Settling In

A lot has happened since I last blogged.  I moved into my house and have spent hours painting, unpacking and gardening.  I have finished up my first quarter of Hebrew and am just starting the second quarter.

I am still contemplating adoption or foster parenting.  I'm not sure which would be the best decision.  Likely in the short term, I am going to take the foster parenting classes and get a home-study completed.  From that point, I can then select what path to take.

There are still several hurdles on the international adoption front - several countries are in limbo as to requirements.

I don't have to make the decisions now, and I also want to look into a few other programs.  It appears that Haiti is allowing adoptions for children who were orphans prior to the earthquake and those who have been surrendered by their parents at the orphanage since the earthquake (the child has to be verified via DNA to be the surrenderer's child).

Moving On...

The house is set to close in a couple weeks, and within a month I'll be settled into my new house. While this is really exciting, it is also stressful.

My buyer had issues with the new FHA loan rules for townhouses. Basically, unless the entire development is approved by the FHA (likely with inspections of each unit), an FHA loan is not possible. Fortunately, my buyer loves my house and has arranged alternate financing. So, after a weekend when I thought I'd have to put the house back on the market, we are set to close.

With my house sale up in the air, I had to rethink my house sale. Although I like my house, I wasn't sure proceeding without my house sold was a wise idea. Since things worked out, I'm still set to buy my house (which has a hot tub!).

My job is going well. As with anything, there is always a learning curve to meeting and working with new people, learning the office particulars and adjusting to a new locale.

Once I'm settled, then the adoption issue comes to the forefront again. I've decided against Nepal, given the problems there. As a single woman, my options are limited. I'm not sure what will be a good option for me or which agency will work.

I have time to think, as at best I doubt I'll get back to the adoption issue until late this summer or early fall.

Latest News

I'm still working toward the move. I have several things to be thankful:

1. My parents helped me clean my house and move out several items before I put the house on the market.

2. The house sold in 3 days!

3. The house has passed inspection with no surprises.

4. I am scheduled to look at houses in the new locale soon.

5. I have had time to pack up a lot of things, and hopefully will be able to have a huge chunk out of the house well before I have to be out of the house.

There are a few things that I am still praying about:

1. Nepal adoptions have significant problems. I am leaning toward not adopting from there until the country implements some additional measures.

2. If not Nepal, then where?

3. How much to spend on the new house? What kind of house? Where?

Onward

I've decided to move. In essence this will push back my plans to adopt by a few months. However, I think in the scheme of things, it will be the best possible choice.

I am also reconsidering where I want to go from. Since I made my decision, there are indications that the country may close briefly to stem corruption. So, by the time I'm ready to do the home study, I may have to rethink my options.

New Thoughts

While I have been contemplating the adoption process, I have been evaluating my current situation. By that, I mean:

1) Do I have an adequate support system to help me out as a single mother?

2) How can I reduce stress in other areas of my life, as I will be adding stress via single motherhood?

3) Can/Should I stay at my current residence (It is a 2 bedroom townhouse)? If not, when do I move?

This week, an opportunity presented itself. Essentially, it means moving. I'd keep the same basic job, but in a new locale. I need to make the decision on this by early next week.

The things holding me back are selling the house (I need to make a few repairs etc), disrupting my school life and my job in the short term, and putting a short hold on the adoption process. The move now, as I have not started the home study process, may be better than starting that process then moving mid-way through (whether mid-way through adoption process or mid-way through the home study).

In essence, the issue is whether now is the time to make these changes or whether I should wait until the next opportunity. Right now, it appears that the change would be the best choice, with a few hurdles to overcome. But, I do need to verify a few things before I choose. Hopefully, God will make it very clear what I need to do.

What I'm reading right now

Choosing Single Motherhood by Mikki Morrissette

Keepers of the Keys to Heaven by Roger Collins

One Church, Four Generations by Gary McIntosh

The Iowa Caucuses by John Skipper

Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky

Raising Boys without Men by Peggy Drexler

(Yes, I tend to have several books in process at one time!)

Slow Cooking

For Christmas, I received a Nesco roaster oven, which is like a crockpot, but has degree settings. Today was the first day I had good weather and time to "smoke" out the pot. So, I set it out on my stoop and let it cook for one hour. The directions indicated this would get rid of some of the smoke from the first cooking.

As the grocery store had a special on pork, I bought several pounds. After seasoning the pot, I started cooking the pork, beginning with the pork chops.

Once the chops were seasoned with onion soup, the house filled with a wonderful odor! Next, I cooked ribs with BBQ sauce. Finishing with a pork roast, I finally got done with the extra pork.

After the meat was cooked, I packaged it to freeze.