meanwhile, back at the ranch...

dear munchkins,

your dad called you that today and i liked it.  my dad used to call us that, too!

we've been busy preparing our minds, hearts, and home for you guys.  we have no idea when we'll get to use all these new skills and knowledge, but hopefully some time the first half of next year!  we're nearing completion of our homestudy, so that's wonderful.  we've decided to stay in our current house and live on top of each other in the name of love and transitioning.  dad and i thought it might actually be a good thing to squeeze all six of us into our house so there's nowhere to escape!

speaking of houses, we understand you are at the new compound and in your new apartment units!  so exciting!  kadey, uncle andrew says you are doing so well.  he has so kindly been asking about you each week and inquiring about your health and behavior, and he has nothing but good things to say!  even mollynette says your hair is growing and you're being a kind girl.  makes me so proud!

we've also been busy organizing some events to raise money for The Covering.  we are so incredibly blessed to have friends and family who are dedicated to bringing awareness to kids in Sierra Leone and The Raining Season's work there.  in October we are having a songwriter event to benefit TRS, and in November we're having a bowling tournament!  it makes me so happy to think that you all may be here in time to participate next year!

i am just constantly overwhelmed with the amount of love and support we get from people when they find out about you guys.  it's a really odd feeling because dad and i know we had very little to do with this.  we feel we are simply God's hands and feet, and we are answering the call!  you and your friends have inspired a lot of people to contribute in so many ways - sponsorships, forever families, donations, fundraising, and so many others.

this whole journey just continues to prove to me that there is good and beauty in this world.  you four are a HUGE part of that beauty!  i love you.  i miss you.  we won't be able to Skype this week because we're going to go talk to a counselor about adoption.  we are doing everything we can to prepare for the easy and the hard when you guys get here.

love you like crazy and miss you bad.

mom