Just wanted to give an update as to where we are right now in the process. We finished the interview portion of our home study a couple of weeks ago. Normally it’s done in two different appointments: one in which we are interviewed together, and one in which we are interviewed separately. Each of these typically takes an hour. We were fortunate enough to find an agency that would do both sets of interviews in one day. So, on a Saturday, Mel and I went to North Little Rock to complete this step. It went very well! We connected with the interviewers and were able (I feel) to give an accurate portrayal of our family. The conversations were going so well, I really think we could have sat around and visited with them for hours. They’re nice people.
Now that that’s over, the next step is for the same agency to come and actually visit our home. This will take place on September 8th. So, between now and then we are trying to get our house and property in the best condition possible given the short amount of time and the large amount of work that needs to be done. This probably wouldn’t be so hard if we had not just moved onto this property after having torn down an old house that was sitting on it. So, we’ve had tons of work to do both inside and out- this in addition to all the reading we have to do for the educational requirements of the adoption process- AND a somewhat unpredictable work schedule for me. It seems like every minute of the day is spoken-for. Lately, my days consist of working at least 8 hours in Stuttgart, driving 50 minutes home, and then going back to work at the house until dark, then coming inside, tucking the boys into bed, showering, and collapsing into my own bed just to do it all over again the next day. It’s gotten to the point that when I actually do take a break, I feel restless and guilty. It’s tough, but I try to remind myself of what I teach my boys, “Being a
man means doing what’s right- not doing what’s easy.” Yet, even as I write this, I am acutely aware that Mel still works circles around me! I am hopeful that both of us will be able to breathe a little easier after September 8th. We (as always!) would appreciate your prayers.
~Chris
Now that that’s over, the next step is for the same agency to come and actually visit our home. This will take place on September 8th. So, between now and then we are trying to get our house and property in the best condition possible given the short amount of time and the large amount of work that needs to be done. This probably wouldn’t be so hard if we had not just moved onto this property after having torn down an old house that was sitting on it. So, we’ve had tons of work to do both inside and out- this in addition to all the reading we have to do for the educational requirements of the adoption process- AND a somewhat unpredictable work schedule for me. It seems like every minute of the day is spoken-for. Lately, my days consist of working at least 8 hours in Stuttgart, driving 50 minutes home, and then going back to work at the house until dark, then coming inside, tucking the boys into bed, showering, and collapsing into my own bed just to do it all over again the next day. It’s gotten to the point that when I actually do take a break, I feel restless and guilty. It’s tough, but I try to remind myself of what I teach my boys, “Being a
man means doing what’s right- not doing what’s easy.” Yet, even as I write this, I am acutely aware that Mel still works circles around me! I am hopeful that both of us will be able to breathe a little easier after September 8th. We (as always!) would appreciate your prayers.
~Chris