Smiles and Happy Feet!

Well, copies are made and the package is ready to go to our agency. This is our 3rd time to update our dossier. Will it be the last? Who knows. But right now Don and I are happy campers. We are all smiles and our feet are itching to do the Happy Dance.

It seems it has been a long journey to get here again. Many obstacles and setbacks. But it has been a good journey and one that has helped us grow in our faith and our marriage. For that, we are grateful. Sometimes we have wallowed in self-pity, sometimes we have been on our knees praying, and sometimes we have been jumping for joy! I am convinced it is all part of the adoption process.

Now, we wait. As I mentioned, we've been here before and waiting is no easier than the part of the journey we just completed. The difference this time is that we are more faithful, patient, and Godly.

While we wait, we will be getting ready to dance, dance, dance.

See these feet? They are Happy Feet waiting to do the Happy Dance!

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:21

Joyfully,

Elizabeth

It's Here!

I arrived home from work today to find our final documents in the mailbox. Yippee! Finally! Now, I will make the copies and get the package together to be sent to our agency. Sorry, no time for blogging tonight.

Praising God,

Elizabeth

Paperwork Found!

We received a phone call from the State Department of Certifications today. Our paperwork was found. Apparently, our self-addressed stamped overnight envelope was returned to the State for postage due!! If Tallahassee was closer and gas was cheaper, I would be in my car driving to pick it up. They will mail it today. We pray it will get here safely next week.

Now, how does this stuff happen? Ugh! It seems we spend hours on this paperwork; making sure that every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted and then not enough postage was put on the envelope when I had it weighed at the post office. Next time, I will use a courier service.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

Still waiting patiently,
Elizabeth

Where in the State of Florida is Our Paperwork?

It has been over two weeks since we sent our paperwork to the State for apostilling. Usually, we receive the documents in 2-3 weeks. I am concerned because the check has not cleared yet. Okay, maybe I am over reacting. Again, I have to trust in God and know that everything will be in His perfect timing. I am sure the documents will show up any day now.

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:3

Waiting patiently,
Elizabeth

In Search of the Ghost Orchid

Today, we decided to take our exchange students to Corkscrew Swamp Wildlife Sanctuary in Collier County, Florida. Our plan was to walk the boardwalk and enjoy the varied ecological habitats. We also hoped to see some birds and aligators as well as the endangered Ghost Orchid. When we arrived, we were very excited to hear from one of the rangers that the Ghost Orchid was blooming and a telescope was set up on the boardwalk for viewing the orchid.










Up in this tree about 50 feet from the boardwalk is the Ghost Orchid. We would have never seen it if it wasn't for the telescope. It really was amazing! It is called Ghost Orchid because it has no leaves just roots. So, when the orchid blooms, it appears as if it is floating. Very interesting.

For more information about the Ghost Orchid, visit http://www.corkscrew.audubon.org/Wildlife/GhostOrchid.html

Sadly, we did not see many birds or gators on our trek. It was very hot and, unlike us, they were staying cool undercover. To finish our day, we stopped at RJ Gators in the Gulf Coast Town Center Mall and enjoyed some gator tail appetizers. A real treat for Enzo and Willy who thought we were kidding when we told them we were going to eat alligator!

All in all, it was a wonderful day. A day to enjoy nature (God's handiwork),
Elizabeth