A time of thanksgiving

The adoption process is one of many twists and turns.  We have had such a GREAT experience in every way so far.  Our home study is COMPLETE!! !:) HOORAY!! After the home study, we had to complete something called a "dossier".  This is the international paperwork part of the adoption.  We completed all paperwork, traveled to four different counties to have them notarized, and finally on Monday will be traveling to the state capital to have them notarize the dossier PLUS four copies.  The crazy part about this is that each certification cost a small amount.  Can I just tell you that God is preparing a way for us?  It is SO amazing.  After a little research, we were expecting the certification (minus the state authentication) to cost almost $1,000.00.  God put some amazingly generous people in our path.  Despite what it "should" have been - Our grand total for county certification is 205.00.  That is such a God thing.  He has such an undeniable presence in all of this.  I feel so humbled and NOT even CLOSE to being worthy of the blessings that he is pouring out.  So many of our friends are experiencing loss and the pain of infertility - I pray everyday that God will give them peace and endurance and blessings.  I thank God everyday for getting us through four years of bad news, sadness, pain, and heartache.  He is truly the source of hope and renewal.  I can't imagine a life without knowing him. 

Success

We have been searching for the right words all week to say THANK YOU to everyone who had a hand in the adoption arts and crafts bazaar this past weekend.  There is no way to name everyone who had a hand but we do have to say a special thank you to our church - The Grace Place - for providing support beyond anything we could have imagined.  Also a HUGE  THANK YOU to the JONES and COTTRELL families.  These are the people who have become our family - who took days off to make this possible - who spent countless hours planning, setting up, and tearing down.  We love you guys!!!

So take a look at the amazing memories we made this weekend....

Part of the set up and take down and basically MAKE THIS CRAFT FAIR happen crew.  Avery is so over this day.  He was such a trooper!

Thanks to our family who came up and down - Kim and Mitch - you should be in this picture. 

Love all of you. 

The cake pop table plus a few of my favorite people.

Willow House - and the sweetest vendor/friend ever

The fabulous ladies of The Grace Place - working the welcome table.

A little info about our adoption

These Ugandan Magazine necklaces are
 helping fund our adoption.

What would I EVER do without these ladies????

Our fearless leader - Pastor Tommy Dove

Having a little fun - how cute is that hat????

My sweet co-workers coming out to support Baby Chalos

Before I give you a grand total - I also have to say a thank you to my sweet friends Jamie, Kelli, and Katie for working my school craft fair to help raise funds.  You guys are so incredible.  Thank you!  

okay - so  - DRUM ROLL PLEASE........................................ 

Our grand total  is  $3862.00

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

God is so good.  He is showing us over and over how he is in control and has such a plan. 

Lots of love,

Chad and Kristle