Change

I love how all of the leaves are changing to beautiful bright colors!  Each fall season I can never decide if the orange or red leaves are my favorite.  J 

The past couple of days I’ve found myself reflecting a lot on change in general.  You know that quote:  “The only thing constant in life is change”?  That is very true about lots of things.  I change a lot myself.   My priorities change, my friendships change, my goals and desires change, my perspective changes, etc. 

My moods/emotions are ever changing about everything, especially our adoption process.  I think change is good, but it can also be exhausting. 

We recently explored another adoption agency to “just see” what they were like.  They were basically the very opposite of our current agency.  They promise a shorter wait time (which is OF COURSE super appealing) and seem like a great company……  BUT they turn away 90% of the birthmothers that come to them (to ensure they place only healthy babies). 

We just couldn’t shake that.  This company basically says that we could adopt a baby in about 5 months.  WOW.  We. Want. Our. Baby. SOON!!!!  BUT- - - - - -  it is not about us.  It is not about us.  It is not about us.  ……….  (We have to remind ourselves of that a lot).  It is not JUST about US getting OUR baby.  It’s about taking care of the birthmother TOO.  It’s about accepting any child that God has planned for us.  It’s about following the path that GOD wants us to take. 

We’re glad we talked to this other company.  It really just confirmed in our minds that we’re where we need to be.  Also, we cannot ignore God’s provision for us thus far.  The amounts of money that we’ve received have been so specific to the fees associated with our current adoption agency.  He’s made it clear to us that we’re where we’re supposed to be….. so……….. we are moving forward. 

We have our Expectations Consultation this Friday with our current agency and will then be waiting for them to schedule our home visits.  After our home visits are completed and our home study is “approved” THEN we will be placed on the official waiting list!

I’m happy that we’re not changing adoption agencies.  I’ve always thought I was okay with change but lately it kind of stresses me out.  We’ve “changed” where we worship (aka church) and that was a big deal to me.  Today Erik mentioned “changing” banks and I was like- - “ohhhhhhh…… uhmmmmm.. that stresses me out..….”  He looked at me like I was crazy…  Then I realized I was.  Haha!

You know what I find great comfort in?  That our Lord does not change!!!!!!!!  J 

"I the Lord do not change…”  Malachi 3:6 NCV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NCV     

And a few wonderful reminders:

“The Lord is kind and does what is right; our God is merciful.”  Psalm 116:5 NCV

 “God… does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.”  2 Peter 3:9 NCV

“…God is love.”  I John 4:8 NCV

Ahhhhhh……..  Thank you, Jesus.  J

Good things!!

“Good things come to those who wait.” 

We’ve been waiting and good things have come our way and we trust they’re going to continue coming!! J (AKA- - come on little sweet baby!!)

*We’ve been praying and waiting forEVER (it feels) for Erik to get a promotion in his “field” (accounting)….. and GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?!?!  On Friday, October 7- - - - HE GOT A PROMOTION!!!!!!!!  PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!

*We’ve prayed for over a year for God to reveal to us how we can use our musical talents to grow God’s Kingdom…… and GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!  On Sunday, October 2- - - - HE OPENED A DOOR FOR US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (More details on this to come later)….  PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!

*We were anxiously awaiting our Adoption Benefit Dinner on October 8 hoping to raise ½ of the birthmother fee that is due before we can get on the waiting list for our child……..  and GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!  WE WERE BLESSED WITH RAISING THE ENTIRE FEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (Like- - almost exactly!!  - - only $5 over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

We are overwhelmed with all of these blessings that are being heaped on us!!  J  God is revealing His love to us through so many of YOU and we are overjoyed.  The generosity, support, love and encouragement from you all is awe-inspiring.  I really don’t have enough words to express our gratitude.  THANK YOU!!!!!!

Our next step is waiting for our home visits to be completed.  We are now at the mercy of our agency as to how fast we move forward from here.  Once our home study/visits are complete, then approved, we can officially be placed on THE waiting list.  

Meanwhile, we’ll continue saving for the placement fee (which is the bulk of what we’ll owe).  This is due when our adoption is finalized….. (in other words- - when our sweet baby is in our hands!!!!!!!!) J 

So- - that’s about it in our neck of the woods!  Lots of good, good stuff going on.  Ahhhhh….  Thank you, Jesus!! J  And thank YOU all for remembering us in your prayers!!  They’re being heard, for sure!!  We love y'all!!

“… The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”  James 5:16 NIV