Second and third home study visits

The second and third home study visits are over. We are done with the visits. Now we just sit and wait until some of the clearances come back. (FBI, I wish you would get a move on).

During the second visit she went over my autobiography with me. We talked all about my upbringing and my family and friends. I took her on a tour of the house and we went over a very long check list of items that we had to complete. Fortunately we passed. Later that day she interviewed the kids. It went really well...and they even behaved. The cutest story that I have to share is the home study agent asked Emma if she was worried about anything once her new brother comes home. She could have said a million things like having to share my toys or not getting enough attention. But my sweet daughter said she is worried about her new brother having to get lots of shots. So cute, we explained to her that he wouldn't have had the proper health care he needed and he would have to have many immunizations when he got home. That was her biggest worry...God love her! So that being said the visit was a success and we only had one more to go.

On the third visit Mark had his one on one time with our agent. She asked him all the same questions she asked me about his family and childhood. It went great. I'm really going to miss her. I think she knows me better than Mark...lol.

After about six hours of interviews and house tours I can officially say we are done with the home study. There are a few documents left for the paperwork end of things but we are one GIANT step closer to our little guy.

So we had our first home study visit last Friday and it went great. So exciting things are really moving along. Our second visit is on Wednesday. On the next visit she will tour the house and interview me privately and then the kids. Ha! That should be good. Can you imagine what the kids will say? Actually, I 'm sure they will do well. They can't wait to talk to her and show off their rooms. They are so excited about having a new member to the family. I am so BLESSED with a very supportive husband and children.

Today, I picked up our birth certificates, marriage license, dropped off medical forms and mailed out child abuse paperwork as well as our request for our deed to the house. I'm tired just talking about it. And did I mention a two year old was with me the whole time. She was great I carried lollipops:)

Each new step is one step closer to our little man. I can't wait to see his little face. But I also can't imagine the anguish that his birth family is going through. I pray for our son but more than that I pray for his mother and the choice that she has made. What an amazing women. He may not have a mother and we won't know for sure until we get the referral but there is most likely family out there grieving for their child. Pray for those parents and pray that God will give them the strength and peace they need.

We are the Ayers Family and this is our story, our journey of "Becoming His HOPE"

 

 

A year ago a journey began that would ultimately change my life, and the life of my family.  My name is Jamie Ayers and this is my journey of “Becoming His HOPE” with God’s perfect plan for my family.

So, let me tell you a little bit about my family. We have three beautiful children. Emma is 9, Jacob is 8 and Annley is almost 3 years old. The two older kids attend West Shore Christian Academy. The youngest will go to preschool in the fall. They are the love and joy of my life. I have an amazing supportive and loving husband of ten years of marriage. He is the only one I would ever want to go through this crazy life with. We have two pets Liberty our sweet loving golden retriever and Abby our shy cat. They are a huge part of our family and could not go without mention. We are a fun family that loves God, family, friends and taking vacations (especially to Disney World).

A few months ago, I prayed the prayer “God break my heart for what breaks yours” and He did just that… With this simple prayer my heart and home were opened to grow my family through adoption. We are on this journey because we were called by God to not only see the orphans of the world but to do more.  James 1:27, says “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” And that brings us to where we are today – being humble and faithful servants of God.

We started researching countries and our eyes and hearts were opened to Ethiopia. The amazing people and culture were one reason but the true poverty and need is why we choose this beautiful place. Africa has millions of orphans and Ethiopia has 5 million orphans in a country double the size of Texas. That is staggering to comprehend. We are so excited to think that over 7,000 miles away God has a little boy ready for his forever family. We have already experienced many humbling affirmations that God is right there with us each step of way. We are grateful for the love and support of our family and friends and ask that you please pray for our journey.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for Me.” - Matthew 25:40