So many steps towards Mason

I think that I have become a genius in regards to filling out paperwork over the last few months. Honestly our taxes seem easy after the multitude of forms, contracts, and applications we have filled out. On Tuesday I had an adventure towards finishing our paperwork. Reid and I had our diagnostic scans completed for our USCIS approval (because everyone knows what that is). For an adoption, you have to apply to the US Immigration and be approved before you can adopt and this was our last step in completing that. It is a fingerprinting process for a federal background check. Luckily for us, Reid walked in a few minutes late, right as they were opening the room we needed to go to. My husband is the luckiest man in the world, so they just sent him to the front of the line ahead of those sitting in the waiting room. I guess they liked him because they let me go to the front of the line as well. We were in and out in 13 minutes.

Next I headed to Hillsborough to get copies of our marriage certificate. I am always baffled at how much that town changes each time I go back. All of the offices had been moved to the Weaver Street Market. But having a regular entrance is reserved for the Whole Foods. If you want to do government business, then you have to enter through the back of the building...it felt as shady as it seems. In the back entrance is a single elevator that goes up to the government building offices. Felt kind of like MIB.

Then I was back to Raleigh to mail off our first payment to About-A-Child and our signed contract.

The ladies at the post office were so sweet to take this photo for me. Someone clocked and and came to the side so that they didn't break any rules. It is amazing how many people light up when you talk to them about adoption. I do wish that I had more courage in sharing about why we are adopting and about how God adopted us into His family when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Well our last update deals with our financials. I am very happy to say that Reid and I have saved over $20,000 towards Mason's adoption. This will cover all of our agency expenses as well as some travel. We have finally come to the realization that we need to let our friends and family know how they can help. We borrowed this great idea from a family that is adopting from The Summit as well. We have found a beautiful puzzle with a scene of Russia at night.

The concept is that people buy pieces of this puzzle for $10 each piece. We will write each persons name on the back of each piece that they buy. Then Mason will be able to see all of the people who helped to bring him home. We will display this print in our house for everyone to see and to remind us of everyone who helped us make our dream of bringing this little boy home a reality. We tried to make the process as simple as possible. We have set up a PayPal account so that people can feel safe about their finances. You can get as many or as few of the puzzle pieces as you like to help us reach our goal. We will also try and update everyone about the progress of the fundraiser.

Thank you in advance for your love and support. It has meant the world to us to receive the encouragement that you all have poured out to us. You never realize how many people love you until the outpouring of love comes your way. We are truly grateful for each of you!