

I want to focus on my time with God and what He desires to teach me this week, time with Chris and continuing the beautiful conversations we are having, and time with friends and family. Sounds perfect to me.

Time . . . how will you spend it this week?

Much love,

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,