There are many parts of this adoption process that are wonderful and parts that are heart-wrenching--parts that cause your heart to skyrocket with joy or parts that cause you to plummet with disappointment. It's a battle in your thoughts to think on truth.
Yet...another part of this process is so very beautiful. This beauty is found as you trace God's hand throughout your journey. Some of His fingerprints are faint and may be missed if you're not looking carefully, while others are so obvious that they are more like colorful finger painting than faint fingerprints. These blessings are like fuel...charging us to press on. I am thankful for a Father Who knows the needs of my heart.
Today, I want to share with you just a few of these beauties. The recent encouragements of my heart.
Trust, Hope, Pray
A few weeks ago, a sweet friend from church shared a book with me that she thought would be an encouragement. Boy, is it ever!! The title of the book is Trust, Hope, Pray. It was written by another couple who adopted from Ethiopia. It is a daily devotional, filled with excellent truths from the Word. I just LOVE it. It is so solid--right on theologically and saturated with Scripture. These daily excerpts have been like salve to me...This book has been helpful for me to take the truths of God's Word and apply them to my heart and mind as I am battling to think on truth. Keep an eye out for future posts about these. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is either adopting or simply "waiting" in any area of life.More Adoption!
Another HUGE encouragement is to be introduced to other families in our community and from afar who are also adopting or have adopted. Some we have actually been able to encourage to pursue adoption, and others have encouraged us to continue down this road. Below are a few of them:Polanco Family: http://babypolanco.blogspot.com
My dear, new friend Clarisa is also working with our adoption agency, just "ahead of us" in line, they just announced that they have been matched with their sweet boy
Ziebell Family: http://lisboncreekchronicles.blogspot.com/
Another adoptive family in our area, planning on adopting a daughter from China, just finishing up their dossier, met them through our adoption fundraiser 5k
Bartlet Family: http://www.joyinthewilderness.com/
A woman in our area who is also pursuing Ethiopia adoption, we have a mutual acquaintance, her faith and heart for adoption are beautiful
Morse Family: http://jaimeemorse.com/adoption-blog/
Friends of ours from college/interned at our church, they are just beginning the process of a domestic adoption for a little girl
Thomas Family: http://thomasbabyadoption.blogspot.com
Another adoptive family in our area, just waiting now to travel for their first court trip to meet their baby girl in Ethiopia
Jensen Family: http://bringingbabyjensenhome.blogspot.com/
Another family from our agency who has been especially encouraging to us as they're further along, just waiting to travel on their final trip to pick up their baby boy
We have met a few more families, some brand new acquaintances and some who are still considering adoption but haven't made things public. These families have each been a wonderful blessing. I haven't decided if adoption is becoming more "mainstream" or if I am just more aware of what's happening around me--either way, this is a good thing. :) Enjoy following some of these stories above.
Financial Progress
As fearful as the financial part of this process seemed, we were convinced that God had called us to adoption. I have been amazed over and over again as God has provided in incredible ways. Some day I will take a whole post to tell you some of these stories--each one is amazing.
Many, many people have decided to help us financially-and we have been completely overwhelmed by their generosity. The craziest part about that is how that help almost always comes from the places you least expect.
We have not quite met our expenses, but we are getting close. God is so good.
Encouragers and Prayers
Day after day, and week after week, I have faithful friends who have come to ask how our adoption process is going. Many have asked for updates, how our progress is going. Many have sent me sweet and thoughtful notes or texts, letting me know that they've been praying...praying that we get matched with our boy soon, praying that our hearts trust in God's timing, praying for the financial aspect, praying for the health of our son, praying that God will impact others for adoption.
Thank you. Each of you--For your prayers and constant encouragement.
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