Inked and Organized

Our first OFFICIAL meeting with our social worker was Wednesday. We got our manual (a huge 3-ring binder) that details every step of the way - from the very first form to the details of travel. In addition, we had our first home study session - the first of four interviews. Our social worker makes it so easy, just like conversation.

With our manual in hand, we were given the task of getting started on the forms for a standard background check, including getting fingerprinted. Because these take the longest to get returned to us, they get top priority right out of the starting gate. Our meeting with the social worker was so fast, that we decided to go and get our fingerprints done. We went to the police station, and as we were waiting for our turn, we saw a sign.
“Fingerprints: 9AM – 10:45AM Wednesdays only”
Well, it was 10:05 AM on a Wednesday. We just happened upon the police station at the exact time and the exact day that we needed to be there. That was God - leading us on the right path, guiding us along the way. So we got fingerprinted – it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Plus they have these cool wipes that clean off the ink, so we didn’t have to go back to work with black fingers!

That evening, with just the first 4 forms to fill out spread across the kitchen counter, it was already confusing and complicated. I knew I needed to get organized. So after a trip to Wal-Mart to get an expanding file (and a few other organizing tools), I got my highlighter, a Sharpie and my label-maker and went to work!

My light green 19-pocket expanding file (with flowers) is pretty, functional and well-labeled! It is complete with matching notebook for making lists. We are going to have to be looking at these things for a long time – they might as well be cute! There is also the much smaller file (black and blue) for the current tasks – also more utilitarian for taking with us to get things notarized.

This journey has begun – and it’s going to be crazy – but hopefully organized!