We're still here!

Hola a todos! I realized it has been basically three months since I gave a real update as to where we are in the process of this adoption (other than the fundraisers that have happened), and I figured it was time to come fill you in on all the details!

As of now, we have almost completed our entire home study process. This has included interviews, education, fingerprinting, FBI background checks, medical exams, and many other various forms and tasks that have kept us quite busy during all this time!

To finish the home study, we have our psychological evaluations coming up this week and a few other quick things to do. Then, we'll start working on compiling our dossier (many more documents) to send to Colombia. We're also working on getting our passports ready to go - a huge thanks to Congressman Mark Walker's office on that front too!

Other than the home study, I finished up the growth charts that sold during the fundraiser in June, and we've have a few generous friends run a fundraiser for us (and another coming up soon). This has been such a blessing to us, so THANK YOU very much to Rita (Beautycounter), Ashley (Plexus), and Taylor (Usborne).

You can click the links with their name if you'd like to connect with them and see what they offer. I can vouch that they are all the sweetest ladies ever!

As for general life, Ben and I have tried to be sure to steal away for some time together when we can arrange a date night (Thanks Nana + Poppy!!). It has been great for us to be able to enjoy some time just the two of us and also be able to have undistracted conversation about all the various adoption related things that are happening.

Side note, do you see the huiothesia shirt in the photo? We have LOVED seeing you all wearing your shirts in support of us! It is so encouraging, so please keep tagging us in the photos. If you weren't able to grab one the first time, you can subscribe (at the bottom of this page) and we'll be sure to let you know when we launch t-shirt sales again this fall.

August plus the continued strangeness of life during a pandemic has brought homeschooling to be part of our routine too. Kira was set to start Kindergarten this year, but we made the last minute decision to homeschool instead. I actually wanted to homeschool for the longest time, but had chickened out... So, I guess this is just God saying he wasn't going to let me do that, haha! It really is a blessing though because I have been able to start the girls on a Spanish curriculum too. It is absolutely adorable to hear them practice!

We play búsqueda (I spy) and matamoscas (flyswatter), which are their favorite things to do...well, unless a craft is involved. Kira even wanted to draw a picture and write a note for her new brother/sister. She wrote "Hola hermano/hermana. Estoy emocionada de conocerte." which is "Hello brother/sister. I'm excited to meet you!" Needless to say, this mama's heart exploded.

Speaking of learning Español ... I've been doing my fair share of practicing and learning as well! I started with the Duolingo app, and I've kept at it without missing a day for 80 days now, but I have to give the most credit to my dear friend, Lina! She has been an absolute gift from God both in friendship and also patience with helping me navigate learning a new language and culture. We've already fallen in love with arepas, and can't wait to learn how to make pandebonos with her help too!

We are thankful for all of you who continue to check on us, pray for us, and step up to support us! You mean the world to us and ask that you please continue to pray that God will be glorified through every step of this process. His hand has been so evident thus far, and I know that we will see Him do many more mighty things as we continue!

¡Damos gracias a Dios por todo!

(We give thanks to God for all!)