It was only during our adoption of Isabelle (which we started out NSN) that we even got within spitting distance of a social worker before we had a referral picture in our sweaty little hands. And one framed by the bedside. And one laminated and tucked inside my purse. You get the idea.
But this time we’ve just been moving forward. In obedience. The only driving force being God, and my husband’s certainty that this is what we are to do. And now is the time.
And even though we’ve been moving forward, finishing our physicals, visiting notaries, taking our fingerprints, typing up SoS cover letters, it hasn’t had the same ‘feel’ as our other adoptions. Because it’s been so hard to imagine this little one we’ve been working toward. And I’ll be the first to admit, I think that not having that feeling has made this a bit more of a journey for this mama.
That and wrestling with a lot of young ‘uns at home.
“No. We’ve got the money.”
God wanted us to position ourselves. Without the picture. Without the tangible. Just because He said so.
Dardi says
Awesome! ;o) Obedience, positioning, trust…yep! Took the words right out of my mouth (again). Very excited for you!!
Stacy says
Just the place I find JOY in being! Smack.dab.in.the.middle of God's will! Feeling it! Knowing it! Believing it! Resting in it! Enjoy every minute of it!!!
clearness says
Lots of prayers for everything to just fall in place so you'll have your little sweetie really soon.!
Emily says
got your sleeping pills ready?? don't know how you're gonna sleep tonight and tomorrow night!!! so excited for ya!
Beach Mama says
I so hope everything falls into place soon for you. You have actually given me a spark of hope! What agency are you with?
Stefanie says
We are with WACAP… and we love 'em 🙂
Yay for sparks of hope!!
Shanny says
I love WACAP, too!! Can't wait to hear about your new little one. So excited for you. Even more excited that very soon there will be one less orphan in the world. Keeping you in my prayers.
Cindy says
On pins and needles right along with you as your precious new blessing is shared, I can feel the "excitement" thru your words! No matter how she is revealed I know HE has special plans for Y'all!
Prayers and peace!
Valerie and Jeff says
I've been meaning to post since your BIG announcement and can I just say … even though this makes TEN children for you guys, I am totally NOT surprised. I just had a feeling 🙂 crazy I know.
So very happy for you! And I love what you have written here about your feelings, your journey, where you are at. Although my husband is the EXACT opposite of yours in where he stands on adding to our family, you point out an important thing to me … I have to learn to trust him and his judgement as the spiritual leader of our family. And just because his answer isn't a YES about adoption for our family … there is obedience that needs to happen. ooo, that's a hard one.
I am THRILLED for you guys and I cannot wait to watch it all unfold–especially in the route that you are being lead having the agency match you! Blessings to you!!
Sarah: says
That is so exciting! It is so fun to see what God will bring.
We are so excited to wait and see. Our dossier has been in China almost 3 years and in the next few months we hope to move to the SN list!
Waiting for a referral match, it is so exciting!
How do you know if it is the right child, or the wrong child and have to turn the referral down? Is it just a gut feeling?
Over 2 years ago we looked at lists too and children, and it was so hard to know the right decicion. I guess it is a lot of prayer?!
-Sarah
Sally-Girl! says
Oh our 10th children sound so much alike in regards to our spouses! I too have questioned many times and Robert is the one who is always advocating for our Gracie. He is totally the one behind this adoption lifting me when I need lifted. I love it!!! I have watched our Almighty God change my husband's heart from not even considering adopting a child with down syndrome to one who is now advocating for her. It makes me fall in love with him all over and over again!!!
We are so blessed to be married to Godly men!
Can't wait to see who I will be meeting in China! snicker snicker!
Lynnea says
Thank you….for sharing. We too are hoping to be matched from the list this month and we too are at peace with the idea of our agency matching us. Letting God chose who our daughter will be. We have looked at files and just didn't have that peace but we are sooo excited to see who He has for us. So blessings and love to and we will be thinking of you this weekend!!
God bless,
Lynnea http://www.hamelothjourney.blogspot.com
Your Southern Peach says
Very inspiring. I look forward to seeing what God has planned for your family! Best Wishes.
Gina says
Your story excites me to no end. We are adopting a 6yo girl through WACAP. It's our first adoption, but quite possibly not our last. 🙂
Virginia says
I've been glued to the computer reading about this latest journey. Wow…all I can say is, I can't wait to see what/who God's got planned for your amazing family. I just found out from one of my husbands co-workers that he mentioned something about being "almost ready for # two" Ummm, what?! Yeah, we need to get better at the sharing thing you talked about. Anyway, I'm so happy for you and for the little one who's about to get an awesome family!
Gin =)
Nicole says
Thank you for sharing this. We are in route to number 7 and I have fought with some of the same ideas and thoughts. We too picked our first 3 adoptions off an agency list and feel our next(4th adoption 7th child) will be shared list. It's hard to trust sometimes, I am so glad I am not alone with these thoughts 🙂
Now if I could just get the state to send our child abuse clearance letters our homestudy would be done and we could be on our way!
Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! says
Hi Stefanie,
What a wonderful and very inspirational post. I have no doubt that it is all in God's hands and you will be guided to the child that was meant to be yours and will fit perfectly into your family.
Best wishes as you wait to be matched.
xoxo,
Lisa
milchman says
Stefanie,
Hi there! This is Stacey from the FL Keys who started your first journey to China with you in our DTC group. What a beautiful family you have grown since then- congratulations!! Our Mia is turning six next month and we have since brought home Mia's little brother, Logan, from Guatemala. I would love to chat a minute about the waiting child program if you can find a moment to email me. I would appreciate it.
Thanks and congrats!
Stacey Milchman
milchman says
P.S. My email address: stacey.milchman@keysschools.com
lyndastrite says
Definitely second Eliana. Our last daughter's name. Love the meaning. But most everyone mispronounces it. We call her Ellie. But she prefers Eliana. (She is a flowery girl.)
I also love Tessa. And Adelaide; meaning A Beautiful Princess. Addie for short.
Best wishes and blessings on your waiting.
3 Peanuts says
Your obedience really astounds me. It has inspired me in huge ways too. I think it is so fabulous that you both hear God's call for you and your family so clearly. It has made me open my ears more to try to hear what HE is calling us to do.
Kim