6/08/2009

update


It's always difficult to know how to start a post after not writing for awhile. The update on us is lengthy, but I don't have much energy for blogging right now. I haven't even done much emailing lately, which is crazy for me. Chad was laid off in April. His work is in residential construction and the small company he worked for did not have one contract. He had worked there for one year and one week.

Initially I hoped he would find another job and our adoption would move forward without incident. After several weeks of job searching, I contacted Gladney to inform them of our unemployed status. Our caseworker, Jessica, gently informed me our case has been put on hold until we are employed again. She was sensitive and compassionate. I was glad she told me the news on the phone instead of in an email.

We were at week 9 on the waitlist. Before being put on hold, Wednesdays were exciting for me. Wednesday, March 18th was the day we were put on the waitlist. Every Wednesday since then I've flipped to the next week in my mind. I would tell friends and family, "Today marks week 5!" Now Wednesdays are really hard. I cried through the would-be-week-10-Wednesday. Then last week, it was the non-week-11. I'm dreading this Wednesday because week 12 would be a milestone (three months!). Its just hard to watch the weeks click by.

So far Chad hasn't had any luck in the job search. Staying in Arkansas is our first choice, but we are willing to relocate even though it would mean an updated homestudy and more paperwork. We are especially interested in St Louis because its closer to his family.

Despite the rough aspects of our circumstances, we've been having a great time together as a family. Having Chad home is so nice. The girls love it and so do I. We went camping in late April. It was a highlight of Melody's four year old life. She said, "I wish we weren't camp outting for two days. I wish we were camp outting for ten days!" We camped at the Buffalo River near Ponca, Arkansas. We hiked the Lost Valley Trail. The girls walked almost the whole way. Toward the end I put Leah in the Ergo. She was instantly asleep on my back, her legs swinging limply at the knees in sway with my walk. They ate smores both nights with gooey delight. Night time was unlucky. They didn't sleep much, leaving us exhausted by the end of the trip. We might have stayed a third night if they slept better. It was a wonderful mid week trip though. April is the prefect time to camp in Arkansas.









12 comments:

More Dorrs said...

I saw your family on the FBI list and noticed that you had been placed on hold.

I just wanted to offer my thoughts and prayers for your family. I'm sorry this is happening right now, and I hope that work can be found soon!

In the meantime, enjoy your time together and keep your chin up! You are not alone in this!

-Beka

Laurel said...

When we recently went camping for 2 nights, Benji too wanted to continue for at least another few nights. Fine if it's an all-guy trip but I don't think I'm up for a whole 10 days. Go Melody! :)

I didn't know you guys were looking into St. Louis - actually looking for jobs or just considering?

Hope to see you friday.

Rebecca said...

I'm so sorry that you guys have been put on hold. I'm sure it's not an easy place to be. I'll be praying for your family.

P.S. We love the Buffalo area - we actually went to Ponca for our honeymoon :)

Tam said...

Oh Bekah, I am so sorry to hear that you are on hold. I have a couple of clients who are in the same business as your husband and it is bad for them too. I will be thinking of you and hope this turns around fast for you guys. After all, you are my same-day-wait-list-buddy!

Jesse and Amy said...

so sorry to hear this! We will be praying for Chad's job search and also for peace as you have to wait longer then you were hoping for your little one!

Rahel said...

so sorry about the job AND the hold! that is so tough! i will be thinking about you guys! i hope that chad is able to find a job soon!

Lauren said...

Bek! I'm glad the girls are having a good time! I hope you were able to find some joy in today (Wednesday). Thanks for writing an update, I know it was hard, but we WANT to know how to pray. We'll see you guys soon!!
Lauren

Psalm139verse14 said...

I'm soooooo sorry Rebekah!!! I can feel your grief in your post. I'm glad you shared with us. You made the first step and jumped in, now, we must pray and watch as God rewards you guys with miracles. OH,I just know He has some precious little boy needing a little more time to get ready for his family!!
Love,
Libby

Heidi said...

Rebekah,

I just noticed your "on hold" status on the FBI list. How awful for you, I am so sorry. This must be very difficult but surely it won't last forever - that little someone who is meant to be with your family probably just needs a little exta time ;-) I hope that your husband is able to find work very soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Heidi

Tanya said...

Praying for you during this difficult time. God's timing is perfect, but it doesn't always feel like it at the time. My heart breaks for you.

Amy said...

Thinking about you guys as you walk through this hard place.... There is a pretty great Ethiopia adoption community in St. Louis.... I mean if thats where you happen to end up. Though, there is a great one in Oklahoma City too. :) :)

Cassandra Britt said...

Hope to see you back on the wait list, soon!! Best wishes.