Blaschke Family Adoption Journey

Passports? Check. Travel Visa? Check. Adoption Travel Approval? Check. Airline Tickets? Check. Place to live? Well ... we're working on it! We are officially counting down the days to take off. Once we get to Brazil, the kids will be with us for a 30 day "co-habitation" period before the adoption is finalized. We are taking all of our girls with us, so it will be the full house for our whole time in country. Photo by  Johan Van Wambeke  on  Unsplash I have absolutely been humbled and impressed by all of the social workers, court representatives, and others who have served us and taken care of the children through this whole process. They have been a joy to work with and throughout every step it is clear that they care about the kids and put the needs of the child ahead of their own. Working in the system to facilitate care for orphans is such a beautiful ministry and service. These are angels on earth and deserve our prayers and support. Speaking of prayers...

It has been less than a year since we said "yes" to God's call to adopt and started our application process. Life will not - can not - ever be the same. We are probably 2-3 weeks from travel at this point. Our day is filled with a) trying to act normal and do school and clean house and maintain laundry like everything is fine, b) juggling forms and travel plans and priorities while never knowing what's next exactly, c) laughing and crying and bouncing from one emotional extreme to the next as we enjoy counting down the days and try to get as much done on our to-do list as we can. We were blessed to be able to buy a new car (new to us!). "Big Bertha" is a 15-passenger 2017 Ford Transit van; big enough for everyone plus a few more! We have been working on home renovations as well. Our garage is enclosed now. The dining room is expanded and a new bedroom is framed in. The large area allows for a nice school room as well and will let the "office/school ...