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Homestudy Update

Both Erica and I completed our homestudy self-assessment paperwork and we got it mailed in last week. Lots of questions about family of origin, communication and conflict resolution, parenting styles, disciplinary preferences, and the like. Erica wrapped her answers up in 15 pages. I took 26. No surprises there. :)

Next up is financial information and medicals. Both Erica and I got labs drawn last week for medical reports, as well as a standard annual physical. It is really remarkable how thoroughly everything is reviewed when you apply for adoption. No one asked me about how I was disciplined as a child during pregnancy classes!

Great news! Our Puzzle Fundraiser was successful beyond our wildest dreams. Thanks to your support we raised the full $5,000 goal for our puzzle, and a generous donor contributing a matching gift as well. These funds will be vital in 1) completing our homestudy, and 2) making a significant start towards our Dossier. The Dossier is the Brazilian version of the homestudy. It will contain all the information about our family, including the entire homestudy once completed. The Dossier has to be translated into Portuguese and then it is sent to Brazil. It will be used to the Brazilian adoption agencies in the matching process to help us identify kids who will be a good fit for our family.

We are looking for sibling groups of up to 3 kids and up to 10 years of age. Please be praying for the right match for us and for God's continued blessing and provision on the journey.

January has seen us improving safety around our home with certain suggested additions in preparation for the homestudy. We have also expanded our garden and built a chicken coop in our backyard. Fresh eggs here we come!

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. We appreciate you!

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