Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Enjoying and praying through the waiting game...

We have gotten word that all our paperwork has been sent, recieved and in the process overseas in the Phillippines. As it (paperwork) is in the process they say we have about a 2 month process as it goes through the ICAD steps. Please join us in prayer as it continues to take these vital steps for our desire to adopt to healthy and beautiful little girls.

More to come...

Rusty

Monday, May 24, 2010

Psycho-Healthy...Confirmed Results!!!

Well today was a confirmation...WE ARE NOT crazy! OK maybe just a little, but I have a Doctor of Psychology and a 700+ psychological test with confirmed results that says we are normal and psycho-healthy.

We are glad this part of the journey is over, though quite a funny part of the journey, it gave us a great deal of confirmation on 20 years of marriage, something to think about and gut busting laughter. We are very thankful to our new found friend Dr. Blackburn, and her psychological practice, for their support and encouragement in her final report that is to be sent to our agency and the Philippines.

Our next step is to finalize our massive pile of paperwork. Also, special thanks for all the letters of recommendations that will be included in our packet.

Things to pray about as these approach...
1. I-800 International REQUIRED Hague/Homeland Security 11 Page Form
2. Federal Finger Print Checks
3. Homeland Security Check and Clearance
4. Our personal passports (and boys original adoption decrees be returned...we had to surrender them to allow them to pursue their passports...they were Russian Passports. We are suppose to get these back.)

Until next time,
Rusty, Stacy, Ridge and Garrett

Friday, May 7, 2010

Step 3...Get a psychological test.

On Thursday, May 6, Stacy and I went for our psychological interview and tests with a great company in Chattanooga. Our counselor, Dr. Amanda Blackburn was a joy to sit with and tell our story too. She will have do a full report for us both. This requirement is to fullfill the necessary components for part of the Phillipines adoption paperwork.

As you know us both, we were not hindered from telling our history and future. We spent about an hour with her and we will send other information so she will have the necessary input to complete our report. Next was the fun part. We had to take two psychological test that will be included in our report. Test#1 - 550 questions...Test #2 - 175 questions. These were true/false questions that were bubble in the space type answers.

Here's a sample of the test questions...
#1 Do you like hunting?
#10 Does loud noises bother you?
#43 Do you believe in the life hereafter?
# 50 Does your head hurt?
#101 Do you see dead people?
#276 Do you like to see animals suffer?
#324 Do you like dirt?
#461 Do you like it when people play jokes on you?
#521 Are you afraid of the dark?
#633 Do you love your mother?
#711 Do you speak in other voices besides from being sick?

There were times when Stacy and I looked up at each other and just had to laughed. Well only God knows how this will turn out.

We will let you know the results as we get them...until then, thanks for following.

Rusty

Thursday, April 8, 2010

The True Safe Sex...

I know - I know what in the world is with a title like that? Got your attention didn't it? Well I believe I have come to the greatest answer ever for the abstinence issue or mandatory requirement before having premarital sex.

Require paperwork! Yep that's it. The more I do and read what we have to the do - the more I realize that we should require "ALL PEOPLE" to do the paperwork before the "moment". It will truly stop many in their tracks.

Though in humor (hope you took it that way), these are the steps that Stac, the boys and I have to take in our process. Many are known and many are unknown. So please pray for guidance, Godly intervention and careful attention to details.

Prayer
File Initial Request
Give and Get References
Write Autobiographies
Employment History
Local Police Background Checks
HIV Test
TB Test
Urine Test
Ears and Eyes Test
Height and Weight
Body Mass Index (under 33)
Update passports
Home Study separate and together
Immigration and Nationalization Paperwork
Immigration and Nationalization Background check
Immigration and Nationalization Fingerprints
International Country Adoption Department Introductions (Philippines)
Boys have to write a letter/picture to ICAD on why they would like sisters
10 Hours of Parenting Class (Internet) and Certification
ICAD (Philippines) Paperwork and Process
Multiple Interviews
Pictures of families with explanations
The waiting and time for the process to take its course
The Assignment (told of the girls)
The wise and loving choice (decision)
The Placement
The preparation of going...travel plans
The going...18 hours there.
In country details and hoops
Medical Clearance
In country court process
Initial Acclimation
The assigned guardianship
Gotcha Day (the day we get the girls in our arms)
Head back home, ticket, flight
Homecoming
Introductions to boys, family and friends
Doctor Visits
Re-adoption in State of Tennessee (after 6 months)
Three home visits and evaluation (adoption agency)
The financial cost: approx.$20,000.00
The Reward...love and more love for now to eternity.

So you see why I said it...this is the greatest safest sex ever if we would require it.

Really, please keep us in your prayers as we take these steps for the future.

Thanks for following,
Rusty

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Why Life Within The Ark? ...2 by 2

As we look back on our past 21 years together in marriage, its easy to see how Christ added us 2 by 2. First it was Stacy and I. We met in college (she really stalked me...just kidding). It was something different I saw in her that truly attracted me to her. Our first talk together was us sharing our testimonies along the intracoastal waterway looking over to Palm Beach. I knew then God had revealed to me something very special.

Fast forward to 2000. After many years of desiring children adoption became an option. So we took the steps towards an international adoption through Russia that led us to our two blessings (by 2) Ridge and Garrett. What a joy unlike anything else I have ever experienced.

Fast Forward to 2010. What a blessing these past ten years have been. Lost socks, Lego's, camouflage clothing and little boy noises abound. The boys are growing way to fast. Where did the onesies and little shoes go? I cannot complain God has been good to us. For that I am very thankful. Through all this, however I realize my heart still has a desire for a little girl. I kept quiet about this until Stacy shared her desire and longing also...and the boys cheered. So off we go taking the steps again towards adoption for not just one but two little girls (by 2). This is where the Ark theme comes in. I may not be Noah, but desire that my family (and future family) live fully for Him in all we do.

So we ask you to pray for us as we take these steps...these steps about our family and the process we encounter along the way.

Our Life 2 by 2 by 2,
Rusty

About Me

My photo
Cleveland, Tennessee, United States