Yesterday marks the unofficial beginning of our official decision to adopt. I am SO excited I can't contain myself. Obvious to those who facebook. My husband says I am WAY too open and should be more private. Well, if you are reading this you most likely know me well enough to know that that is not a word in my non-professional vocabulary.
So, for the information you are wanting to read about and I am dying to talk about. We are going to have a baby. Number 3 to be exact, and it will be a little girl from.....China!!!!
Okay, so that is the condensed version, and if that is all you want, stop here and read no more.
This journey begins so much longer ago than yesterday. In my heart Father God has placed the desire to adopt a little girl from China since I was probably a pre-teen, hearing in the news that baby girls were being aborted and given to orphanages due to the one child law in China. I have been there for quite a while, then when we went through everything we did with my cousin's kids, God just confirmed this again in my heart.
As for J, the idea has been in his heart for quite a while, if for no other reason than I talked about it from the time we knew we would marry and have children one day. He has not been so certain in this idea. That is...until last night. God showed up and showed out and answered many prayers I've been praying for some time now. That He would confirm in BOTH of our hearts the direction HE would have us to go, AND that He would let our hearts both be led to the same country. I'm ashamed to say, even as I sat in that meeting last night, praying that God would make it clear to J or change my heart (later I said, "God, I hope You are making it clear to J, because You are definitely not changing my heart."), I did not expect an answer from J LAST NIGHT. The usual answer I get from him is, I'll think about it and let you know. If you know me at all, you also know I am not a "let you know" kind of girl. That would require patience. :)
So, we watched the presentation and listened to all of the other families questions. We didn't ask many questions at this time because a lot being discussed was regarding domestic adoption. We KNEW that was not for us. So we listened. After everyone was done and the director closed in prayer, I looked at J and said, "Well, what do you think?" He said, "China...." then he said the words that surprised even me (but not Father God)...."special needs." My little girl is going to be born in China, and she is going to most likely be born with some type of special need. A little scary, but TOTALLY exciting!!!!!
We asked our one on one questions and got to talk a little with the lady who works the China Special Needs program. She gave us lots of good information. It is amazing to know, that as of right now, until God takes us a different direction, this is the path we believe He has put us on....to China...and our daughter.
So, that is SOME of the long of it. Please pray with us. We do not know the WHEN at this time. The reason it is unofficially official is that we KNOW God is leading us, but He has not shown us the time yet. Money is going to be a HUGE issue (for us, not God). We are standing on the truth that God is in control, He know who our little girl is and the exact time she will be born. So we are trusting in His time frame. Y'all can remind me of that down the road when I'm fretting over it. :)
So, I'm excited to say....thank you so much for taking this journey with us. We will need all the support and prayers that we can get.
Wow! I have tears!! God is so good! I've seen him firsthand change the heart of my hubby, so I know the power of prayer...and God's perfect timing. You're the perfect mom for a special needs child. The wait time for China special needs is much quicker than using the regular program. Keep in mind if you adopt in 2010, you still get the adoption tax credit (up to $11,000 something). Also, as we start this new ministry at the church, I'm praying desperately that we can begin an adoption fund. I know firsthand also that God will provide EVERY PENNY for an adoption when you are obedient. Do not fret the money....we'll figure it out together! I'm so excited for you! and wishing y'all were coming to the conference with us.... =)
ReplyDeleteTori, I will pray for you and J on your journey. God will surely bless you. I have a special needs nephew and they need lots of love. I know you have that to give. Your Mom and Dad are so precious and I know that you have their love, prayers, and support. God will go with you and your family on this incredible feat. I'm excited to watch this blog and watch your family grow. Love and many prayers, Kathy
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