Getting closer!

I think it's safe to say that we can both see a 'glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel'!  We are getting closer to bringing Levi home!  Yesterday, we had the final 'interview' for our homestudy.  We are hoping to have the report around the first of March.  It then has to be sent to immigration...we will get fingerprinted again and then receive a letter in the mail--that should take about 3 weeks or so.  Meanwhile, we are working on and finishing up the rest of the paperwork.  Once we receive approval from immigration, we should be ready to mail/send off our dossier to be submitted!!!  Once submitted, we just wait for a travel date!  :)  We are still hoping for a travel time frame of April/beginning of May...I have to keep reminding myself that everything will happen in God's timing! 

It's been a while since we've blogged, so let me catch you up a bit on what's been going on...  The holidays were super busy...spending time together, hanging out with friends, visiting family, baking, shopping for gifts, traditions, decorating, cooking, church activities, settling in to our new home.  We thought of and think of Levi often, wanting him HERE to celebrate with us.  It is hard knowing your child is halfway across the world, in an orphanage!

We have also been blessed by the support of family, friends, co-workers, and our church towards our adoption of Levi.  Some have offered their prayerful support and words of encouragement as we meander through this process.  Others have donated to our adoption fund.  Some have offered clothes, toys, and furniture.  Yet others have participated in various fundraisers, with proceeds going towards the adoption.  Fundraisers so far have included: babysitting nights, t-shirts, coffee, cookbooks, Arbonne, Jamberry, and Wholesale Boutique.  There is a 31 fundraiser going on until Monday and we are having a paint night fundraiser tomorrow night.  We are about to have an online auction fundraiser, and possibly a few more...another babysitting night, KEEP Collective, and Origami Owl. 

We are soo incredibly blessed to have the support of our church behind us!  It has been amazing to see the shift toward being outwardly and inwardly mission focused over the past several years.  There are a few families at church who have recently adopted from Eastern Europe, and we are so grateful for their guidance, advice, and support!  The missions team (on behalf of the church) granted us a donation towards our adoption, and has offered guidance as we begin to set up travel. 

So, thank you!!!  Thanks be to God for all the support, encouragement, prayers, donations, and love shown by so many!!!  We continue to be amazed day-by-day at what God has in store for us as we journey with Him!

Celeste & Phil (& Paisley)

P.S.  Our link to our Reece's Rainbow page is live now...just another tax-deductible option to donate towards bringing Levi home!  :)

http://reecesrainbow.org/101676/sponsorgraham-2
http://static.reecesrainbow.org/donation-box/fsp-Graham.html