sweet P's birth story

Our baby turned 6 months this past weekend- what better way to celebrate than to share her birth day story!

On that Sunday morning at 7:30, I received a text from our agency- 'her water broke call you in 10 minutes! ' Aaaahhh- the day was finally here! We had been told for the past 2 weeks that she would not make it to the due date and had packed and set everything by the door, ready to be thrown in the van. After a frantic rush to get dressed and about 10 oh goodness-es, I got the kiddos up and joined the hubs in the van. Off we went, offering thanksgiving that the call came at the most opportune time- all were at home, well rested and we were able to get on the road in a half hour.
I was also praying we would make it in time for delivery. We didn't want her to have a long labor but were sure hoping it would be just long enough for us to be there when sweet P was born. We texted back and forth with our case worker (who was the best! ) for updates and to let her know how far out we were. The kids were absolute champs during the long car ride. Everyone was excited to get there!
We made it- her birthmother was still laboring when we arrived! Such a blessing. My mom was able to meet us at the hospital and take the kids to the hotel. Then we spent the next two hours visiting with her birthmother waiting for delivery time; precious moments those were. At 11:45 pm I heard our girl's first cries and saw her adorable smushed face :) Surreal is the only word that comes close to describing it. She was perfect at 7# 8 oz and 20" long.
We stayed in a room with sweet P at the hospital, caring for her from the start. We had more time the next day to spend with her birthmother. My mom, sister, Gramma, miss M and UJ were so happy to have the chance meet her. (My sister and grandma were visiting my mom at the time- bonus! )
We spent 12 days in state until the adoption was finalized in court. We were able to spend another afternoon with her birthmother during that time and really enjoyed getting to meet her birthfather over breakfast before we left. Those two will forever be in our hearts and we are so thankful for the brief moments we had with them. We left as changed people and the parents of three.
The Lord paved this path for us in ways that we could not have imagined. It was a time of many emotions, but never once fear or anxiety. He gave us strength to believe that He indeed does work all things out for good for those who love Him. Psalm 9:1 says, I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. And that's why I share this story. Though adoption is complicated and there are many different stances, one fact remains. Jesus Christ died so that we could be adopted into God's family, born again as sons and daughters of the Most High. That adoption is all together miraculous and the best -most perfect- thing that could happen to anyone. Physical adoption of children, while a beautiful picture of spiritual adoption, is not the "best thing" that could happen to a child, but it is a large necessary part of solutions in a sin-marred world where things are far from perfect. We don't rejoice that certain events took place that caused sweet P to become our daughter- but we do rejoice that she is.

may He grant your petition

Last year at this time our dear friends came to visit. The two things I remember vividly from their time here- how beautiful she looked pregnant and our time of prayer before they took off for home.
We were standing in the garage saying our goodbyes. You know that bittersweet moment when you're thankful for the time you had together but sad to see it end and no one really wants to get in the car so you pause for a moment, just looking at each other? She broke the silence saying she thought God would have brought us our son or daughter by then. For the last seven months we had been waiting for a birthmother to choose our family. Can we pray for this? she asked. That time of prayer was powerful and sweet as all four of us petitioned before God. Hope filled our hearts that He had given ear to our prayer as our friends drove away.
Then day after day, it appeared that He had not answered that prayer. We waited and waited, prayed and prayed. When we were matched five months later, we rejoiced! So He made us wait for our desired answer for months- He is good and His timing is perfect- no big deal. However, judging from the due date, our baby had her beginnings right around that precious time of prayer with our friends. Our prayer had been answered in the way we had hoped months ago- when we had prayed- we just weren't aware of it.
I encourage all of you who are waiting for answered prayer, trust Him, hope in Him. Our eyes cannot always see the mountains He is moving right at the moment our lips are asking. It may take days, months or years to see the fruit of our prayer. We can rest knowing He is faithful.
“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him.”

1 Samuel 1:17

bring him home

A sister shared a video with me about a couple adopting from Uganda. Things have moved along very quickly (yay for them !) and because of the way the courts operate in Africa, they would like to raise the remainder of funds in the next 2 weeks. Such a great idea they propose here as they ask for just $2 from each viewer and that you would share with 25 friends. Here's to hoping 25 reader friends will see this post and help this family bring their son home :)

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

blessed

I've been procrastinating. How does one possibly capture the shower of blessings we've experienced the last 2 weeks in one post? As much thought as I've given, all I can come up with are the words to a favorite hymn.

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Not because our prayers were mighty, some prayers were never even uttered. Not because the issues at hand were big, even the smallest details were brought to fruition. Not because we are special or good; we do not deserve anything much less this precious gift. No, it can only be because the LORD is good, He gives out of His goodness, to see His will fulfilled. All we can do is humbly bow our heads with immeasurable thankfulness and praise Him. We are now a family of five, baby P is settling in nicely. She is precious.

 

 

 

 

"I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,
    the praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us...according to the abundance of his steadfast love."

Isaiah 63:7

oops, sorry about your toes

This post has been brewing for a while. I've been in avoidance mode. I've heard critical thoughts regarding adoptive parents ... they all think adoption is the only way to build a family, they only ever talk about adoption and they think everyone should adopt. Well, here I go. I'm going to tell all you to adopt :)
Have I done this before? I truly only want to encourage, to say- if the Lord is opening your heart to adoption, don't shut Him out. Last Sunday, that is what the message for us presented clearly. Do not let your ears become dull to His prompting. For me, that means speak up. For you...?

Today was the last straw. An agency emailed a list of waiting children. I scrolled down the list of short descriptions for each child waiting for a family. The last one on the list: a two year old boy. He has been given the same name as our two year old son. A name that is not common or trendy, or coincidental. A name that hit home. A name that made him and the rest of those children on the list very, very real. I broke. I want to rouse hearts that have already been awakened to adoption. Fight dullness and heed if He is telling you to move. Obediently open your hearts and home to children like U . They say he loves loud toys, hugs, cuddles and tickles- melts my heart.
No, adoption is not the only, nor do I claim superior, way to build families. Yes, it is a financial sacrifice. Yes, there will be many unknowns. Yes, it is hard. No, the Lord does not call everyone to adopt. But is He speaking to you?

"Indeed God speaks once, or twice, yet no one notices it." Job 33:14

a couple things

  I wanted to share that Paypal is offering to match 1 % of all donations to charitable events now through the 31st! How awesome!! Organizations must have a 501(c)3 to qualify. A few favorites of ours HeartCry Missionary Society, Gospel for Asia, Lifesong for Orphans, and Sole Hope. Or, if you're interested in supporting 'locally', the MICAH Fund is also qualified and can be designated to support our adoption. So, make the most of this offer and support where the Lord would lead. We certainly are going to.
  ... have you heard about the law passed in Russia? President Putin signed a bill that includes measures to ban all Russian adoptions by Americans. Heartbreaking to think of, especially after reading about the conditions in orphanages there. And the families that are in the process of bringing their children home... Much prayer is needed for all.
  It's disheartening to hear the callous responses to the news. People stating this is a good thing, now we (Americans) will start taking care of "our own", adopting domestically instead. Or the only reason adoption from Russia is popular is because the children will be blonde and blue eyed. So wrong.  Judgement should not be passed on what the Lord's will is for an adoptive family. Just as He ordains what child is born into a family, He does for a child that is adopted. If the child He has for a family is across the ocean, then we trust in His perfect plan. The other argument falls through as well; American international adoptions are mostly from China followed by Ethiopia.... definitely not seeking blondes and blue eyed babies from those areas of the world.
  After hearing these responses, I remembered a story by an adoptive parent. They had been questioned why they went so far away to adopt when there are many children in the U.S. that need a home. He asked the questioner if her convictions about American children had led her to do anything about the need. She dropped the issue after responding "no".  If we belong to the Lord, we have a heart for the things He does. Orphans- no matter if they are born in the U.S., in the foster system or a distant land. How we demonstrate His love will look different for each of us. But they all have a need and we all can bring it before the Father who created them and loves them more than we can imagine. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son..."

wait for it

Waiting once you have been matched.... it's still waiting, not quite so, hmmm... sanctifying, but it is still waiting.

We're getting the last details ready around here. The little pops of gender appropriate color in the nursery, new carseat cover finally sewn, newborn clothes unpacked and waiting to be washed. Still thankful for the time for lots of prayers for all involved. Sometimes it helps to read what those that are past the waiting period are up to. I came across this post on Give1 Save1. This family was once featured and she posted this to encourage those who are still waiting. I wanted to pass it along to those of you who are waiting on the Lord.

"and the Lord answered me. Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time, it hastens to the end- it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not delay."  Habbakkuk 2:2-3

make known His deeds

I'm with David on this one.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name;  make known His deeds among the peoples!  Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works!"  

It is with MUCH joy and thanksgiving, and a hundred other emotions, that I tell you we have been matched with a birthmother. We had the unique privilege and blessing to meet her this week. She is sweet and funny and very dear to our heart. The little one that seems to be meant for our family is due at the end of January. We are beyond excited and have begun the final preparations for the new addition. Forgive me if I seem reserved about all this. I'm not, but we have had a bit of time to process; for if I had told you immediately this post would have had thoughts running in a million different directions, repeated "I'm so excited" multiple times and you would have gotten sick of reading exclamation points everywhere :)   
So join us in giving thanks, join us in singing praise to Him and join us in telling of His wondrous works. You can even join us in saying "I'm so excited !!!" lots of times. And please, join us in prayer: for the baby, for our birthmom, for our family and for our God to be glorified through it all.

October 17th

  Last year on this day we signed the final copy of our homestudy. It was a good day; we were officially able to adopt. We sent it in and the next week we signed on with Abba Adoption. And now we're scheduled to update our homestudy; they are only valid for one year.
  Our social worker told us when we finished up last year that domestic adoptions usually take 1-2 years before bringing a baby home. She mentioned that she penciled us in for an update in 2012. I thought, okay, but we won't need it. I mean, we're pretty awesome, right... who wouldn't choose us? : )  In all seriousness though, we had a peace that gave us confidence: this is the next step the Lord would have us take. I assumed that if we were on the path He had for us, it would be a short one. We had heard the stories about the Lord quickly working out these beautiful adoptions and were encouraged by them. How can this be His will for our family if it hasn't come to pass?

  How soon I forget the examples in His word. Don't look around, look at what God says. How long did Abraham wait for his promised son's birth ? How long was Joseph tested before his dream became truth? Remember how long Moses was in the desert? Why did David have to run for his life for years after God told him he was to be king? While I certainly do not lump myself into the same category or situations of these great saints, I am a child of God. He loves and sanctifies all that belong to Him. This time has passed to test, try and refine my faith, and my patience. Just as it did for those men in the bible. As we continually seek His will and continue to have peace, I rest in that thought.

  Obviously, my thoughts here are not original. You can listen to this encouraging message by C. Leiter here.

More Give 1 Save 1

I know, I know. But this blog ministry is just awesome and we were sooo blessed through it!
This couple is beyond sweet and the love they have for Christ shines. I had to share them with you and if you have a dollar to spare, I'm sure they would appreciate your kindness.
http://www.give1save1domestic.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-week-new-family-meet-the.html

If you or someone you know are adopting and looking for help financially, contact the ladies from Give1 Save1, they love to feature new families every week!

thank you

   Well, our week on Give1 Save1 is officially over. We are still overcome by the way God provided through the kind generosity of so many people. How can we thank you all enough? We appreciate every kind word, every 'share', every dollar donated and every prayer uttered.
   My initial goal was to make $10 to cover the cost of the apps needed to make the movie :) Oh, me of little faith; I'm ashamed to admit it. Jesus would not have marveled at my faith as He did the centurion's. But isn't that just it? He proves Himself over and over again regardless of our simple, unbelieving selves. Because that is who God is. Good. Merciful. Faithful. Incomprehensible.
   Our donations totaled $ 1,192 from last week. We are humbled and immensely grateful. And excited for what's next.
 "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think... to Him be the glory". 

Eeekkkk!

So thrilled to let my dear readers know that our video is up and running! Those ladies are the sweetest, Lord bless them :) You are more than welcome to pass along and share however you'd like. And your prayers are most appreciated! Have a great week.

Give 1 Save 1

   Have you heard of this awesomeness? I hadn't either until last week.  The sweet lady that started it all is dedicated to relieving some of the financial burden for folks that are adopting. She knows a thing or two about it, right now she's in Africa for her new son.
     So each week, they feature a new family and ask viewers to give one dollar via paypal. Kind of like, hey, can I have a dollar to help get a child to his family? Umm, SURE!?!  And they feature a new family PER area of the world that has a need for adoptive parents... Africa, Europe, Asia, Carribbean, and domestic. That's a lot of lives impacted every week. Stop by and check them out. The family videos are so great.
  OHHH, before I forget. Our family will be featured on the domestic side on Monday. :)  :) :)
Our video will be posted here and there next week. Yayyy!
 

Waiting

Psalm 27:14 tells us,

"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"

But what shall we do while we wait on Him? What shall we do while we wait for direction or an answer? Let us not repine, be anxious or waste our thoughts wondering. Our answer is in Matthew 6:33,

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you." 

No one who waits on the Lord is ever disappointed.

We Once Were Fatherless

I came across Katie's blog when I received an email from Lifesong for Orphans.  This organization works along with Pathways for Little Feet (the source of our interest free adoption loan). I was so encouraged by her posts and how similarly the Lord has worked in both of our journeys to adopt. This post was so powerful. How could it not be? It's about the faithfulness of God that loves to provide for His people.  And she writes in such a way that magnifies Him. I loved it. Can't wait to see how He brings their son home!

Adopted for Life

I loved this book by Russell Moore. There was so much I wanted to share. I settled for a few excerpts from the first chapter; something to peak your interest so you want to read it yourself :)


    "Whenever I told people I was working on a book about adoption, they'd often say something along the lines of, 'Great. So, is the book about the doctrine of adoption or, you know, real adoption?'  That's a hard question to answer because you can't talk about one without talking about the other."    
    "It is one thing when the culture doesn't "get" adoption. What else could one expect when all of life is seen as the quest of "selfish genes" for survival? It is one thing when the culture doesn't "get" adoption and so speaks of buying a cat as "adopting" a pet. But when those who follow Christ think the same way, we betray that we miss something crucial about our own salvation."
     "Not everyone is called to adopt... But all of us have a stake in the adoption issue, because Jesus does."


Yeah, just typing that out makes me want to read it again.

more good news

At times, we viewed the financial obstacle in adoption as insurmountable. We stepped out in faith, knowing that if this was God's plan for our family, He would provide. And each step along the way, He has given us drops of mercy through provision~ increasing our faith in Him who is faithful. Pathways for Little Feet has approved us for an interest free loan for adoption costs. A large loan. Enough to decrease our goal through donations to The MICAH Fund by 70%. In simple terms, reduced our need from ten thousand to just over three thousand.  Since The MICAH Fund is a matching grant, we only need half of that amount donated to have our need completely met.

That. Is. HUGE. Can you see the smiles on our faces and in our hearts?

Join us in praising Him for His goodness. "But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him" Psalm 103:17

Support letter

The MICAH fund asks its families to send out support letters to let people know about our grant. As we wrote ours, I felt there are a couple parts that needed more recognition. For instance, black American mothers have fewer options than white American mothers for potential adoptive families. Meaning, more prospective adoptive parents are white, hence more are open to white infants than those of color. And, ready for this?  Nearly half of black American babies are aborted (cdc.gov). These facts alone deserve attention in prayer. And on a more personal level we have a few prayer requests : health and safety of birthmother and baby and when the time comes, grace to show Christ’s love to the birthparents as they grieve the loss of their child.

Answered prayer

Last night we had our interview with The MICAH Fund and they have decided to support us with our adoption plans. We are so grateful this financial need seems to have provision. Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  In His timing and His will....