This is the most recent picture of Birgit. Isn't she adorable? I think that she is 7 in this picture. Not for sure, though. She just had her 8th birthday in March. Hopefully, we will be able to get her home before her 9th birthday.

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES RELATIONS WITH ESTONIA

The United States has maintained diplomatic relations with Estonia continuously since July 28, 1922. The United States Embassy currently occupies the building which housed the U.S. Legation in Estonia from 1938 to September 5, 1940. Estonian diplomats have been accredited to the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C. and Estonian consular representatives have operated in the U.S. continuously since 1920. Estonia was visited in the early days of its independence by American diplomats who went on to celebrated careers in the United States' foreign service.

The United States never recognized the forcible incorporation of Estonia and the other Baltic republics into the Soviet Union. Following the restoration of Estonian independence on August 21, 1991, the United States opened its Embassy in Tallinn on October 2, 1991 under the direction of the late Ambassador Robert C. Frasure. The United States Mission resumed operations in the current Embassy chancery building at Kentmanni #20 in 1992.

Estonia, here we come!

We have decided to go with Estonia. We have chosen an adorable 8 year old girl. I will try to post a picture of her on this website. It will take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to get her home. Which means that she will be almost nine before we get her here! I will have to stay busy with fixing up her room and buying her toys so I don't go stir-crazy!!!! Fortunately summer is almost upon us and I will have my garden and my canning to help take my mind off of the long wait. By winter though, my husband might have to put me in a padded room and lock the door!!

Still trying!

Well, it's been a few months seen I last posted. We were thinking about giving up on adopting and have spent the last few months contemplating on it. However, I think that we are going to continue trying. We are going to be switching to Estonia. I will post more when we get further down the road. At this point, we are going to have re-do several things for our dossier. Plus get our I171-H.

Adoption Timeline

April '06 - Originally decided on Kazakhstan.
May - Found homestudy agency and set up appointment.
June - Completed homestudy by end of month.
August - Ran into some complications that caused us to rethink this country. Contemplating which country to switch to. This process took several months!
March - Picked Estonia
April '07 -Contacted the agency and selected Bridgit!. We will have our homestudy update done within the next 2 or 3 weeks. Also, updated this timeline and posted.
Nov. 07- Got final copy of homestudy.
Dec. 07 - Dossier sent to Estonia.
Oct. 08 - ADOPTION IS FINISHED!!!!!

So, it's been a long year and we still have 6 to 12 months to go! But, I feel that this time we will actually be bringing our child home. I have read several blogs where the couple have spent 3 or 4 years before they actually got to bring the child/children home. I guess if it only takes me 2 then I should count my blessings!

Praise You in the Storm

I love the song "Praise You in the Storm" by Casting Crowns. The lyrics go like this:

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”
and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away

Chorus:
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

My husband and I have been happily married for 10 years. We have 4 children (he has 2 from a previous marriage and I have 2 that he was able to adopt).

This is just the beginning.....

This is the beginning of our adoption story. My husband and I have been in the process for 1 month. We are still in the paper chase phase. Since we have started this process, I have read many blogs of other people who have already adopted or are farther along in the process of adopting. It has been wonderful to read their stories. It has definitely been an encouragement to me and my husband to continue with the process no matter what. I would like to share my experience with others in the hopes that it will help them to continue or to think about adoption. At this point it won't be too exciting, but, I hope that you will continue to check back as I feel it will be soon!