Thursday, March 26, 2009

Foster Parents!...Almost

I've been wanting to write about this for MONTHS but I couldn't until I let my work know what was going on.

About 6 months ago we started looking into adopting. We looked at everything available, private domestic, private agency domestic, international, and foster-to-adopt. We met with a couple who heads up Tapestry, an adoption and foster ministry, at Irving Bible Church. They have walked through this process with hundreds of families and are a wealth of information.

For this first adoption we've decided to go the foster route which is by far the most 'risky' and complicated but it's where we feel the Lord wants us right now. The process to be licensed foster parents is rather lengthy and involved a slew of things including lots of paperwork, classes, various inspections, the home study, and a ton of random things (like putting a thermometer in your refrigerator....). Everything will be finished by the 4th and then it will take about a week to get our license in the mail to make us official. At that point, we wait. How long? Only God's knows.

The agency we are working with primarily gets infants from women in prison who deliver while incarcerated. Since our heart is to adopt and not necessarily be a revolving door, we have put a few limitations on what kids we will take. We do not care what about the gender or race, in fact, I've always wanted a 'rainbow' family. It is very possible that in just 2 1/2 short weeks, we could have a baby in our home. Crazy! But then again, it could be months and we are totally willing to wait.

We worked on clearing out our second bedroom several weeks ago to make room for a nursery of sorts. We are only getting the vary basics for now because we have no idea if we are getting a boy or girl or even when we are getting a child. We don't know if the first one we get will actually become adoptable or if we'll have to through several babies. There are so many unknowns so we'll just have to take it one step at a time and trust the Lord big time! Some sweet friends gave us their changing table and stroller. We still need to get a crib, bottles, and a car seat at the minimum before April 10. We will get a call one day and need to pick up the infant that same day so there isn't much wiggle room to collect stuff.

We are thrilled and excited for this new adventure. I start to get a little anxious when I think about all the unknowns. I'm scared to give up a baby after we've had them in our home for 6 months or more. I'm selfishly sad that we can't plan much for this child, pick out nursery colors, have lots of baby showers, experience a birth. But I know the Lord has us going in this direction for a reason and we have longed to be parents for a long time now. Please pray for my heart during this journey. I have no idea what to expect and desire to trust the Lord and rest in Him through it all...whatever may come.

I gave my 2 week notice today. I'll be finished April 10. I've offered to work 1/2 days the following week unless we get a call with a baby. I'll still need to bring in some income during this time so I'm officially getting my cake business up and running. I found a commercial kitchen to work out of and will be getting my food handling licence soon. This means I can actually start charging for my cakes!!! The business name will be 'Cake Me Bakery'. I'm working on a website, logo, and business plan. If you need a cake or know someone who needs one, let me know!!! I've got several to do next month and a couple wedding cakes to do this summer.

I've got more to update you all on soon but this post is already lengthy. I'll let you digest all of this before the rest comes.

7 comments:

Jamers said...

hey elizabeth!! wow...that is so awesome to hear about you and Chase's new adventure! I def will keep you in my prayers! A good place to get gently used items is Kid-2-Kid....they are a life saver when it comes to some of the bigger items, but they also have toys and clothes! Also exciting about your cake business!!

Anonymous said...

woo hoo! and don't forget the JBF sale going on this weekend! sunday is half-price day.

chrys

Kim said...

Well...as the "grandma" I too am excited/nervous as well. I think we should plan a time between now and April 10th for a group of people to come together just to pray for you and Chase. You know I'm praying. I love you both so much and know that you'll make the best parents/foster parents a child could ask for.

Monica said...

I'm praying for you, too. And I'll have my Bible class pray as well. I always knew you had a servant heart and it's just becoming more and more evident. I'm so glad Dayle gave me your site. I'm going to add it to my list to watch. Hey, lunch soon?????

Sundee said...

am sooo excited for you both! i am already looking forward to following along this incredible journey and seeing what else God has in store for you. i will pass your name along for any and all cake gigs, and secretly hope to get a sample someday. i've heard they are outstanding! ; )

Unknown said...

Sounds like a lot of exciting things going on! I'm excited for you! If you want to know the "things you need/don't need" and best bets let me know. What a great deal with the cake bakery too! Do you watch Ace of Cakes? We love that show. If I were local I'd get you to make Jacob's 1st birthday cake this summer~have a good one!

Lori Motl said...

Wow! That is so exciting! I have something to bring to you next time we are in town. I sure wish I had known before we came this time. It's something for the nursery. You and Chase are in our prayers. I know God is going to use you in a mighty way through this. The baby(ies) that gets to call you home for a short while or a lifetime will be the most blessed of the lot! We love you guys!