Let the process begin....

Today I have an appointment with the Little Angels Adoption agency to start the adoption process. This meeting will let me know what I will need to do, start asking me about myself and understanding why I want to adopt a child. I was reading an article that stated you will feel exposed with all of the questions that you will be asked. I do pray that I don't say something dumb. I am excited about accepting a child into my life. Lord teach me to love on such a different and deeper level.

Today I start class number five for three weeks. My research design class. I want to write about training international workers in cultural adjustments after you have lived cross culturally for 3 to 5 years.

Road to Adoption and finising school.

Greetings wonderful people,

I pray that all is well with you as you start this New Year. I know 11 months from now we will say again how fast the year has gone.

This year will be a whirlwind of new life changing events for me. (1) I should finish my master degree at NIST in Kenya, (2) I am in the process of adopting a child in Kenya, (3) I am settled with the reality that I will stay in Kenya for another 3 to 5 years and (4) throw in a few trips around East Africa. The order does not mark the importance just the order of when they will happen.

I want to blog about the journey of adoption and finishing school. Two things that seemed so far away just a few months ago.

School:

I have five classes to finish and a thesis to write. By the end of September I should be finished with both. The main concern is that all if this is happening as I am completing my paperwork, interviews and counseling for adopting a child that will change my life and heart forever. I have really enjoyed learning in Kenya at NIST (Nairobi International School of Theology). Studying in a classroom of leaders from all different sectors of life has been very interesting, frustrating and exciting. Being the only American in class has been a cultural exchange that has produced lots of debates. I have gained many new friends and a few I will not miss if I do not see them in the future. But I am excited that I will have earned a master's degree in Organizational Leadership.

If anyone is reading this let me get your input. I have two options for a thesis. (1) Researching why Christian women convert to Islam and (2) Investigating the retraining of missionaries who have served cross culturally for 3 to 5 years. What is in place to make sure they are proceeding in ministry correctly, tools that can help retain them on the field, and what is in place to help them evaluate their heart and cultural attitudes. Which one?? Any input???

Adoption:

"When I get married I want to adopt a child." I have said that for the last twenty years or more. My family have hosted children and families throughout my life. I knew I wanted to help a child who didn't have a family. I just didn't think it would have taken this long. Sorry to say I was waiting for marriage, for a stable home, to finish traveling so much, and for life to seem normal. Well, those things didn't go as planned but the desire to adopt is still very real. Since I am staying in Kenya for a few more years, I think I have 2 of the four. Anyway I am embarking on the journey to adopting a little girl. Because I am single Kenya will allow me to adopt a girl.

I have turned in about a third of the paperwork and collecting the rest over this month. I am excited and in shock. This is real. I could have another life in my hands in less than 11 months. WOW. I do feel my heart growing to accept the possibility of being a mother. I am also nervous about going through the process and being rejected. OUCH.

There are so many questions, too many unknowns and what ifs. This is a serious step of faith. Bigger than moving to Kenya. I do know that God is opening this door and have given many affirmations so far. But you know us humans we still need to keep checking to see if we are going in the right direction and not ahead of God. His will and timing must match. Keep praying for me.

Well, this is my first note on this journey. More to come.