Open doors

Less than a month ago we took a deep breath and started forward, following the urging in our hearts toward another adoption, believing that God was nudging us in this direction. We trust that if this is God's will, doors will open. In the last few weeks, doors have swung wide wide open.

I submitted an inquiry late on a Friday night. Before noon on the following Monday, the agency had sent me the full file. Less than two days later both our pediatrician and a specialist had reviewed the file - reassuring us that the medical issues were easily addressed and going so far as to suggest a future for her that is 'functional and happy'. Two days - for two busy doctors to take the time to review a lengthy medical file. Two days! And how amazing to see that little word in a medical opinion. Happy. She'll be happy. Another little sign from our great God. It makes me smile just to think of it.

Required in the first set of paperwork we sent back to the agency was a form, signed by a physician, that we had indeed consulted a doctor about the special needs in the medical file. All accomplished before the first week was out! Open doors.

And so now we have submitted the first of the paperwork. This will be translated and sent off to China, asking that we will be allowed to apply to adopt Faith. Now we wait for China's response. Meanwhile, DH's biggest worry is the money. It takes alot of $$ to complete an international adoption. I am trusting there will be a way. And as if to show just how faithful God will be, already help has come from many directions. We thank everyone who has sent support already - thank you thank you!! We still have a long long way to go to raise the full funds that will be necessary, but we're headed in the right direction.

In addition to generous donations, last week I discovered that my Flexible Benefits accounts for 2010 were carrying balances. I thought I'd submitted claims for the full amount that was being withheld way back in May. But last week I noticed (on an old paycheck - and I have no idea why I came across a pay stub from September) that I hadn't received the dependent care reimbursement that had been in every check since the first of January. So I investigated and discovered a claim that had been denied due to lack of documentation (my receipt stuck to the back of the claim page when it was faxed and they never saw it). I also discovered I'd submitted claims only through May 31st. So I sent in claims for June, July, August, September and October. This week those claims were paid, resulting in an unexpected $1300 in our bank account this week - and the promise of another $600 in the remaining pay periods of 2010. Just what is needed for our homestudy update! Our first big expense - covered. God is so good.