Is Our World About to Change?

I received a phone call from our dear friend Yvonne this afternoon. At first I thought she was calling to just check in.  It was much more than that.

She first asked if I was at home and sitting down (my first clue that she was about to drop something big in our laps!).  

She began to share how God had been at work on our behalf.  Emily had made a complete 180 degree change since I saw her in early December. She had broken up with her boyfriend and was convinced adoption would be the best scenario for her baby. 

And to top it off, she was choosing us as the adoptive couple! Choosing us! Choosing us! Words that mean everything when you are hoping to adopt. 

I asked Yvonne if it would be possible for me to talk to Emily. I have so many questions. I want to know what has changed. What prompted her to place this baby. How did she know that Sam and I were planning to adopt? When can we see her? Is this for real?  Please, somebody pinch me.

OK, off for a very restless night sleep!  All for great reason of course!

A New Year, A New Beginning

This is what I believe the Lord has for us this year. I am claiming this word and this new beginning!

Isaiah 43:18-19

"But forget all that -
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

Christmas 2007

We decided to tell Sam's family about our adoption plan on Christmas Day!

We printed off copies of our profile for his parents and sibs. We wrapped up each binder/profile and had them rip the package open at the same time. We then had the opportunity to share with them some of our struggles over the past couple of years and the journey God has on us right now.

It was awesome! And such a relief to be able to tell them. I know we have their prayers and support as we continue to move forward in this process.

Trying Not to Get Discouraged

I wish I had this really fabulous update right now, but I don't. It seems that we are back in a holding pattern, just waiting for God to do something big.

I have been talking with Whitney at Mercy Ministries and they don't have any adoption opportunities right now.

I guess we will just keep waiting. Seems to be the story of life right now.

December 4

Mercy Ministries Day!

WOW - that is about all I can say. I was so impressed with this place. Everything was done in excellence - from the receptionist's greeting to the housing for the girls. Everything was excellent.

I had several divine appointments today that I thought would be worth sharing. Mainly because you NEVER know when God is going to show up and show off.

Both "appointments" were with women that work at Mercy and are struggling with infertility. I had the opportunity to encourage, uplift and pray over both these women. I know God has a destiny for them and for their families. It was so refreshing and rejuvenating to be in the right place at the right time.

What was supposed to be about 1 hour meeting and tour turned into a more than 3 hour long visit.

So today God showed me that He can do "abundantly more than we ever ask or imagine." I thought I was going to Mercy for a quick meeting and campus tour. God obviously had other plans!!

Let Me Be Real

OK. So I am not going to pretend that I didn't just have a good cry. The afternoon with Emily was great (really, she is so great), but I just can't understand why God just had me do that.

It was so very difficult to sit at a table for 3+ hours and talk to someone that just "happened" to get pregnant. And then to hear how excited she was to parent. Well, let's just say it was theraputic to have a good cry.

And on a sidenote - I did not tell Emily that Sam and I are hoping to adopt. It just never felt right. I focused on her and relating to her experience.

December 3

Today I met Emily. A confident, gorgeous girl with a contagious smile and laugh.

We met at Atlanta Bread Company and here is how the introduction took place:
[Emily was already in the restaurant when we arrived]

Yvonne: Emily! Hello! This is my friend Jen!
Emily: Hey Jen
Jen: Hey Emily
Yvonne: Well, I just thought I would have two of my favorite people meet and talk. I'll be out running errands if you need me!

And then there were two.

Thank GOODNESS we are both outgoing because the time really did fly. We spent 3.5 hours together!

I had the opportunity to share in-depth my adoption story of placing Michael. I shared my favorite memories and a very special scrapbook Michael's older sister Morgan made for me when he turned 10. I talked about how healthy, positive and rewarding it has been to watch him grow and be loved by an amazing family. What a miracle God provided for me and my son!

As we started talking, it became clear to me that Emily (about 3.5 months pregnant) had already made up her mind to parent.

I reiterated over and over again that adoption was right for ME and that she really should seek the Lord to determine what is right for her situation.

At the end of the afternoon we exchanged phone numbers and said we would keep in touch.

OK Lord, what was THAT about?