Sunday, October 14th, marked one year of our adoption portfolio submission. That means that we have officially been in a year-long period of just waiting (in regards to our domestic adoption journey). Our waiting period has consisted of raising financial support, praying, decorating a room, going through a refining fire, and just waiting. It's crazy knowing that we are to go on with our everyday lives, yet in the back of our heads still wonder if today is the day when we will get our surprise placement call. Below are some reflections on our year of waiting.
What God has done:
- God had in His sovereign plan for us to host a Chinese exchange student. This probably would not have happened had we not been in the midst of an adoption waiting period. Our exchange student, Rachel, has been a true gift to our family. We have embraced her as our own daughter and she has embraced us as her American mom and dad. Rachel really is and will forever be part of our family. Back in September Eric's dad asked us when we would finally be able to adopt a child and Rachel chimed in with, "I'm right here!" Love it!!! Rachel is right in so many ways!
- God has used our waiting time for refining and pruning!
- God has provided.
- God has taught us.
- God has encouraged us.
- God has guided us.
- God has protected and guarded us.
- God has strengthened us.
Struggles:
- WAITING
- being misunderstood
- being questioned
- feeling alone in the journey
- wondering why it hasn't been us yet (even though we know deep down that God has a PERFECT plan and PERFECT timing)
- not knowing anything that's going on on the birth mom's side or on our portfolio viewing side
Blessings:
- increased faith
- grace lessons
- exchange student "daughter" Rachel
- defined character
- opportunities to share Christ through our adoption journey
- encouragement from others
- allowing Rachel to learn about adoption firsthand
- being able to pray for our birth mom and future child
What a waiting year this has been! How much longer? (an extremely common question) There is no way to know. In the meantime, we will continue to trust God, pray, and stay focused on where he has us right now.
