First meeting with caseworker

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to all of you have been praying for us.

We met our caseworker, Robyn, last night and we felt instantly comfortable with her. Robyn is relatively new to the Houston area and to our agency, which she hoped would not discourage us. If anything, I think it encouraged us even more, because she's really "gung-ho" / has the "new position" fever! She loved our home and was impressed with how prepared we were . She saw both of our children's rooms prepared and she said "Wow, you guys are ready!" I wanted to say, "well, we've had plenty of time to get prepared" but we just politely said - "yes, we are!" She asked if our home was always this clean, and Michael jumped in and said yes! She just smiled and laughed and said, "well not for long!"

Last night's conversation lasted almost 3 hours, but the time flew by. We didn't feel interrogated at all. She asked us about our family backgrounds, how we met, our work, and then moved into why we chose adoption, what our criteria was, etc.

We did find out that the homestudy is more than just last night's visit. Apparently the state requires the caseworker to clock 12 hours with us before we are licensed. After Robyn heard of all the struggles we've had with getting to this point and the extremely long waits we've endured, she said that she's determined to get this done as quickly as possible (AND we believe her!) So, we are meeting again on Monday evening at 5:30. Some of the 12 hours can also be met over the phone or through email correspondence, so hopefully it won't take too long. The purpose of the 12 hours is really for our benefit, so that Robyn can really get to know us and what are desires are so that she can make the perfect match of our children.

One of the frustrating moments of the evening was when Robyn asked if we had completed the Home Study Questionnaire. I thought I was going to fall out of my chair! Are you kidding?! The 24 page document that both Michael & I had to complete? Yes, that was completed about 6 weeks ago and forwarded to our agency's director. Apparently they didn't forward to her and she doesn't have a copy of it. She asked for a copy of it but of course, it would be the one document that I don't have a paper copy of! This was one form that we were able to fill out electronically and so I didn't print out a copy. It wasn't a big deal ~ she just asked that I email it to her this morning (which was the first thing I did this morning). In the end, Michael & I just had to laugh....it's always something :)

My sweet friend, Jenny, encouraged me this morning with this:

"In His time, In His time...He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, please show me every day, as You're teaching me Your ways, that You do just what You say, in Your time."

Thanks, Jenny :)

Thanks again for all your emails, phone calls and prayers lifted up. We love you guys and will keep you posted as we move forward!