Special Thoughts

You know. Right now things are hectic. My drive home this morning was one of reflection and deep thought. Maybe listening to Third Day brought it on. Who knows. I thought of my hours and how much I can't stand leaving my house each night. I am a home-body, especially at night. My favorite time of the day is right before bedtime when I can put my pajamas on and veg in front of the tv and snuggle with my family. It's dark and I'm in my warm, safe home. I miss those times. I guess the best part of my day right now is early morning when I'm getting home from work when I can take a few minutes to unwind and then stumble through the house as quiet as a mouse being careful not to wake anyone and crawl into bed. I can then finally relax and think while it's dark and quiet. (Of course, I can either hear Rob snore or put my earplugs in and hear myself breathing. Hum....) Anyway, often times my mind races of all the things I need to do that day when I get up but sometimes if all falls into place, I can pray and fall asleep in my Lord's arms (thanks Lesley!!!). I just have to take those few minutes to really place my family in His care.

I also thought about what my family is going to look like in a year. I love VBS and I absolutely love being around children! I couldn't help stop and think that I might have one or two more children there next Summer. Wow! That blows my mind! As I pray for Carissa and her salvation and how much I want her to absorb His word and teachings, I also pray for that child (or children) that will one day hear His word too. It gives me chill bumps! Oh, to pray for all of them to come to know the Lord as I do.

As I close now, my mind still goes back to how glad I am that the Lord knows me and my heart. He knows I worry about how all of this is going to come together. I have to continue to remind myself to obey and trust Him, the maker of everything and author of my life.

The Paper Chase Continues....

My goodness. I have got to find time to sit down with Rob and finish these initial applications. There are just blanks here and there that need to be filled in and we need to work together. These past two weeks have just been so darn hectic that when we finally get to spend time together, it's eating dinner or at church! My 3rd shift schedule isn't helping matters at all. I'm still praying the Lord works out all of those details when our child(ren) come home to us. I don't want to work anymore but take care of my family again like I did when Carissa was smaller. That's my priority and will be much more then.

Last night at VBS, it was so eye opening for me. It was so neat to see the diversity in the children I served snacks too. I saw so many adopted children in that one small room in just a few groups. It is so AWESOME to see what God has done in the Highview family. My heart goes out to all children and last night, it went out to a cute little boy! YEP! I keep saying I want girls but this little guy warmed my heart up!

Well, enough working on paperwork this morning. Other things have to be done now. Please pray for Rob and I to find quality time this week to sit down together and finish up these minor questions. God bless!

Yes, it's final!

Yes, I'm still in shock that we have made the decision to adopt! It's been a long process of prayer and patience. The decision was ultimately made on Thursday night, June 4th around 9pm. We had both attended a meeting with Tera at Highview. Tera is wonderful and we are so looking forward to working with her throughout this journey! I will say up front, that I will be careful in what I'm saying. I don't want my blog to be used against our process. If anyone has any questions, please email me at mandibethallen@yahoo.com or call me!

So far, we have met with our placement agency here in Louisville that will be our connection with Ethiopia. I have also talked to our home study agency. We are in the process of filling out 3 applications to begin everything. I knew the process would be tough but these applications aren't short!

I will post more later.........

Decision

Well, last night we made the decision to finally adopt into our family! I had been feeling the