and a new week.

It's always interesting to see what a new week will bring.  More paperwork, to be sure.  I wonder what will arrive this week? 

It's my last week before classes resume.  I have only a handful of classes remaining until I acheive my bachelor's degree.  It is likely that this adoption process will temporarily place on 'hold' that ultimate goal, but I still believe it's worth it.  My husband is off getting his MBA as well.  I'm not looking forward to the upcoming semester because I registered for three classes (instead of my usual two) in an eight week semester.  My GPA stands at a respectable 3.87, and I hope to maintain that as I enter this hectic semester. 

And a temporary hiccup in finishing my degree isn't the end of the world.  I know I'll finish it, even if travel and a new child put that process on hiatus briefly.  I manage to get excellent grades in spite of having a child with special needs, a husband who travels, and all of it.  I was hospitalized for almost a week in November and still managed to get my school book into my hospital room.  It can be done.

What we're waiting on:

1.  FBI FINGERPRINTS!  (This is by far the most annoying thing).
2.  Child abuse clearance from New Jersey, my former home state;
3.  Some apostilled documents, but these are not as critical. 

The first two things hold up our home study, the third is only for our dossier.  We are also waiting for additional medical information that we can share with our International Adoption doctors.  Finally, we're waiting to hear from our agency about sending some additional items to the Little Dude.  Things like pediasure or other ideas for nutrition, and possibly a therapist (not affiliated with the Bad Place) to come and help him as well.  This may not be possible, because of the corruption of the adoption officials in The Bad Place, but we may try.  It doesn't hurt to try.

Do you like our blog redesign?  Kind of nifty, you think? 

There are many I read that are being put through trials because of what they believe; because they proclaim what they believe.  It is not acceptable to some  - many who profess 'tolerance' - to be tolerant of those they disagree with.  Instead, some are attacked and treated as though they are outlaws or evil because they believe in a way that is different from some.  I am reminded of 1 Peter...

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7)

If you are among people who are being tried today, take comfort in knowing that trials are a part of the human existence, and certainly of the Christian existence.  It is horribly unfair, I agree.  I personally despise situations such as that.  But I also know it's the inevitability of our lives here on earth. Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13).

Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth.  He will be exalted in Bulgaria, or wherever you are adopting from, too.  He can be exalted, even in the Bad Place.  He will be exalted.  (Psalm 46:10 - minus the part about Bulgaria :) )