Adoption Friends

Yesterday was full of adoption! Some good news and some very bad news. We are praying for both of these families. I work with them and have witnessed their journey. In fact, I mentioned adoption to them as they were struggling with infertility. They researched and ended up sharing that they were adopting too! This all happened at different times during the last 6 months. However, yesterday I was happy and extremely upset for both of them.

My girlfriend-B at work just returned home from her mother's passing. This was a very unexpected death. Her mother was just here for her 30th birthday celebration. During her time here, B actually received her referral for a little Russian boy! It was so exciting. They even received a pic of the little guy. Instant love, of course. I remember our phone conversation. I should have been working but received the email and my day was shot! I was so elated for B. They have been struggling for so so so many years of infertility. Her mom in the background cheering with excitement as B and I discussed how cute he is.

So yesterday, B called me. It was her first day back in the office after 2 weeks of grieving. I had left a card on her desk about hope and an overall uplifting card. She thanked me for the card in a very unlike B tone. We talked a bit and then I thought I would ask about any news on the adoption front. She rec'd her referral on April 6th, I figured she had some travel dates. This is where my heart literally broke into pieces...

"Nope, we lost the baby". What?!?! Oh B! "Yep, I lost my Mom and Baby all in the same month. Yeah, I came into my office to his picture this morning and spent half the morning crying over that. So, What's next? I know that's a terrible thing to say but how do you get over this? We are over the adoption and have also spent so much money already". What about another region? I asked. "That costs money to change and I can't fathom doing that right now". I said "B- Just walk away, take a break, and wait for a sign". You need time as I know you must be exhausted. So tired-she said. "I just have to accept that fact that we will be childless".

I CANNOT BELIEVE THE PAIN SHE MUST BE SUFFERING. Words of encouragement are good but only time can heal this wound. She has been on my heart and in my prayers ever since. God will hold her in his hands, I know he will. If you have a second to pray for her and her family, that would be so appreciated.

There WILL be another chapter and I will let you know when that occurs. For now, the healing must take place. UGHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Then, later that day, I have a call with one of my partners. He told me that they received word this weekend that they will be the parents of TWINS!!!! Yes, Twin GIRLS! They were discovered through his wife's hairdresser who knew of a young lady that already had one child and could not care for 2 more. The birthmom and her mother came over to their house for a visit and to discuss the situation.

On the way home, the birthmother called them to let them know she has made her decision and she is so happy to have them as the NEW PARENTS!!

WOW- 'how bout that?!?! Too cool. Elation for my buddy S. He said he came to work on Monday with a totally new outlook...Gotta Work Hard, 2 girls through college and 2weddings,,,ain't that the truth!

So, a VERY adoption filled Monday to say the least. This is a clear example of the roller coaster we are all on when it comes to adoption. It also shows us that we are not always in control of the outcome. FAITH IS THE ONLY WAY TO SURVIVE! It will happen, in God's time. Hard for me to get, but I do- just a little impatient, that's all!

I hope you all have a Great Tuesday! I am talking with our agency today to get working on our paperwork. I just love having a "coach" to keep me on target!!!
Take Care.

Favorite Photo Friday & UPDATE :)

Hi Gang,

Man, am I glad to see Friday this week! It has been crazy at work and I have been working diligently on our adoption plans. R U READY?!?!?!

We have some exciting news around our country. We have been accepted to Ethiopia and feel in our hearts that we were meant to be there ALL THIS TIME! YEAH! I am so excited :) I spoke with the director and we had a great discussion around the reality of being a truly bi/trans-racial family. John and I welcome this and are learning more about it everyday to be sure to provide the right environment for our child. The process in Ethiopia is also something I love. See, they work directly with the orphanages until a referral is identified. There is a transition home called "House of Hope" for CHI. The children are happy and healthy and well cared for- this is a big plus for us!

We are in the process of amending our Home Study and will be submitting to CIS shortly. I cannot tell you HOW LONG we have waited to do this. But then again, you know by our painstakingly long timeline. Whew!

We are truly at peace and are comforted to know that God is directing us down this path. I am in love with our child already- strange, I know. We have opted for boy or girl, infant up to 12 months. The infants are usually around 2-3months old on average. We've been studying about our country and the beautiful people. That's just my style- Go Big or Go Home!!! More to come on this journey!!! I feel that I actually want to blog now, can you believe it?!?!- it has been so painful up until this week- I do apologize for the boring blog. Watch out folks!!!

So, Here's a pic of John and the boys at church cooking up a storm! Well, actually it is spagetti for some 150 people. We had a fundraiser for our youth pilgrimage trip and had a wonderful time playing Parish Family Feud! Good times. He asked me where HIS picture was from the fundraiser. Too cute. So here it is...



Have a Fabulous Weekend!!!

Favorite Photo Friday

Baby Shower Frenzy!?!!?

Well, 1/2 of my girls are expecting. See if you can pick them out :) I'll make it easy for ya- they are all on the same row! I have been to 3 baby showers and have another couples shower this weekend. I think the Lord is testing me. However, I am holding up just fine. A little tired, but emotionally, all good. Enjoy the beautiful Ladies!

Adoption

Alot of friends and family read this and I want everyone to understand why our hearts are committed to adoption.

You see...Adoption isn't just what people do when they can't have "their own" children, it isn't plan B. Adoption is a true calling. It's knowing that your child is out there somewhere. It's yearning for him or her to come home where they belong. This is true for John and I. Even if we were to have our own children, I would still plan on adopting a child. My heart is full of ache for this little one. There is something about it as these children are orphans.

We have not found our country yet, but there are many more to choose from! We have learned so much in one year about other cultures through our research. I absolutely love this knowledge. We will find the right spot for us and further investigation is required. So, please know that I am not some crazy woman on a mission to get a child. We are simply following our hearts. If it is meant to be, it will happen, and we will all be together. I don't care how long it takes. We are at peace knowing that when the time is right- we will be able to provide a loving home to someone who desperately needs it. It goes both ways :)
Matthew 18:5
"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me"

Thanks to all of you for your love and support.

Favorite Photo Friday

Here is a pic from dinner last night. We ate at Lil' River in Downtown Lawrenceville- the food was to die for or slap yo mama good :) Whatever you say :)

Becka and Alex were up from Florida and we enjoyed a couple of days together. We went to Stone Mountain for the day and got plenty of exercise. Thank goodness because we went BIG at dinner!

My Brother...

Okay, I had to post the photos of my Brother's Spring Formal in Charleston. He is a Junior at the University of Tennessee. This is the FIRST time he has ever shared information about "his" girl with the FAM!

Her name is....are you ready???....Heaven! Yes Heaven! He has been holding out for this girl for a long time and it has finally paid off!

Is it wrong to be a proud sister when your brother has a girlfriend??!?! Maybe just weird. Who cares, Whitney(the other sister)and I are so excited for him to say the least. I won't even go into John's elation. I thinks his exact words were "holy snikies, that's my dog".

Anyways, my little brother is all grown up. We look forward to his Senior Year at UT. He is such a sweet boy- I mean, man, and any girl is lucky to have him. Enjoy :)

Favorite Photo Friday

Hi There~

This time next week I will be with my best friend Becka! She is coming up from Florida with Alex- married in December. John and Alex will finally get to meet and we can enjoy the weekend together. It is amazing how one of your best friends can live in another state and that does not keep you from remaining close. Here's a pic from the week of her wedding (we were at dinner) and being good girls:)

John and I checked with our agency about adoption from Colombia. We rec'd word yesterday that it is not possible as we have not filed our CIS paperwork already.
This is getting frustrating to be brutally honest. We feel as if God is definitely telling us that we should be heading down another path. Here we go again...

Headed out to dinner with a group of people from church. We have a fundraiser tomorrow and will be cooking spagetti dinner for 150 people. Then a game of family feud! WE are such dorks but we sure do have a good time! Sunday is church and my friend Misty's baby shower. I think there are about 5-6 couples/baby showers thru June...my oh my! Have a great weekend Everyone :)