We met Dr. and Mrs. Baker a few Fridays ago, through our mutual friend and bonus-mom, Kaye Sharp. The Bakers have just adopted their second baby and were glad to share their stories of adoption with us. Mrs. Baker has a blood disorder similar to mine, and has actually been on the same drugs and treatments as I have (Heparin included). They endured several incomplete pregnancies and years of heartache before adopting their daughter through Bethany Christian Services. Just a month ago, they adopted their son through the same agency. We sat at the Branson landing Starbucks and learned all about open adoption vs. closed, private vs. going through an agency, and the truth about the costs involved with this process. It was nice to hear success stories and see the actual product of the massive amounts of protocol and lengthy procedures linked with adoption. We decided this after our visit: We will continue with Heparin this summer, and start saving now to complete the paper work for adoption if and when we do venture down that route. We can't think of a "down" side to preparing for adoption. We have contacted Bethany and are now working our way towards the hundreds of dollars it takes to complete the paper work. It is our understanding that private adoption is less expensive, and so our eyes and ears are open for women who are pregnant and aren't wanting or aren't able to raise their babies.
To help us reach our $600.00 paper work goal, we are going to have a big garage sale in June. I'm working on a quilt as a raffle prize. The center block will have the scripture, "This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!" embroidered on it. The rest of the quilt will be bright and colorful 9 patch blocks that some students have volunteered to help me make once school is out. We'll sell the tickets at our garage sale. I also have gone back to work at Chili's here in Branson waiting tables. I was so nervous to go back, scared to death I would mess up. Thanks be to God my few mistakes were minor and unnoticeable to anyone but me. It is like riding a bike! A bike that is very, very busy and smells like fajitas. My energy levels are from God above, and a Vitamin B pill before every shift. I like seeing my kids in the restaurant and I like the people I work with. I'm used to a higher volume store (Lees Summit, MO) so I'm not making exactly what I had anticipated, but every little bit helps and I'm so grateful for this opportunity.
We do so appreciate the support and the prayers. I know that God made my body and He can rearrange it, if that is what is best for us. We rely so much on your prayers, and interest; forgive us if our response to your inquiries isn't immediate (or even timely). We appreciate every ounce of care sent our way. We are in survival mode at school, and focused on putting one foot in front of the other. Summer should shape us back into our human forms, so bear with us as we wrap this school year up. Emotionally, we're taking it one hour at a time. We'll know June 2 if this last Heparin treatment was successful or not.
So, for now, Plan B includes the blessings of the Baker family, investigation of the Bethany Christian Adoption Services and Vitamin B to get me through those days where I teach during the day and serve at night. Thank you for praying for us! More on Plan B will surely follow.
