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

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