Things Are Still Going...

 God has been so good and He has provided every step of the way for this adoption.  We still have the rest of the journey ahead of us and we have been pleasantly surprised at every turn.  People have donated so generously!  They have donated their time, prayer, advice, stuff, and money.  Everyone wants to help in whatever ways they can and we have been blown away by people's heart for this adoption. We are so blessed to be in a community where people care for one another and they care for this child that they have never seen.  I only hope that I can relay that to him someday... how a whole community pitched in to see him home to us.
Our garage sale fundraiser was a hit!  We had so many people donate and volunteer.  I had family and friends sleeping on every couch in my house and ready to work hard early in the morning. We were able to raise $1800 in one short afternoon! The day after the garage sale I received a call  from someone who works with the Children Youth and Families Protective Services Department.  I had been waiting for this call for weeks. I had called time after time and visited state building after building trying to find out how to purchase our home study, background checks and fingerprints ( all of this is needed paperwork to complete the adoption). The woman on the phone informed me of when, where and how I could get this done and it happened that next Monday.  The amount we had raised covered the cost almost exactly.
We just heard from the biological mother's lawyer a few days ago.  Evidently, her boyfriend and her are not together anymore and she is really struggling financially, especially since he paid half of the rent for their apartment.  She asked if we could help with her rent, groceries, medical bills and the paying for the birth.  Poor thing!  I wish I had known earlier that she was struggling so much. We are only too happy to help with whatever we can.  At first I was scared, and I thought, how are we possibly going to afford anything more on top of everything else?  My faith always falters, even in the midst of God's amazing abundance of provision.  As I said,  He has provided for each little thing as it has come along.  Each day,  I am learning that I need to be on my knees in prayer, thanking Him, worshiping Him, and giving Him my burdens and requests.  It is only when I rely on Him completely that I feel peace.  I know that He will provide.  The biological mom and baby are healthy and she still wants to continue with the adoption, she just needs a little help. 

Adoption Update

Everything is still moving forward with the adoption!  We just recently received new ultrasound pictures from the biological mom through our friend Lupe.  This little baby boy is getting so big!  He is now 34weeks old in the womb.  Lupe said that the mom looks great and healthy.  She is actually starting to smile and be more at ease.  At first we heard that she was very sad and anxious about the whole situation.  I pray for her every day.  It seems strange that she is carrying this child who might be our son and I've never met her before. It's probably easier for her that way, although this can't be an easy situation to go through.  She is still very resolute that this adoption is what she wants for her and the baby.  The doctor and Lupe both asked if she was still sure about this decision and she reaffirmed with determined resolution.
I'm trying to journal about this adoption to remember every detail.  God's hand is upon this baby's life in so many ways and I know that it is so easy to forget the amazing things that God has done when everything is in the past.  I want this child to know how mightily God moved to save his life and how loved he is.   God is so loving and kind and He guides us gently even as He reveals Himself to us through our circumstances and our brokenness.  I struggle with this truth as I wake every morning.  Worry, fear and anxiety plague my mind, but then I remember that God knows what is best for me and He's not going to allow me to go through anything that I cannot bear.  He also uses all things for His glory and our good.  I have to trust Him in that.  All of our children are in His hands whether they be adopted or biological. Sometimes, we get to see His plan as it works out before us, and at other times, we will never know. Nothing is set in stone, but I pray that He will prepare us for whatever comes.