Faster than we expected

We are closing in on the next step of our journey.  We should be submitting to USCIS next week.  This is just one more step on the path to our daughters.  As soon as we receive an official copy of our home study, we can mail off the packet.  What does that mean?  What do we do now?

Our paperwork is done, at least the part we can do.  The home study is finished, the dossier is ready, the psychological evaluation is complete.  We can soon send our paperword to Colombia.  They are actively searching for a match for us now.  Any day we could get a call that says "we have records for you to review".  It could be tomorrow.  It could be 6 months from now.  We are expecting it to be sooner than later since our coodinator has said she does not expect us to wait long.  It's a surreal feeling.  Knowing that right now our daughters are likely waiting.. waiting... waiting for us.  It's like being pregnant with no logical expectations of what you will need when the baby arrives.  Our girls could be 3 months and 18 months, 6 months and 4 yrs, 3 yrs and 5 yrs?  Will we need an infant seat?  Will a single stroller work or will we need a double?  Will we have to have a second crib?  What size clothes will we need?  So we wait to see God's plan unfold and pray for patience and peace.

The next period of time (1-3 months) is all red tape.  Governmental processing.  So far all of our waiting has been much much less they we were told.  I mailed off a document 2 weeks ago and was told it would take 8-10 weeks for it to return.  It was the piece of the puzzle that tends to slow things up.  It came back YESTERDAY.  The amazing part of that is that we could very well travel soon, even by the end of the year, if we match.  The less wasted time waiting the better, right?   The bad news is that our payment is due.. and much sooner than we expected.  We thought we had another 2 months to raise the funds.  Instead, in order to submit our dossier for translating in the next week or so, our next payment has to be made.  $13,000.  That's how much we still have to raise for the next step to be made.  We pray we can continue down the path quickly.  Every day counts in the life of a child.

We know God is here, working in this.   Some days are scary wondering HOW DO WE DO IT???
Then we remind ourselves that God is in control, and that His timing is perfect.  So we pray.  And we wait.  And we do everything we can to reach our goal every day.  And we pray!  And we pray!

Please pray with us.  You can also offer support by making a donation at
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=HRMREM78AEV2Q&lc=US&item_name=Hardesty%20Family%20Adoption%20Fund&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted

or mailing a personal check to
Shannon and Brian Hardesty
1560 Slaughters Lake Rd
Hanson, KY  42413

There are so many ways to help the orphans of the world!  If you want to learn more about the various opportunities to make a difference, please CONTACT ME!  Every child deserves love.  Every child.  Everywhere.