Just Us

If you couldn't already tell from the picture, Nathan and I have decided to pursue adoption through South Korea! Of course this is not a 100% guarantee as we have not completed a home study, or even applied to an agency at this point. So, why Korea? Of course it would seem obvious since my husband is a Korean adoptee, but we have actually looked into many countries. We have spent the last 2-3 months looking online at all the regulations for adopting from each country (including the US), what ages are usually adopted from each country, and talked to a few friends who have adopted or are currently in the process. We ultimately chose Korea because yes, this is the homeland of my husband, and that did seem important to us, but we chose it for many other reasons as well. Our family seems to fit the criteria for adopting from the country, most children that are adopted are babies or toddlers and we want this child to be younger than our youngest (who is currently 14 months ...

I am not a big goal setter to be honest. I mostly just live my life and take whatever comes my way and deal with it when we get there. My husband likes to set goals, and I usually hate it when he asks me what my goal in life is, or what my goal is for the next 5 years, etc. However, I think my view on this is changing recently. Now, I am not talking about huge future goals. For those of you that set those, great, I applaud you, but I am in what I would call the baby steps of goal setting in my life, and I'm quite enjoying it. Actually, most of these goals didn't start out as such, they sort of developed into that. I will explain. 1. Exercising - I don't usually set New Year's resolutions, but this year my husband wanted to talk to the youth group about setting some goals and having passion in life, so I thought I should at least come up with something. So, here was my great New Year's resolution: to get the elliptical machine upstairs and actually use it. Wow, a...

I feel the need to write a blog this week. Why, I am not so sure. I think it may be that "unspoken" New Year's Resolution I may or may not have made to write on my blog about once a week. If I don't write on it fairly often then one week will turn into two weeks, then two months, and so on and so on. So, what should I write about? All the uncertanties of the adoption and if we'll be approved for the home visit, or if we'll have enough money, or how long it will be until our wonderful beautiful child is home? Should I write about the uncertanties of the crazy snow outside and how a person can hardly see a hand in front of their face, let alone where the actual road is compared to the ditch?! Or should I write about the uncertanties of this country, the politics, the moral dilemmas being brought up every day, and on and on and on? There are so many uncertanties in life, or so it would seem to us. But there is someone who sees things a little differently than...

As I've been researching lately and reading books and blog posts, I feel like there is so much about adoption and orphan care that I don't know, yet I already feel that God is turning my heart not only towards adopting a child of our own, but somehow getting involved in orphan care. There are so many practical ways to do this, and God hasn't directed me toward one specific way yet, but the desire and passion is beginning to grow in my heart. I've recently been reading this book called Orphanology by Tony Merida and Rick Morton.This book emphasizes God's heart towards us and how he has adopted us into His family. It takes this wonderful example from all over the scriptures to show us how we should have the same heart toward others, especially orphans. The book of course talks about adoption and contains adoption stories, but is also a cry to the Church to "take care of the orphans and the widows" through financial support, prayer support, adoption and so...

So, Nathan and I are going to adopt. Yes, I said it, adopt. There has been a recent change from "Nathan and I would like to adopt someday" to "we are going to adopt". I have so many thoughts running through my head these days that this post may end up in a jumbled mess, but we'll just see. We are in the very beginning baby stages of our journey toward adoption, but you have to start there before you can go any further. It is so exciting and scary at the same time. I've heard others compare their process of adoption as similar to the feelings you have when you are pregnant with a biological child, and I feel that same way now. I feel like I did when I was pregnant with my first child, Ariana. While I was pregnant, I read everything about babies and pregnancy that I could get my hands on, I thought about it all the time and talked about it all the time. I feel as though I'm reacting the same way now, reading everything I can about adoption, researching a...

So, here is my contribution to the Mosaic Project (and to my home decor!). I love wall decorations, but they're so expensive, and I've thought of trying to make something of my own, but didn't think I was creative enough. I'm very happy with how this turned out, and it's definitely showed me that I can be creative. Watch out bare walls, here I come!

Last weekend we traveled to Omaha, NE to celebrate Ariana's birthday. Yes, it was a long and fast trip, but it was well worth it. We got to spend the weekend with my family, Nathan's family and the Pawlitcheks from Mankato. We had a blast. Swimming, pizza, games, presents and family. What more could you ask for? Ariana had a great time as well! :) We ended the weekend on Sunday and got to visit Don White's church in Omaha, and I got a chance to see my cousing Charity who is about to have a baby. Hooray! Yes, family is wonderful and birthdays are wonderul. A good time was had by all. For more pictures visit my facebook site.