#6

Every time our number on the wait list moves closer I get excited. I'm not sure what it will feel like when we get the call matching us to our daughter. I can only imagine it will be a rush of emotions. As we get closer, I can start to imagine her face, and what it will be like to see her in person for the first time. For now, I start to imagine a chain of events that will eventually lead her to our family. I pray daily for her and for her family. I pray for the pain her mother must be going through as she ultimately puts her baby in the hands of a stranger. I cannot imagine the desperation of giving my child away yet I know in my heart that God has chosen us for this purpose.

I read recently on another adoptive mom's blog about her response when people ask her why she's adopting. In her case, she already has 3 biological children and from what most would think a happy full family. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and although in remission still faces the daily reality that she may not be around to see her soon to be adoptive daughter grow up. Yet, in her words, she knows that she completes the missing puzzle piece in her Ethiopian daughter's life and she too in theirs.

What a beautiful picture. Our Lord is not wasteful. Our Lord is not late. So, when I think about our "number" I know that while I wait He is preparing our daughter to complete both of our puzzles.

On Christ, the Solid Rock I stand

When I heard this song last week, it occurred to me how much has changed in our family's "foundation" these last few months. I don't think you ever know how strong your foundation is until its tested - and we've had our fair share of testing. We certainly haven't "passed" but rather survived and ultimately grown through these experiences. His word is clear about building our lives on a solid foundation and not on the shifting sands of the world. Although we certainly haven't conquered all of our fears, we have grown as a family and are putting much more effort in building our foundation in Him. I know that with His strength and grace that we are going to experience amazing things in the future. We already have...from His provision for us during job loss to provision for us to adopt to emotional stability in our family. I'm so excited for what He has in store for us, and I know that if we stand on His word that we will withstand the storms of life.