We're almost there

We can finally see an end in sight!  We just had our home study and safety evaluation last week.  This house has never been cleaner.  Kelli came over and we went through the house, no where near as in depth as I thought it was going to be.  She walked into every room, made sure we had outlet covers in all open outlets, locks for our medicine/chemical cabinets, checked the fire extinguisher, and looked at our evacuation plan.  No white glove test, didn't even seem to be interested in whether or not the house was clean...but I can assure you it was spotless.  We sat on the couch and just talked.  Given all the information she has read about us already, we both just assumed she already knew any and everything she would ever need to know about us.  I have to admit, it was nothing like I thought it was going to be.  It was like friends sitting around talking.  We both really like Kelli.  She is about our age and super sweet. 

Wednesday, Andy and I went to Nashville for our individual counseling.  He volunteered me to go first so he headed downstairs to hang out with my uncle (he works in the office right next to the Bethany office).  Again, pretty much the same questions.  Describe Mom, Dad, Matthew, their parenting style, our relationships both when I was younger and now, discipline style, favorite memories, how Andy and I met, our relationship, how I think a child will affect us and our relationship with one another, just to give you an idea.  Before we knew it, we had been talking for nearly 2.5 hours.  The sessions usually only last about 1-1.5 hours.  So maybe I'm a talker!  I come by it honest what can I say?  Andy and I switched so I got to spend a little time with my uncle before he had to leave.

Kelli said we are "nearly there"...just hearing those words make us so excited!  We actually thought we would be done after that meeting.  She will write our home study which she will submit to the State, but we get to look at it and approve it first.  So, of course we have to go back for that, but we will also review our service plan 1 more time, turn in our profile books, and THAT'S IT!  Done! Finished!  We will officially be "Waiting!"

I do have to say, I feel like we have the hardest job in front of us though.  We have to write our birthmother letters.  This letter can be the one thing that draws her to us.  I know that God already knows who our birthmother is and He already has our meeting planned out, but every time I sit down to begin my letter, it's like I don't know what to say.  I mean, what do you say to a complete stranger who is about to give you the MOST incredible, selfless gift anyone could give?  Nothing I write seems to sound good enough so I delete it and stare at a blank white Microsoft Word screen.  I keep hoping for an ah-ha moment and that the words just begin flowing through me but so far nothing.  Good news is, we have about 2 weeks to write our letters(that's when Kelli should be done writing our home study) so hopefully we can get it together by then.

Please pray for Andy and I as we try and get these last few things done.  Also be praying that our baby is already on his or her way!