This is it...

I can't believe that I am writing this but -

TOMORROW IS OUR FINAL HOME  STUDY VISIT!!!!! 

WHAT?!?!?! We are so pumped and just truly overwhelmed by how this process is progressing.  God has had such a hand in this from the beginning and we are trusting him to see it through.  This is a major hurdle that we are about to leap tomorrow.  Many friends and family have asked - what happens after the home study? After our last visit - TOMORROW (Did I mention that???) - Our amazing social worker will begin to compile all of her findings about the Chalos family into one document.  It can be anywhere from 10-18 pages(even more for some families).  She then submits the document to a long list of people to read and adjust as necessary.  Once it is completely approved, we will then be submitting it to immigration for approval - along with other paperwork.  There are SO many other details involved in this process - like our international paperwork for Congo (also known as a dossier) - visa application - submission of the dossier to Congolese government - etc... 

CAUTION - THIS NEXT PART IS VERY TRULY AWESOMELY EXCITING....

Right now we are asking for your prayers because the next step is the most incredible so far - The next step is called "the referral" - that means we are waiting to be matched with our child.  We are waiting for the day when they call us and tell us that they have a match - and that they have pictures and we get to lay eyes on our child for the first time - I truly can't imagine what that day will be like.  We have waited for so long - OVER FOUR YEARS - for this perfect child that God has in store for us.  But God is working on us.  He is growing a love for this child inside of us that is indescribable. I already LOVE this child.  I do.  and seriously - you should hear Chad talk about this child that he doesn't even know - that he loves - more than it seems humanly possible. So as tough as it is some days, we will wait with a smile and a growing love for Baby Chalos.   The orphanage that our agency works with does have waiting children - so we may not have to wait long - or we may be waiting for quite some time - adoption is like that.  It requires a patient heart - make that TWO patient hearts.  We are working on that.

I have truly realized in the past several days - that God isn't just providing the Chalos' with the family that they have only dreamed of - he has placed a desire - a passion - on our hearts for the MANY children in this world that go to sleep hungry - lacking the love, compassion, and gentle touch that they deserve.  This desire and passion - I pray that it will never die.  I pray that we will never be satisfied with the numbers of growing orphans - who need food, clean water, life skills, a family to love them - to be Jesus to them.  God is so amazing.  He has such unconditional love that he would adopt us all into his family.  Oh that we could have SUCH love and courage!!! 

I feel really blessed that God has just allowed multiple people to walk into our lives who are on a similar road.  One of these couples just shared this adoption news with the world this week - and I want to share it with you.  They love Jesus ALOT - and they are going to be INCREDIBLE parents.  So if you get a chance take a tour of their blog - join them in prayer and if you can - help them bring their baby home. 

                                        http://lubiensadoption.wordpress.com/


Thank you for your unending love, prayers, and support!!! Don't forget - MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 5th - and come join us at our adoption craft fair. 

Lots of love,
The Chalos'