This is becoming very REAL.

The reality of this process really hit home last week. We got an email from our Home Study caseworker with a BIG list of things that we need to make sure are done before she arrives on Wednesday. Basically, she has to do an environmental and fire inspection along with the interview. This list included having outlet covers on all of our unused outlets that a child could get to. This may seem like a small thing to most, but it was a big thing to us. I told Ben about it and he said, "Wow. That makes this seem really real."

I spent all day Saturday cleaning, organizing, (obsessing), and childproofing the house (well, not completely childproofing...but at least a start). I was literally sore on Sunday morning - pathetic, I know. I felt really good after accomplishing so much on Saturday, and just have a few odds and ends I need to take care this week before our interview.

Today has been kind of strange though. I woke up knowing I had some things to complete and got started. I was really motivated for the first couple of hours and then just hit a wall. Not a physical wall, but an emotional wall. I think I'm more stressed than I've realized. I've got a lot going on in my life aside from all of this, and I think I've just been moving forward, accomplishing tasks, and not always taking the time to think or process my emotions along the way.

I've realized over the last few days that I need to take some time every now and then to just sit...and to even do something fun or relaxing for myself here and there. A couple of years ago at Youth Camp, the Adult Bible Study leader told everyone that we need to have our own personal "Sabbath" each week. It doesn't always have to be on Sunday, or even the same day every week...but we need a time to rest, relax, and recharge. I don't think I've been allowing for that lately. It really is important, and I'm learning it's not selfish. If I'm overwhelmed and overspent, I'm not any good to those around me. So, just a life lesson I'm learning (relearning even?).

Yesterday a friend prayed for us and our interview this week and he asked the Lord to help me be motivated by excitement this week and not worry. That's life lesson #2 for the week. So, if you want to pray for us this week, we'd ask you pray for these things specifically:

1. That we'll allow time to rest, and that we'll make time for each other in the midst of school, ministry, work, and adoption stuff.

2. That we'll be motivated by joy and excitement and leave the rest at the Lord's feet.

3. For protection for our little one, wherever he or she may be.

4. For patience as we wait on the Lord. We realize we are not waiting on decisions, finances, etc., but on HIM.

5. For our interview on Wednesday. Peace and joy, and that we would find favor with our caseworker.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our little updates and wandering thoughts. So many of you ask about us and the process, and we know you are praying. We love you and appreciate you, and we're excited to be going down this road with so much love, prayer, encouragement, and support. I'm sure I'll be writing again soon since this is a big week for us! Love to each of you!

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18