The Bend in the Road

"...my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend...I wonder how the road beyond it goes—what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows—what new landscapes—what new beauties—what curves and hills and valleys further on.”

- Anne of Green Gables, L.M Montgomery

I found this quote to be most appropriate for my family's experiences this summer. All the conversations and plans made in the winter and spring this year have finally come to fruition in the summer and the *hopefully* soon start of fall. Here are the updates that involve both the studio and my family.

1. We are adopting!

Ben and I have spent the past few months meeting with different adoption agencies and starting our fundraising journey toward adoption. We are now able to share this news with the public, and we will keep everyone posted who is interested.

We have received approval of our formal application from Bethany Christian Global Services, and we will be commencing our home study shortly. We are currently approved to adopt a child (or a sibling group) from either China, Albania, or Colombia.

As the cost of adoption have skyrocketed in the past couple of decades (thank you, red tape), we are leaning on our faith and our community for support. If you feel so led, you can financially support us here. Prayers are also very much appreciated, as we continue to fund-raise and work through more paperwork.

We believe the only family member that is not thrilled about the idea of another human being in the house is our beagle, Blair. :) Ah, the tragedies of dog life.

2. I'm going back to school!

Starting August 23rd, I will be the piano accompanist for Waukee High School in the mornings this year. As I have adjusted these past couple of years to the afternoon schedule of studio teaching, the idea of setting an alarm clock does not appeal to me in the slightest, but we shall see if I can finally become a morning person.

3. The studio is staying!

Although my mornings will be occupied at the high school, I will still be maintaining my studio of 40 students in the afternoons. I have adjusted the times to ensure that for 4 days of the week, I am done teaching by 7:00 pm, which provides me evening family time and house preparations for the upcoming home study.

That's about all the updates I have at this time. I'm ready to start the new school year, how about you?!