Rest of Trip

I posted about being at my mom's house in northern Indiana and that the used transmission I'd just gotten had started to leak. I drove to Montgomery, Alabama where we attended the Karen Kingsbury's Love Tour event. Jasmine had such a rough school year that I splurged and got the VIP tickets. We got to see the inside of the tour bus they rented and get pictures with Karen before the event. The "reception" the church provided was packaged cookies and bottles of water on a tray on the tour bus. LOL. I was expecting a little more of a sit down and have some dinky sandwiches and a Q&A  with Karen. I guess each church planned what they'd have. This church went with the minimum. Still, it was a nice program. We have a long history with Karen, her mom, daughter and oldest son. This time we met two of her adopted sons.

Karen with Tyler and Haitian born son Sean.

Jasmine thought it was cool that Sean plays drums too. Although Jasmine has opted not to be in band this year due to the amount of time it takes up which makes it hard for her to do homework.

We stayed over night in Montgomery, and the next morning I saw transmission fluid under the car. Like a puddle of it. So I found an oil change place. They checked and it was down two quarts. They didn't see where it was leaking from. Car died hours later only 26 miles from home. I ended up getting a new axle. What will they decide needs replaced next? Rick rescued us, and the car was towed. But we arrived home safely.

A lot has happened since then, and we've kept you updated on the adoption part of it. But there's other news to share, and I'll do that soon.

Who's Left

Most of you know that we live in the Florida panhandle. None of the panhandle kids are ones that would fit well in our family. So we are looking out of county. Our limit is 5-6 hours because we have to make so many visits. Well, it turns out that many of the boys we'd chosen are in Miami or just as far down the state on the west side. Two are in Tampa and two are in Jacksonville --a little under six hours for Tampa and a little over 4 hours for Jax. Here are the two Tampa boys and the two Jacksonville boys.

CHRISTIAN --TAMPA

Age: 15

Christian is a polite, reserved, intelligent young man. His hobbies include video games and playing basketball. His favorite subject is math and hopes to become an Architect. Christian's favorite foods are pizza and chocolate but won't turn down any food offered to him.

  PARRIS --JACKSONVILLE

Age: 13

Parris is a talkative and social young man. He is physically active and enjoys yoga and tumbling. He says that he is pretty good at a back handspring. Parris's favorite color is blue and he loves to eat Mexican food. Parris also mentioned that he enjoys attending church. Parris is open to being adopted and wants to be a part of a forever family. He would do best in a family who can provide the love, support, and structure that he needs. A family that can help Parris get involved in dance, gym, and gymnastics and help him grow in those areas. Parris wants a mom and a dad and is open to siblings.

TOMMIE-- TAMPA
Age: 13

Tommie is an active, inquisitive kid who loves family and having fun. He's a diligent student who strives for good grades and he especially enjoys reading. Tommie likes sports of all kinds but is particularly good at football and dodgeball. He's a natural leader and would make a great coach or mentor one day. Family is important to him and he is eager to become part of one!

ANTWAN--JACKSONVILLE
Age: 15

Antwan is an outgoing teen who describes himself as smart and intelligent but with a playful side. He enjoys making people happy either by making them laugh or cooking 
them a meal. He is very active and is hoping to join the track team at his school this coming year. Antwan also has a creative side which he exhibits in drama and performing R&B and gospel music. Antwan is looking for a fun and accepting family that will be there for him throughout his life. Antwan has the potential to accomplish so many great things and just needs the love and support of a committed adoptive family. He would be a joyful addition to any family!

Christian is the first one I discovered on the list. He's in a group home in Tampa. I have not made contact with his case worker. 

Tommie we are not sure about. He's young and we don't get a good feel for him from the little they say.

We fell in love with Parris' photo online, but the fact that he just turned 13, is adorable but still on the list makes us think he has issues. He is only 11 month older than the twins. We hope for the new child to be more of Jasmine's "buddy."

Antwan has become our favorite choice. He goes to church. He sings gospel music, acts and wants to run track. He sounds like a perfect match.

The problem is that he doesn't want to leave his county. 

Parris' caseworker called us today and asked us to send our home study. She can't tell me anything about him until she gets our home study, but I did tell her I have twins about a year younger and she said that wouldn't be a problem.

We have had a situation come up suddenly that we need to deal with before we decide, so please pray for that situation to be resolved.

We also have the situation with Kayla to deal with when she gets home from camp. I really feel she will work through the stealing and lying. We will be constant and supportive while that happens. Kaleb too. He just wasn't in on the last incident so does not have to go to teen court. Kayla's worker would like him to be there though so he can see what goes on. I am hoping the five weeks at mission camp will have an impact on them.

That's all our news for now.

In the next post I'll talk more about our trip, and the one Rick and Tyler are on right now.  

Adoption Progress

Or lack thereof. A little of both. I have heard that we are home study approved. I am trying to find out if that is true. In the meantime I assumed it was true and called the adoption line to get the caseworker info for the following kids. The information I really needed is where they are at. Since there will be several visits before the child will be placed in our home, I set the line at a 5-6 hour drive. It's getting late so I will post next time about which four turned out to be within the six hour drive limit. It was a bit heart breaking, and our favorite (Justin if you remember when I talked about the teens many posts back) was placed in a home several weeks ago, so he's not listed below.

Hard to choose and hoping God will open and close doors to get the right young man home to us. Many of these may not want to leave their county, so we will see what happens.

Curious, which child would you pick for yourself and which child would you pick for us?

CHRISTIAN

Age: 15

Christian is a polite, reserved, intelligent young man. His hobbies include video games and playing basketball. His favorite subject is math and hopes to become an Architect. Christian's favorite foods are pizza and chocolate but won't turn down any food offered to him.

MATTHEW
Age: 15

Matthew is a very personable and polite young man. He describes himself as "introverted, respectful, athletic and having good morals." He is hopeful that he will be placed in a family that is religious with similar morals as his. Matthew listens well, and accepts verbal redirection if given. Matthew is intelligent and smart; and is really motivated to learn. Matthew is doing very well academically and makes good grades. He hopes to attend college to major in either Criminology or History. Matthew does well in social settings; but appears shy and guarded. He enjoys sports; especially football and loves to read. He also wants a dad who likes sports (football) and who will be there for his family. He wants a mom that is kind hearted, caring and loving. Matthew really needs stability and a family to call his own. He needs parents who will be patient, provide guidance and encouragement, willing to motivate Matthew to be the best he can be! Matthew would make a great addition to any family. Are you the right family for this friendly and lovable child? If so, he is waiting for your call!

Meet DOUGLAS
Age: 13

Douglas is a Hispanic male with a beautiful personality. He is a happy teenager who enjoys outside activities. Douglas is very active and outgoing. He likes outdoor sports, bike riding and skating. He likes to play basketball and soccer. Douglas likes video games and watching movies. His favorite T.V. shows includes Digemon and W.W.E. Douglas has the ability to be a leader. He loves to be active.

Meet JORDAN
Age: 15

Jordan is a Caucasian male and he is 15 years old. Jordan is a charming young man with a lot to offer to a family. He loves playing games on the computer, and actually wants to design video games when he gets older. In addition, he loves swimming, and various water activities. There is never a dull moment with Jordan. Jordan is a laid back young man who enjoys relaxing and watching television. Jordan is quite intelligent and can ace a test with very little studying. Although Jordan is intelligent, he needs a family that will push him with his academics and make sure he does his school work and projects. Jordan is excited to have a forever family in his life.

  PARRIS

Age: 13

Parris is a talkative and social young man. He is physically active and enjoys yoga and tumbling. He says that he is pretty good at a back handspring. Parris's favorite color is blue and he loves to eat Mexican food. Parris also mentioned that he enjoys attending church. Parris is open to being adopted and wants to be a part of a forever family. He would do best in a family who can provide the love, support, and structure that he needs. A family that can help Parris get involved in dance, gym, and gymnastics and help him grow in those areas. Parris wants a mom and a dad and is open to siblings.

TOMMIE
Age: 13

Tommie is an active, inquisitive kid who loves family and having fun. He's a diligent student who strives for good grades and he especially enjoys reading. Tommie likes sports of all kinds but is particularly good at football and dodgeball. He's a natural leader and would make a great coach or mentor one day. Family is important to him and he is eager to become part of one!

JAMAL
Age: 15

Jamal is an attractive African-American male of Haitian descent. Jamal loves any activity that is outdoors. Jamal is seen as a leader among his peers and is very outgoing. Jamal is an animal lover, he especially loves dogs. He excels in school and is very intelligent. Jamal will need the encouragement and support of a forever family that values education.

ANTWAN
Age: 15

Antwan is an outgoing teen who describes himself as smart and intelligent but with a playful side. He enjoys making people happy either by making them laugh or cooking them a meal. He is very active and is hoping to join the track team at his school this coming year. Antwan also has a creative side which he exhibits in drama and performing R&B and gospel music. Antwan is looking for a fun and accepting family that will be there for him throughout his life. Antwan has the potential to accomplish so many great things and just needs the love and support of a committed adoptive family. He would be a joyful addition to any family!

Antonio is a tall male, who often hides his smile when he is shy. He is quiet and polite. He enjoys wrestling, playing football, and hanging out with his friends to play video games. Antonio is very active and would love a family that enjoys the outdoors. Antonio has a lot of energy and a lot of love to share.

Jayden is a very quiet teenager who enjoys hanging out with his friends and riding his bike. He has big dreams for the future and needs a family who will be supportive of his goals and help him work toward them. He is struggling a little in school but mostly from a lack of motivation. Jayden would do well with a family that can provide him with a strong male role model as that has been lacking from his life. If he sounds like a good match for your family, call today.

After North Carolina

After North Carolina, we all went different ways.

Felicia's group left first.

Our husbands

Us

Felicia and crew and friends ready to roll.

Ty, Adam and Tara left next. They left around 8:00 p.m. Sunday night and drove through the night. They made great time since there wasn't that much traffic at that time.

Saying Goodbye

Rick and the twins left for camp on Monday morning and drove from NC to Merritt Island, FL. I would love to say that I think these weeks at Mission Camp will make a difference, but as I look at the photos Rick took I see that she is NOT wearing her work boots, she is wearing my Rue 21 boots that look like work boots but aren't. We talked about her maybe getting those for later but that they weren't work boots. Yet there she is with them. Also with another siblings' clothes etc. The twins also ate Rick's work food and snacks from the van in addition to their own. He even stopped and grilled sausages for them on the trip down! Kayla also lied about having her court homework done, so I do not know what will happen at this point. Prayers for changed hearts appreciated.

In the meantime, Jasmine and I drove to Indiana. We went to Clifty Falls State  Park for just a couple of hours. The falls weren't very important this time of year.

Then the next day we drove on to Elkhart, near South Bend on the IN/MI border to visit my mom and sister.

With my mom and sister. We come in XS, L and XL sizes!

Jasmine's first elephant ear. At the Jazz festival.

With two high school friends.

From there Jasmine and I went on to book convention. In the meantime, the used transmission I'd just gotten before NC began to leak. More to come.