Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Exciting Changes!!!

WOOOOO HOOOOO!! CHI HAS RECEIVED IT'S ACCREDITATION AND WILL RECEIVE THEIR CERTIFICATE FRIDAY!!!

AS IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH....

Many of you may have popped over to Becky’s blog and read her exciting news. Well, we have the same news to share. We were also contacted about switching regions and we said YES!! While we will miss knowing all we know about Vlad, we feel that this opportunity was afforded to us at a great time.

The most amazing thing was that in my last post I said I was throwing in the towel and just as my mom predicted, things started happening. I also had specifically prayed that very morning that our agency would call us out of the blue with information about anything at all. What were the chances of that?? When the receptionist told me my coordinator was on the phone my heart jumped around like crazy. She made sure to tell me it wasn’t a referral right away but that she had an opportunity for us. Now I know the Lord answers prayers, but I also know that they are answered in His time and not always so obviously. It truly was amazing to receive that call.

We have switched to a region called Izhevsk. We did have to up our age range to 18 months to 3 years with referrals generally around 2ish. The great news?? We may be able to travel quickly AND the time in between trips is only about 1 month!! Not 5, like Vlad, which was something I had been extremely worried about. Troy and I had also been discussing increasing our age range for quite a while.

This new region sounds right up Troy’s alley also!! Hunting and fishing is widespread there. Troy is already trying to figure out if we can book a fishing trip somewhere while we are there!!

Other good news – the plane ride from Moscow to Izhevsk is way shorter and the time difference is 9 hours from here instead of 15. This really is a huge blessing!!

Before making the final decision, I called my mom and Troy’s mom to hear their feelings on the subject. I knew they wouldn’t persuade me either way, but I knew they would throw some good things to think about during the conversations. My mom was reserved until she heard I had prayed specifically for a phone call and then she just said, “Well, it doesn’t get more obvious than that and if anyone can handle the adventure, it’s the two of you!!” (Did I ever mention Troy and I sent an application and video to The Amazing Race – I think we didn’t get chosen because all we could do was laugh during the video!!) Troy’s mom said a few things and when she was done, I said “we’re going” and she started saying “Go, Go, GO, GO, GO!!!!”

So....we’re going and I can’t wait for what is next!!!

26 comments:

Becky and Keith said...

I've been stalking your blog all day! I wanted to be the first to post the WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!! :-) I can't believe you and Troy sent in a video for Amazing Race. I LOVE that show!!! I'm so excited about our change in region and obviously super excited about accreditation. It is so true - I had finally resorted to ignoring the FRUA "December Accreditations" thread or at least not caring and low and behold, look at what happened! You are right - God is good and His timing was perfect. I'm specifically thankful to have met a couple as great as you and Troy and to hopefully be able to finish up this bumpy journey with the both of you! We will get through this - one way or another!

Hugs!
Becky

Dede said...

I'm so excited to hear that CHI is finally getting their accreditation and all the CHI families will soon be travelling. I can't wait to read the news that you have a referral. Congrats on your new region!

Jane and Jim said...

Congratulations! Also to CHI and all the CHI families - this is huge and it will get more kids into great families.

There's going to be a lot of jumping around today - the buzz is totally catching!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO is RIGHT!

Deb said...

You sound so excited. I'm so glad. It's amazing how many times I've been at the end of my ropes and that's when God pulls a miracle out of the blue.

So glad your Christmas will be full of new excitement.

Amber said...

YAY!!!! Bring my nephew home!!!! All of this news is so exciting and overwhelming! I am so exciting for you and Troy to start your family! I love you both so much!!

P.S. Your weather girl in VA is only wearing a long sleeve shirt! Uh, it's much colder than that!!! So I guess if your girl in Russia is wearing a jacket you really need that plus ear muffs, gloves & scarf! LOL! Get those winter clothes out!

Mama Fish said...

Rachel- Yeah! You and Becky just might be traveling together! That would be soooo cool! I can't wait to see how your change in regions unfolds. I'm hoping for a referral for both of you in the beginning of 2008!

Carey and Norman said...

I too have been checking your blog waiting for your post. I knew it was coming, but I wasn't sure just when. I do think God has perfect timing. Your little one has been waiting in Izhevsk and knew that the wait with accreditation was needed to bring you to him. I hope you receive news soon and travel in January! What a Christmas blessing that will be!

ana said...

YAY! What exciting news! We're so happy for you! Now that you've had wonderful news, you can enjoy your Christmas. :)

Patti said...

So glad to hear about your region change and "upping" the child's age. We increased our age as well, and that's when things started to happen. Now with accreditation here, things will really start moving, I can just feel it! Congratulations and praise God for His awesome blessings of answered prayers!

Mike and Heidi Lee said...

YAY!!! Great Christmas presents!!!

Amy said...

Yipppeee! Congratulations to you and all the CHI families. 2008 promises to be an exciting year for you and Troy...lots of changes. I love hearing about the early Christms presents. Enjoy this time. Amy

Amy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jane said...

This is great news, it sounds like CHI can get families moving quickly in these other regions. Like I said to Becky, whatever brings you closer to your child quicker is the way to go! Congrats, sounds like it you might need to start packing soon!

Gary & Rosalie Clute said...

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

Can't wait to see the next steps and follow your journey.

Janine said...

Yeah!! This is fabulous news!! I'm so glad CHI is reaccrediated and that you get to move to a new region. Now, I can't wait to hear about you getting your referral!! Congratulations again, wonderful news!!

MandyJo013078 said...

Rachel -
I"m so happy for you! I'm can't say it enough I'm just so happy for you! Congrats on the change of region and I hope that you'll get a referral soon! God has a plan! Can't wait to hear all about it!
MJ

Allison said...

I'm so excited for you!! As if reaccreditation isn't enough good news, it sounds like this new region offers a great opportunity for you. We actually researched it to see if we wanted to switch (which we didn't choose but for other reasons) and it sounds wonderful! Congratulations. I can't wait to to follow your journey as a pioneer family in Izhevsk.

Ryan and Amy said...

I am SO HAPPY for you - the signs couldn't have been more obvious and we are so excited that CHI received accrediation. Sounds like a great switch - can't wait to hear more!

Chris said...

That is great news. I'm so happy your agency received its accreditation and things are starting to move along for you!

Susan said...

Great news! I think this is the right move for you guys and hopefully this will get you a referral much sooner than waiting it out in your old region. My fingers are crossed for you guys.

Anonymous said...

Rachel, this is WONDERFUL news! I am so happy for you guys! This is great!!!! You'll probably have your little one before those who went to Vlad before you! Keep us updated on how things go. This is a shining example of what true faith can do!

Adrienne, Another Ordinary Miracle said...

We are sooooo excited for you!!! I can't wait to read your and Becky's posts during the next few months!!! I really can't wait to see those adorable little boys of yours! :O) It will be so much fun if they are Owen's age, and we can get them all together to play sometime! Oh, I'm just so happy for you. Merry Christmas!

Joy said...

Rachel,
I just know I will be hearing about your referral sooner rather then later. I could not be happier for you and for CHI.
Joy

Sira said...

Oh Rachel-

I have been out of town and I am just know reading this VERY exciting news!!! I am sooo very happy for BOTH you and Becky!!!
Have a great Christmas- and I will be watching your blog like a HAWK!!!!

Dan and Alicia Marlowe said...

That is so fun that you and Becky and Keith will be in the same region. The people that you go through this process with will always have a special place in your heart!

Tami said...

I finally have commenting ability back and I just want to say...
WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!! I'm so excited for you. It sounds like a perfect fit. Can't wait to hear the news that you have a referral! :)