Merry Christmas!!
Still waiting for the USCIS approval. I sent it 12/4, but I am reading that it takes as long as 6 weeks. I will take a trip to Harrisburg tomorrow to get the state seals needed for 2 last documents. Md and Va documents were authenticated a little over a week ago (thanks to Ron). Sigh...so close in the paper process, and yet FOREVER away from traveling to Jace. All I can tell you is that I will have him by the summer...
Please pray for me to have the focus I need to get through the paperwork. I am spending HOURS gathering and copying, mailing and faxing...let alone READING everything 100 times to make sure I get it. Thank God for the seasoned adoptive parents in my life that give me advice. I have 'met' some really sweet people on adoption blogs that have been more than helpful (and patient) with me.
Please also pray that Ron will make the right choices relating to this adoption travel. Whatever God would have him do is fine with me. Sorry for being so vague, but I believe God will understand those prayers perfectly.
Thanks to Lynn for her donation at Christmas! We needed that blessing!
Happy New Year!!
xoxo
Shannon
Jace
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Standing in Awe...
All of you who have supported us in one way or another are my gems. I can't thank you enough for all the prayers, words of encouragement, reading of the blog, financial support and more. When Ron and I started our adoption, we didn't expect any financial help at all. We certainly didn't ask for it for prideful reasons. Ron's salary is a comfortable one. Yes, we have debt that we aren't proud of, but we're comfortable living paycheck to paycheck. In our minds, we would sell our land and our home, pay for the adoption, and downsize. God had a different plan.
I've told you that I didn't know why God wouldn't allow our property or our home to sell so that we could have the funds for this adoption. I believe he has answered me. I think He wants to erase every ounce of pride within us in order to fill us with humility so that He may somehow use us?? Or maybe because I am just so darn stubborn that He wants to break that spirit in me to rebuild me.
It is my prayer this day that you all would know Him as I have grown to know Him-and even more. That you would stand in awe as I do today....
xoxox
Shannon
I've told you that I didn't know why God wouldn't allow our property or our home to sell so that we could have the funds for this adoption. I believe he has answered me. I think He wants to erase every ounce of pride within us in order to fill us with humility so that He may somehow use us?? Or maybe because I am just so darn stubborn that He wants to break that spirit in me to rebuild me.
It is my prayer this day that you all would know Him as I have grown to know Him-and even more. That you would stand in awe as I do today....
xoxox
Shannon
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Amazed
This morning I stand here amazed as I type this to you.
I opened the mail today to find a letter from a former high school mate who recently read this blog. She enclosed a generous donation and encouraging words for me to 'follow my heart'. Because she followed her own heart, we are getting closer to getting our son! I am always amazed--as I have said before--of the people that God uses to bless this adoption. And by the way these people follow His prompting! Especially at this time of year, when people are financially strapped! You'll never know what it means to us...now I get to change the progress meter...lol
I can't wait to get him home! I am praying that USCIS will hurry up. It's been 2 weeks since I sent the paperwork and check to them--still haven't heard anything. As soon as they send the approval--I can send the dossier to China!!! Please hurry, USCIS!!!!
God Bless!!
I opened the mail today to find a letter from a former high school mate who recently read this blog. She enclosed a generous donation and encouraging words for me to 'follow my heart'. Because she followed her own heart, we are getting closer to getting our son! I am always amazed--as I have said before--of the people that God uses to bless this adoption. And by the way these people follow His prompting! Especially at this time of year, when people are financially strapped! You'll never know what it means to us...now I get to change the progress meter...lol
I can't wait to get him home! I am praying that USCIS will hurry up. It's been 2 weeks since I sent the paperwork and check to them--still haven't heard anything. As soon as they send the approval--I can send the dossier to China!!! Please hurry, USCIS!!!!
God Bless!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
It's Over...
...Deer season, that is. woo hooo!!!! Finally, my social worker called me to tell me that the papers are on their way! They were sent to her today-she notarized them and sent them to me....can't BEGIN to tell you what a relief that is!
Ron took our MD docs to Towson today for the county seal...then off to Annapolis on Thursday for the state seal! I sent the Virginia documents to Richmond for their state seal...and now I am waiting on the USCIS to send me the approval so that I can get PA docs authenticated! Please pray for swift transactions....PLEASE!!! So close now!!!!
I love you all!!!!!
Ron took our MD docs to Towson today for the county seal...then off to Annapolis on Thursday for the state seal! I sent the Virginia documents to Richmond for their state seal...and now I am waiting on the USCIS to send me the approval so that I can get PA docs authenticated! Please pray for swift transactions....PLEASE!!! So close now!!!!
I love you all!!!!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Donation from a Good Friend
An old friend came into the salon to surprise me tonight!!!! I was so excited to see her!! We had fun catching up. She also gave me a donation toward Jace. Our progress meter just went up a bit!! YAY!!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Spirit Within
Still no word on the local police clearance. I called my SW worker today and she assured me she would handle it. Now that I think of it, my siding piece isn't fixed either...lol..deer season is a holiday all in itself here in Shrewsbury.
So, it's 5 am and I have been annoyingly awake since 2:30 am...Mom always says that when your spirit feels restless it's the Holy Spirit trying to get your attention. Experiencing this to be true in past circumstances, I am always inclined to pray. Sometimes, I wake up with a person on my heart and I pray for them. Other times I'll give prayers of repentance, guidance, spiritual growth or anything else I can think of. So that's what I did this morning. I prayed, and prayed and prayed. I covered each child, friend and family member that I felt led to. I repented over each 'wrong' I could think of. Still nothing.
As I sit here in my bed this morning journaling my thoughts, I have a little warm body next to me. Now, I have to tell you that in my house we play musical beds. No one is ever in the right bed. You never know where a Pierro child may end up sleeping. Except for Nicholas. Nicholas will seek me out in the night no matter where he is. The house is pitch black, but no lights are needed. Ever since Nicholas could walk he has always wandered about the house in the middle of the night looking for me. We always called him "bat boy". He doesn't need to see--like a bat he feels his way back to his nest. There hasn't been a day I can remember without him next to me when I awake. Nothing pulls at a mothers' heart strings more than to feel a chubby toddler arm around her neck for cuddling. My dad asked Nicholas 2 weeks ago why he always wants to sleep in mommy's bed. My little guy replied, 'Because I like to. It smells like mommy.'
I look at my son laying next to me, sleeping peacefully and wonder when I will finally get to see Jace in moments like these. Here is Nick sleeping so soundly that even in sleep he is comforted by his mothers' smell. With every breath that rises and falls from his little chest he has a sense of security and belonging. Security that only a family can bring. Will Jace ever have that? Will there come a day that he will also know that he is loved abundantly? Even subconsciously? Will he feel safe and have a sense of belonging?
That will be my next prayer this morning. I will pray that the Lord will prepare the heart of this little one from China. Prepare him for tumultuous times and changes ahead. For a trip around the world into the arms of a family that will adore him. A family that will nurture him and embrace his special needs. I will pray for this family to be patient and sensitive to the habits and behaviors that life in an institution brings. Behaviors of survival. That's all he knows, really. Lord, prepare our hearts as well. Give us compassion to see beyond the behavior and help us to heal a broken spirit. A broken heart who must have known his own mothers smell in his beginning months. Help me balance the love throughout this house and fill all the 'love tanks' within it...
It is in Jesus' name I pray....Amen
So, it's 5 am and I have been annoyingly awake since 2:30 am...Mom always says that when your spirit feels restless it's the Holy Spirit trying to get your attention. Experiencing this to be true in past circumstances, I am always inclined to pray. Sometimes, I wake up with a person on my heart and I pray for them. Other times I'll give prayers of repentance, guidance, spiritual growth or anything else I can think of. So that's what I did this morning. I prayed, and prayed and prayed. I covered each child, friend and family member that I felt led to. I repented over each 'wrong' I could think of. Still nothing.
As I sit here in my bed this morning journaling my thoughts, I have a little warm body next to me. Now, I have to tell you that in my house we play musical beds. No one is ever in the right bed. You never know where a Pierro child may end up sleeping. Except for Nicholas. Nicholas will seek me out in the night no matter where he is. The house is pitch black, but no lights are needed. Ever since Nicholas could walk he has always wandered about the house in the middle of the night looking for me. We always called him "bat boy". He doesn't need to see--like a bat he feels his way back to his nest. There hasn't been a day I can remember without him next to me when I awake. Nothing pulls at a mothers' heart strings more than to feel a chubby toddler arm around her neck for cuddling. My dad asked Nicholas 2 weeks ago why he always wants to sleep in mommy's bed. My little guy replied, 'Because I like to. It smells like mommy.'
I look at my son laying next to me, sleeping peacefully and wonder when I will finally get to see Jace in moments like these. Here is Nick sleeping so soundly that even in sleep he is comforted by his mothers' smell. With every breath that rises and falls from his little chest he has a sense of security and belonging. Security that only a family can bring. Will Jace ever have that? Will there come a day that he will also know that he is loved abundantly? Even subconsciously? Will he feel safe and have a sense of belonging?
That will be my next prayer this morning. I will pray that the Lord will prepare the heart of this little one from China. Prepare him for tumultuous times and changes ahead. For a trip around the world into the arms of a family that will adore him. A family that will nurture him and embrace his special needs. I will pray for this family to be patient and sensitive to the habits and behaviors that life in an institution brings. Behaviors of survival. That's all he knows, really. Lord, prepare our hearts as well. Give us compassion to see beyond the behavior and help us to heal a broken spirit. A broken heart who must have known his own mothers smell in his beginning months. Help me balance the love throughout this house and fill all the 'love tanks' within it...
It is in Jesus' name I pray....Amen
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Oh, Deer!!!
USCIS paperwork is off to Texas!!! I finally received the home study...but I still have to wait on a local police clearance letter. Wanna hear why? Ok, get ready for this one...
Because I live in Mayberry....uh, I mean SHREWSBURY...I do not have a local police department. Shrewsbury Regional covers Shrewsbury borough--I live in the township. Follow me so far? Ok, Shrewsbury township is covered by the PA State Police department. The very same state police that ALREADY ran us for fingerprints, FBI and background checks. For my dossier to China, I need a letter of 'good conduct' from my local police, WHICH is the PA State Police...still follow me??
Ok, I call the state police and explain what I need. The sergeant who answered the phone had NO patience with me and didn't want to be bothered. He then transferred me to his supervisor who told me that they 'don't do that and that if I am adopting out of the country I really need to speak with an attorney.' After I took a deep breath, I assured him that I didn't need an attorney I just needed a letter-and that they had already cleared my background! He told me he would have to do another background check, devise a letter, and have his lieutenant sign it. He also told me not to 'count on it', but that he would try. After all, 'it's deer season and the lieutenant is off for the week'....LOL!!!! So I can't get my letter any time soon because it's deer season!
Now, let me back up...my kids were off school for a week because it was deer season....I also tried to get siding work on my house but was unable to...guess why?? BeCaAuSe It'S dEeR sEaSoN!!!!!
.
Because I live in Mayberry....uh, I mean SHREWSBURY...I do not have a local police department. Shrewsbury Regional covers Shrewsbury borough--I live in the township. Follow me so far? Ok, Shrewsbury township is covered by the PA State Police department. The very same state police that ALREADY ran us for fingerprints, FBI and background checks. For my dossier to China, I need a letter of 'good conduct' from my local police, WHICH is the PA State Police...still follow me??
Ok, I call the state police and explain what I need. The sergeant who answered the phone had NO patience with me and didn't want to be bothered. He then transferred me to his supervisor who told me that they 'don't do that and that if I am adopting out of the country I really need to speak with an attorney.' After I took a deep breath, I assured him that I didn't need an attorney I just needed a letter-and that they had already cleared my background! He told me he would have to do another background check, devise a letter, and have his lieutenant sign it. He also told me not to 'count on it', but that he would try. After all, 'it's deer season and the lieutenant is off for the week'....LOL!!!! So I can't get my letter any time soon because it's deer season!
Now, let me back up...my kids were off school for a week because it was deer season....I also tried to get siding work on my house but was unable to...guess why?? BeCaAuSe It'S dEeR sEaSoN!!!!!
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