New News!

Hello all, as the weather and seasons change...So does our adoption journey :) One thing we can say for certain is that it hasn't been boring. As you may remember from our last post; we were reevaluating our decision to continue in the Russia Program. After a pretty busy 2 weeks; we decided that it's in the best interest of our family to withdraw from the Russia Program. There were so many variables that lead us down this path but we've given it a great deal of time, deliberation and prayer and we feel very strong that this was the best decision for our family. This had been a lingering thought for us since about the end of August but we didn't share it with everyone until we were sure the door was closed. So of course that leaves you all wondering...Vietnam is closed (hopefully temporarily); what will we do in the interim??? The answer is; Korea :) Back when Brandon was playing with the Marlins his contract was purchased by the Han Wha Eagles (Korean league). When his contract was purchased; he moved to Korea for the season. That is where his life changed dramatically, in many ways. He has many fond memories of his time there and is very naturally drawn to Korea. Of course, due to his love for Korea and the people there...I am drawn there as well. When we originally felt lead to adopt; Korea was "ironically" our first choice but we didn't qualify based on our length of marriage...NOW we qualify!!! :)))) We've seen this unfolding before our eyes over the last couple of months...Doors closing, doors opening and so here we are. We held off on sharing this with everyone because we wanted to be as sure as we could be that this was the path we were going to head down. We have submitted our application and it's been accepted...We have also submitted our Russian home study to be updated for the Korea program. So it's a matter of a couple of weeks before it is updated and on it's way to Korea for translation. It will sit there until we are referred a baby boy or girl. We have opened ourselves up to either gender, siblings (which are rare) and also TWINS! :) "I" will be PRAYING for twins!! My mother-in-law thinks I'm crazy to pray for twins since she knows oh to well what it is like raising them ;-) So as for timing of the Korean program...WE WERE TOLD (I REPEAT, TOLD) that it's approx 3-6 months until we receive our referral...BUT we know from our experience that the world of adoption can shift gears quickly. We continue to ask for prayers. We are both very excited and feeling rejuvenated again by the direction we are heading! We've felt the good Lords hand in this in more ways than I could share on this blog. I will share one very short story with you...One night during this time of decisions Brandon and I were praying and reading scripture trying determine what direction to take...After both of us feeling discouraged I randomly received a scripture verse that evening from one of my best friends that read:

"After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." - Matthew 14:24-27

It was MORE COMFORTING than ANYTHING in the world to know that the Lord is hearing our prayers and speaking to us! We're so thankful that He hears and responds in his timing. It's absolutely amazing!! :) We are also so, very thankful for all of the thoughtful and loving emails, phone calls and prayers!! :))

So, hopefully our lil peanuts will be home soon or you all may continue to see me dressing up our critters for Halloween & Christmas; you'll continue to see video's of Tex on the treadmill and my poor husband may finally determine that we should just open an Animal Rescue out of our home! ;-) (hehe)

Sending hugs and love your way!!!
Robin & Brandon
xoxo

The journey continues

Hello everyone,
My hope is that all is well with all of you :) We are doing ok. We've been a little more discouraged recently. The only thing we really KNOW about this process is that we were meant to adopt a child that the Lord has handpicked for us. Where, when, who, how, etc...We just don't know. Please pray for strength and peace as we continue on this journey. We are SO-SO thankful for everyone's support and prayers!!

During this time we are reminded of...
James 4:13-17
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

RUSSIA UPDATE:
Our time frame was increased this past week, again. We have been told it will likely be another 6 months before a potential referral. There has also recently been some turbulence in this program that have caused Brandon and I to reevaluate what is best for our family. We'll continue to keep you posted :)))

VIETNAM UPDATE:
It's been a while now since I've updated on Vietnam so I thought it was time to pass on what we know. Our dossier is still in Vietnam. The program continues to remain closed as government officials continue to sort things out. There currently is no indication of if and when this program might reopen again. We are still hopeful and truly have not given up the faith in Vietnam :)

On a much lighter note...I've been watching too much of "The Dog Whisperer"- hehe. I strongly recommend turning down your volume before playing the video; I sound a little silly but that's what keeps Tex walking and not retreating from his workout ;-) He's the sweetest & smartest dog and keeps us smiling :)))