Learning the A B C's....

As we continue this process of waiting, we seem to be talking and trying to learn more about the A B C's of adoption.....

A is for ATTACHMENT - The deep and enduring connection established between a child and their main caregivers, especially dealing with affection
B is for BONDING - The process of developing lasting emotional ties with immediate caregivers, especially dealing with trust
C is for COCOONING - The initial process in the beginning of bringing an adoptive child home and limiting outside interactions beyond the immediate family, so that the adopted child(ren) can try to attach and bond and be immersed in the dynamics of their new family unit

When we do eventually bring our new children home, we will be working very hard at these ABC's.....so please understand that we may need to say "no" to some invitations and not participate in all the activities or usual commitments we are able to do now.  Our priority will be to make our children feel safe and let them know that we are committed to them, that they can trust us and that we are their family.  There could be some rough days as the attachment and bonding process takes place over time.....please be patient with us, as we navigate this new road we've never traveled and please pray that this process takes hold quickly, deeply and with great joy, trust and affection.

As far as when this process will begin....we are still waiting to hear from The Ethiopian Court system about our Court Date.....and then will set the travel dates for our FIRST trip to Ethiopia.  We are trying to be patient and still pray that this first trip will take place before the end of 2011.  We'd appreciate your prayers for that too!  We appreciate your prayers for both of our kids - for their health, protection and preparation for becoming a Jansen and this whole new world they will be entering.

We remain grateful for your prayers and support~

Dave & Vic + 6

$5.00 each at Meijer's this week - just couldn't resist - the first clothes we've bought for the new kids!  :-)

What's next?

So, now that we have our referral, what's next?  We wait for our Court date.  Our papers were submitted to the Court in Ethiopia's capital, of Addis Ababa, 2 weeks ago.  Once we receive our Court date, we will make plans to travel and go through the Adoption process in Ethiopian Court.  We are looking over our travel information and the many, many details that are included - so much yet to do and more paperwork to take care of again!

Months ago, when we were planning on adopting one child, we thought that our fundraising days might be over.  Now that God has called us to adopt these two wonderful kids, those monies set aside for travel have been absorbed into other fees.  So - please mark your calendar for a "Family Movie Night" fund raiser on Friday, October 7th and join us for a great night together and help us bring both our kiddos home!

This Labor Day weekend, we spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas on how to make our home ready for 6 children.  At this point, none of the changes will be major or structural, but some adjusting around the house will take place.  Because this adoption will "take a village", we'd ask you to see if any friends, family or neighbors might be able to help us out with some gently used items:  2 twin beds/mattresses, 2 dressers (matching), wooden kitchen chairs, and a strong Futon frame.  Please contact us if you have any leads.

Please pray that we might be able to have our Court date complete by the end of 2011.  Please pray too - we are all getting a little concerned knowing that the Holidays will be here before we know it......the Jansen kids in the U.S. would really like their parents home for the upcoming Holidays and we would like that too!  Thank You for your prayers and for taking the time to read our blog - your support means more than we can express!