Our first step was hiring our adoption consultants. Christian Adoption Consultants was recommended to us and we loved their mission and how they operated. We were connected with Jonnilyn who was actually adopted herself so, thats a great perspective to have! She will hold our hands through this whole process. The first thing I got was a massive packet that gives every detail of the process. All the things I need to do, ask, expect, pray for, etc... I'll admit it was so overwhelming to read through all the situations that I may or may not face. But no one said this process was easy. After reading the packet I was so grateful that I have Jonnilyn to help me take it step by step. With this company the paper work that can take families a few months, will be done by them in a a few weeks. They work with only vetted their agencies and reduce risk of failed adoptions from 45% to 10% within their clients. They also design and help write our profile book. A profile book is basically a magazine of pictures of us and words from us that portray what life would be like being a part of our family. It's important that its professional and worded right because these moms are making a overwhelmingly hard decision. Also, my favorite part is the process of getting a baby that can take families 1-2 years could very easily only be 5-6 months after our home study is complete because of their efficiency. They have been in the industry for years and know exactly what to do when!

• Pray we are put in touch with the perfect photographer. One that will capture who are family is perfectly and financially fair!
  

The second step is the home study. Jonnilyn provided me with the home studies that they trust and I have begun phone calls to interview them with the questions I was given. So, pray I have clarity in that decision. Then I have to get the paperwork they need (that is the longest part of the home study). So, pray I am quickly able to obtain it all! Some of it will depend on the state getting it to me fast enough.

With all this COVID-19 I cant help but worry it will snag us up and make the process longer. But, there are still babies out there so I trust a God who can move mountains can move paperwork where they are understaffed! God knew what we would be facing a midst all this. I can't help but think that is why He had me start the process a couple weeks before we even knew. So, that I had to keep going through he process with all the crisis is going on around me.

God showed up. We were told our first goal was to raise enough money for these two things. God did that in one day. Thanks to so many of you. We are so humbled and so grateful!