holy....cow!

This was my exact expression at about 1:00PM today. Speechless. What, you ask? First, the back story.....

Ryan and I, in mid-December, decided to move forward with the agency, Adoption MN. Once we received their fee schedule, it was clear to us that we needed about $15,000 up front to start the process. So, we started researching and looking into different loans to front the money for this process to start. After looking into things and speaking to our parents, we decided a Home Equity line of credit  would be best. Knowing we needed $15k up front but then wouldn't need the rest of the money until we finalize (which could be 2 years), we knew this was best. So, naturally, we went to Wells Fargo since we do all of our banking there and have forever.

The process was intimidating, daunting and plain scary. We went to the bank and were asked what seemed like 1000 questions. Our banker was short with us and didn't explain much of anything. After about an hour, we left - hopeful and excited. After not hearing from our banker for over a week, I reached out, only to be told "you've been declined." When I asked for reasoning, I wasn't given any. Still, to this day, we haven't received anything that said why we were declined.

My husband and I were completely devastated. We didn't know what else to do or what to try. I spoke to friends, family and in particular, my friend, Ryan Weber, who is a Manager at the US Bank in Maple Grove. He told me to give US Bank a shot. Frustrated and scared, I decided to do the online application as to not have to go into a branch and be upset.

MUCH to my surprise, within a day, I heard from both Andrea (our loan advisor)  and from a representative from the Burnsville, MN branch. They both welcomed me to the process and thanked me for choosing US Bank. Wow - what a life changer. Soon after, I told Andrea what I was looking to get the loan for. Her response gave me goosebumps:

"First, let me say this...I am so excited to be a part in this process to help you guys achieve your dreams of adoption! This is something that is near and dear to my heart and I am so thrilled I was assigned as your processor."

To get a message so personalized and thoughtful was incredible. Each day I'd submit paperwork to Andrea and she would get back to me within no time at all. I felt like I had personalized service - like I was her number one priority.

And....(drumroll please)....today we were APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally and completely approved. All we have to do now is go and sign the final paperwork on Saturday and we will have the money to start the adoption process.

For those of you still hanging on - thank you. This process is a long one and many times I don't have updates. For those that ask, pray, and send vibes - we feel you. You are our everything. Thank you so much! On we go.....!