Together

Please enjoy this slideshow of our trip. Pictures don't do it justice.
Wow. Wow. Wow.

I think I'm still processing all of the wonderfulness that was Jamaica. Adam and I left at 3:00 on Saturday morning complete with nerves, excitement, and expectation.

We prayed that the Lord would provide us friendships, favor, and connection. Boy did He. We made so many friends in Jamaica, and we can't wait to go back and serve again.

We had a great trip to the CDA where we turned in our completed application and met with our caseworker. She said we can call as often as we'd like to check on the status of our application. I told her that she might regret saying that to me...

Adam and I connected with some people from YWAM (Youth With A Mission) where we had the opportunity to go the the  hospital to pray with one of the staff member's father who is undergoing treatments for leukemia.

We got to visit two children's homes and spend time with so many precious babies. It was the…

The time has come! We'll be leaving for Jamaica in the morning (by morning I mean 3:00 AM! Yes, there is one in the AM, too. )

It seems very surreal that we're finally going. Jamaica has been in my heart and on my mind for so long, I can't believe it's about to be in my sight.

Details of our trip...

We'll be getting into Jamaica tomorrow around noon. We're staying at a local hotel in MoBay (Montego Bay) that was recommended to us by a non-profit organization that works with the CDA and solely supports Jamaican Children's Missions called, Embracing Orphans. They have been a tremendous support system for us on our journey thus far.

We'll be serving at two children's homes on the island. One is called Blossom Gardens, and the other is called The Robin's Nest. We have gathered supplies (diapers, lotion, shampoo, wipes, small toys etc.) that we can pack in our bag and donate to the homes.

It brings so much joy to my heart when I think of getting the…

Before I start my post, I want to wish a very happy birthday to my amazing momma. I know I shared this quote with you before, but it perfectly reflects how I feel.
“My mother... she is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her. " -Jodi Picoult After Chuck's burial I was standing near a friend. I turned to him and he told me that the hardest days were yet to come. I didn't necessarily believe him, but now I see that he was right. The days right after are a total blur. Funeral homes, obituary writing, burial, flowers, casseroles etc...
Then comes the real world.

I came back to work last Monday and was met with the abrupt recognition and truth that life. goes. on. I still have a job to do, our dog and cat still need to be fed, meetings, responsibility, obligation, no mercy, no exceptions, no excuses. I think it actually helped me. I needed to redefine what I've deemed, The New Normal.

We had our home study in…

My step-father, Chuck, died yesterday. I didn't even know the depth of my sadness existed until that moment. I've always considered the term step-father to be ill fitting considering the role he played in my life. Let's call it what it is.

My dad died yesterday.

 It was completely unexpected and I think I'm still in shock. He was driving home from Louisiana on Thursday afternoon and knew he didn't feel quite right. He got home and took some medicine to ease the aches he was experiencing. My mom was already getting ready to go to the ER because she knew by the way he was acting that they'd be heading that way soon. They drove to the hospital both expecting some kind of treatment for the flu. They drove there fully expecting to be driving back that same evening.

By 2AM he was admitted to ICU, by 6AM he was sedated and on a ventilator. Yesterday morning, he went to be with The Lord.

Receiving a call at an odd time is the worst feeling in the world. The ringer was…

Our  hearts are full tonight. We are feeling incredibly grateful, thoughtful, and moved. Our shirts are selling quite nicely. We've got at least 75 sold! I can't wait to get them in and see people wearing them! We've set a few aside for our little one. How amazing will that be to see our child wearing the very shirt that helped get him or her home?! My heart flutters a bit just thinking of it.

We're placing orders tomorrow, but will be ordering plenty of extras. So feel free to order one here, and we'll make sure to get it to you!

We're still moving full force toward completing our home study. We met with the licensed psychologist last week. Next step, the home visit.

I've been milling around my house trying to view things through the eyes of a social worker. I'm checking the fire alarms, gun safe, banister railings etc. I know it's not based on cleanliness (I guess it would be if the house is really bad) but I've been extra thoughtful about co…

I've been holding off on blogging in anticipation our our Tee Shirt Fundraiser launch! A HUGE thanks to our dear friend, Cameron Sanderson, for creating this awesome design! Cameron, we are incredibly blessed and grateful for your time and talents.

*You do NOT have to be a part of our race team to order this shirt! This is for anyone and everyone who wants to help support us in bringing home Baby Henderson!* 
Here it is!

If you're interested in sportin' one of these rad shirts, please submit your pre-order using the link below. Orders will be placed this week!


ORDER HERE

Checks payable to:
Katti & Adam Henderson

Send to:
1533 Winslow Ln.
Grapevine TX, 76051

Is it bad that every time I'm at Target I can't help but peer down at the infant/toddler stuff? I'm not even sure what I'm looking for seeing as we won't know the gender or age of our child for awhile. It's fun to imagine some of the cute, soft, & functional items adorning the rooms of our house one day.  However, sometimes after I have my hypothetical shopping spree I end up feeling rather sad.

We are trying to balance restraint and reality with excitement and preparation. I know it's okay to be  anticipatory, but at the same time I know it could be awhile before we will need a bumbo or jogging stroller.

I read this quote the other day and it gave me chills, " A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. " Agatha Christie

This quote resonates down to my bones. To me the quote seemed angry at first, but then I realized…

On Camp: Welp. It's been awhile since I  last posted. We've been awfully busy here in the Henderson House. We went to Camp Periwinkle and had an amazing time. Our campers were phenomenal, inspiring, and so incredibly strong. I tear up just thinking about it. My menial struggles in this life feel so petty when compared to a seven year old facing the terrible disease of cancer. The smiles on these kids faces are enough to last me  all year. They are the true definition of what it means to be a hero. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to spend one week of my year with the most committed, energetic, and caring people on the planet. Periwinkle has blessed us in so many ways, we hope to be a part of this organization as long we we're here on this earth.



On Work: Summer flew by before my very eyes. What an amazing break! I am grateful for sleeping in,  lunches that I don't have to scarf in twelve minutes, and most importantly, daytime TV. (specifically Ellen and Live Wi…

Adam and I are gearing up for the week we look forward to all year! We'll be headed to Burton, Texas to be counselors at Camp Periwinkle! Camp Periwinkle is truly a magical place where children with cancer and their siblings can get away from it all and have a total blast!
Although we'll be exhausted, Adam and I will walk away from the week feeling rejuvenated, grateful, and full of perspective.

 The campers are truly an inspiration, and we all have so much to learn from them! Adam went to Camp Periwinkle as a camper when he was undergoing treatment. He definitely represents a light at the end of the tunnel for all of the kids at camp. I love to watch him interact with his campers, it's a tiny glimpse into what an amazing father he'll be!

To learn a bit more about camp, watch the video below...
**If you look closely you can see Adam dressed as Tony Romo at the 0:16 second mark**
Also, I started my training schedule this week for our race in October. If you're inter…

First of all, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has been reading our blog since we made our adoption journey "Facebook official". We were blown away by how many people reached out to us to say congratulations and offer their sweet encouragements. We feel so blessed and honored to have so many friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers who are willing to walk through this journey along side us.
         We traveled last weekend to meet some friends in New Braunfels and take part in the Orange Leaf half marathon & 5K. I ran the 5K, and Adam ran the half-marathon. The race fell perfectly in line with Adam's training to run the full marathon for our fundraiser in October. It was an awesome weekend filled with friends, laughs, and chafing. Shout out to Court and Marshall who ran the half with Adam. They are also running in October. I beat my record for the 5K, but more importantly, I beat the girl next to me who was unaware that we were in competiti…

Amen.

I had the honor and privilege of rocking my sweet friend Rachel's baby, Mattie Kate, to sleep this weekend. There is nothing more peaceful and calming than a sleeping baby. As I was rocking Mattie to sleep I couldn't help but pray...

"Please Lord don't delay the day when I get to rock our own sweet baby." 

We're beginning to announce our news more publicly now. I didn't like feeling that it was a secret to be kept. In reality, it is an announcement to be celebrated, and I am almost bubbling over with excitement. Maybe my tummy isn't growing, but the reality that we will soon be parents is.

I get the feeling that people don't always know how to respond when they get the news that someone they know is adopting.

I've had several encounters lately when I tell people that Adam and I have some have exciting news. I typically get the quintessential high pitched squeals and …

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."
~ Clarence Budington Kelland

Not only is he incredibly handsome, a wonderful husband, and a second to none nurse (I've been healing all weekend from wisdom teeth extraction), he will be a phenomenal Daddy. Adam, I can't wait to see you in action!

You are the most patient, funny, steadfast, and kind person I know. I am so proud that you are mine! I am grateful that you seek the Lord's wisdom and direction for our lives, and always encourage me to do the same. Thank you for praying for us as we continue to take the necessary steps to become a family. I am so thankful for your reassuring words and calming presence when I'm uneasy or anxious. Thank you for leading our little family, you are the best! You will carry on the wonderful legacy of fatherhood that has been left for you by your father, and his father before him!

I love you so much and can't wait to see what the future holds!

Lov…

Put on your walking or running shoes and join us Saturday October 27th in New Braunfels, Texas for the Chosen Marathon for Adoption!

If you haven't figured out yet, this is not Katti writing.  I know I know, you thought, "WOW! Katti's writing has really improved since her last post!"  Haha, just kidding.  This is actually one of the first non-technical things I have written since college so bear with me.

Katti took up the hobby of running last summer and convinced me to join in December last year.  I always thought distance running was not for me but have really embraced it since I started.  It is a great way to get away and think...or not think and just zone out.  Both of these aspects can appeal to anyone that has a busy stressful life (a.k.a. - EVERYONE). 

I did my first half marathon in February this year at the Cowtown Race in Fort Worth.  It was amazing and I couldn't wait to start training for the next race.  I was addicted.  Katti and I then decided to …

Well, it's the third day of summer vacation and we've hit the ground running gathering paperwork for our dossier. To say we're overwhelmed is an understatement. From printing malfunctions to attachment opening issues, we've seen the gauntlet. We've just been working on trying to focus on the silver lining. We are literally and figuratively taking baby steps.I have self prescribed reading glasses because it seems that all adoption paperwork is in size 6 font.
We've got our medical appointments next week, certified copies of our birth certificates ordered, and are currently looking for an agency to perform our home study. The ball is rolling. 
I asked Adam if he thought our child had even been born. He said he thought so.
My heart sank. 
The very thought of our child existing without us is a scary and torturous feeling. It's difficult to fathom that right now, at this very moment, our child is somewhere that is too far away for me to hold. 
For this I pray "Fa…

Today was the last day of school. The parent paparazzi was in full force today. 

If you know me, you know that I've never dealt well with transitions. Today marks the end of my second year teaching. Two of those two years have been spent with the same children. This fact made the day even more difficult. I've had these children for 8 hours a day for 360 days. It is weird because I look forward to summer break all year, and now it's here and all day I found myself dreading the end.

The uncertainty of beginnings and ends are always dreadful for me. I will choose to reside in the middle. Middles are safe and predictable. I had more students cry today than I had anticipated. Part of me wanted to tell them to save their tears for middle school, they'd need them there. However, I didn't want to be pessimistic, but I know we can all agree, those are some difficult years. In all honesty, they're amazing kids, and I have no doubt that they'll accomplish many amazing…

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Well...
Thanks for the prayers! They're working. We found out yesterday that our pre-application has already been approved! This happened a week and a half before our 4 week waiting time was up.

 My immediate prayer was this...


"Lord, I pray that this is a sign of things to come. I pray that this process, although difficult, will be as smooth as possible. I pray that we will experience more pleasant surprises such as this one. We continue to seek guidance and direction in accordance to your will for our lives. Amen"


I feel like we're one step closer. One step closer to becoming parents. One step closer to bedtime stories, rocking chairs, kids menus, and a love like we have never known.

So what is step two? Well. Here goes.

Along with the e-mail came about seven different attachment items that require action on our pa…

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."
-Oprah Winfrey

I've been feeling pretty crummy for the past few days. A head cold, I think. I did nothing today but lay around and veg out on my couch. We were hoping to go to Houston to visit with our families for Mother's day, but decided it was probably best to stay home and mend. 
Of course, idle time lends a lot of room for thoughts. With Mother's day being tomorrow and all, I've been thinking a lot about my longing to be a mother. The role of mother will be one of the most significant roles I ever play in this life. I will be so grateful for the ability to have such a strong influence over the life of another. It will be a privilege to be entrusted to care for and love this child. I can't wait. I was on the phone with a dear friend and she said, "Just like with pregnancy, this waiting time provides you the opportunity to prepare, pray for, and love the child that is on its way to you."…

"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers..." Ephesians 1:16


The aforementioned you listed above refers to all of you. Adam and I have been so encouraged and blessed by the reactions we've received after announcing our adoption journey. It is so meaningful to know how much support and prayers we will have throughout this process. We are still in the 4-6 week waiting period before hearing about our pre-application. I asked Adam yesterday if it had been 2 weeks..(I felt 100% sure that it had), and he told me that it hadn't even been one. 


I was encouraged in an e-mail (thanks, Aunt Brenda) that said Adam and I will reminisce back on this waiting time. In hindsight, we will see all the small ways that God was working. I will hold tight to that. Meanwhile, we're having a great time learning more about the history and culture of Jamaica. Here are some facts we've found:


Did you know:

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Car…