Host Family Experience

Over the past few days Tim and I had our first host family experience.  A German band was performing at the Community College and they had asked families around the area to host.  Tim and I were nervous to do so at first because we had never done such a thing and it was the weekend right before school begins but we decided to go ahead and host.

On Thursday night we met at the park for a pot luck and to meet our band members.  We had two young girls who play clarinet staying with us: Sabrina (14) and Vanessa (15).  At the pot luck we shared our first meal and Lincoln and Douglas came to talk and share the history of the Lincoln/Douglas debate in Freeport.  We ended the evening with giant portions of ice cream from Union Dairy, a Freeport staple.  The girls were shocked at the amount of ice cream they were served.  They said the amount would have been 5 servings in Germany.  The four of us ate it all.

On Friday we simply had donuts and fruit for breakfast and then the girls had to be dropped off for the day at the school for their own adventures on the Mississippi River and to prepare for the concert.  The concert that night was AMAZING!  The whole band was so talented and they songs they played were so much fun.  One of the fan favorites was a song where two boys came out front and played cow bells.  I wish I had a video of it because it was so much fun to watch.  We also really enjoyed Grandfather's Clock, the Lion Kind Medley, and a few others that we don't remember the name of because they are more German.

Saturday was host family day.  We really got off too easy on Saturday because Sabrina went with another group to the water park and I went with a group (Julia and Natalie, both 19) to Oakbrook for some shopping.  The girls wanted to go to Tiffany's & Co. (a place I have never been either).  Before we all left though I made a big breakfast of waffles, bacon, and fruit.  None of the girls even touched the bacon, I was surprised. They went off on their own and we met for lunch at Red Robin.  The girls said they wanted burgers for lunch but two of them got chicken sandwiches and one got the bacon burger.  That night we went to a cookout with three other host families and their band members.  We met a married couple (Fabian and Katrin) and two other men.  They had such great stories to share.  Tim and I had to leave earlier to go pick up Sabrina.  On our drive home with her we had a great bonding moment.  She taught us more about Germany and her life and she even taught us a few German words.  When we got home Sabrina taught Tim and I how to play Skip-bo and we stayed up till 11 doing so.  The girls were also very sweet and presented us with host family gifts of thanks.  We received a CD of many of the concert songs, a bag from Sabrina's hometown and a snow globe of the largest church in the world.  They were all so neat and I plan to use the bag as my new school bag :)

Today was our last day.  The girls wanted eggs and bacon for breakfast and then we went back to the school to say good-bye.  It was sad to see the girls leave so early but we really did enjoy the time we had together to share experiences and some culture.  Tim and I would definitely be a host family again.

Half a Year

WOW! I can't believe we have officially been waiting for half a year! 

 This past month has gone by so fast. Tim and I have been busy with many different activities. We had our home inspection check completed and we are ready to go. We also received many pieces of cloth for our Good Wishes Quilt which always makes me feel so excited and loved. This month we also found friends who are starting to go through the same experience. It is so nice to have someone you can go to who understands what's going on. Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers. It means the world to us.

Quilt Pieces

In the past month or so Tim and I have received so many quilt pieces!  It is always such a joy to see the fabric people have chosen and the meaning behind the fabric.  Future Baby Deets will certainly feel loved and appreciated.  Thank you so much to everyone who has participated in our Good Wishes Quilt.  We currently have received pieces from 11 people but we would LOVE to receive more.  ANYONE who is willing to contribute is able.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

God's Timing

On of the hardest parts about starting a family is timing.  No matter what I put down in my plan book it really has no relevance at all.  Everything happens in God's timing.  Sometimes that timing can look like what you're thinking as well and sometimes He can really throw you a curve ball. 

Today we experienced God's miraculous timing.  I don't know what His plans are just yet but I can't wait to see how things might unfold.

(Thank you Pinterest for the picture.)

Month Five

It has been awhile since my last post but it has officially been 5 months now that we have been waiting for that anticipated call.  We are at the point right now where we are honestly doing nothing.  People ask all the time how the adoption process is going.  I know they are asking out of the kindness of their hearts and it means so much to me that they take the time to care but it is also so frustrating because I have no answer to share.  We are waiting...waiting...waiting...

This month I did get a chance to talk to a friend of mine who is also talking about adopting.  I am excited for her and her husband to possibly begin this adventure as well.  It will be nice to have someone to go through the process with as well.

I have decided that this summer I want to get a few house projects done to help pass the time.  Tim and our friend Josh are changing our outlets and some switches and they have also changed that flooring in our master bathroom.  It is so nice to not have carpet in the bathroom.  I an so appreciative of their hard work.

Church Camp

Last week I went to church camp for a week.  I LOVE church camp.  I have gone to church camp since I was coming out of 4th grade and have only missed one year.  As soon as I could start counseling the camp I attended I came back as a counselor. This year we had such a wonderful group of young teens we couldn't have asked for a better group!  It is so wonderful to see all the kids have their hearts filled with the Holy Spirit as they work and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as the week plays out.  There was especially a group of older campers who really touched my heart this year.  They were great role models for the younger and newer campers and took it upon themselves to make sure that everyone felt involved, included, and important.  There were many times when I wanted to cry at the amazing site of God's love working through these campers.  There was even an instance when a camper came up to me with a genuine apology and boy did that tug at my heart strings.  It takes a lot of gumption to be able to take ownership and to take the step to apologize, even when it was something silly like having a cell phone.  I will really miss those older campers but I can't wait for next year to see the new leaders step into their roles.

Thank you campers and counselors for such a wonderful week at camp!

Month Four

We have now officially been waiting for 4 months.  The fourth month was filled with many ups and downs, however, we feel it was preparing us for the months to come and we are excited to continue this adventure.