After some internal debate, I decided to write a post about the long road to adoption we've been traveling. Some of you who have just recently started reading this blog or gotten to know us may not know what's come before our current experience. After talking to Walton about it, we agree that part of this whole journey is keeping our focus on the One who gives us strength and purpose. Because we love God, we want to share what He's done for us with others - so here is our story.
This is actually our third attempt at adoption. The first time, in November 2005, we had a sweet baby girl who we named Caroline at home with us for 6 days when her birth mom changed her mind decided to parent her. She is now 3 years old and we still pray for her on a daily basis. The second time, in the fall of 2007, we were matched with a single pregnant girl who wanted to make an adoption plan for her baby girl. After doctor's appointments, a sonogram, and planning to be at the hospital for a scheduled C-section - she had a change of heart 8 days before delivery and ended up giving her baby to a distant family member. This time, the THIRD time, we're waiting to see what God has in store for us. We know that He has a plan for Leah's life and for our family and that He'll take care of the details for us. He tells us in Phillipians 4:6 "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
For me, one big encouragement through all of this has been the music of my favorite band, Third Day (who just happen to be based here in Atlanta). I have listened to and loved Third Day for years, but it was after Caroline that the depth & meaning of their lyrics really started to hit home with me. It was during the winter of 2005/6 that their "Wherever You Are" album was out, and all of the songs on it were just what I needed to hear during the struggle to make sense of it all. I will never forget listening to Mac Powell sing the songs from that album in concert at the Fox Theater in Atlanta on Good Friday 2006. The lyrics to "Keep on Shinin' " in particular resonated with me:
Having faith in the long run is easier said than done
It’s hard to live out in the light of day
You’re bruised and you’re battered, your dreams have been shattered
Your best laid plans scattered over the place
Despite all your tendencies, God sees it differently
Your struggle’s a time to grow
And you, you’re a miracle, anything but typical
It’s time for the whole wide world to know
Keep on, keep on shinin’
Wherever you may be
Keep on, keep on shinin’
For all the world to see
God used the music of Third Day to heal my heart - and continues to do so every day when I listen to them. If you've never heard them, give them a try. www.thirdday.com
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2 comments:
Wow, what a journey. I'm sure God will give you the desires of your heart - just remember it's all in His time, not ours. Thank you for considering adoption. I wish more families would give a home to the many children who are in need.
Thank you for sharing that. I will be praying for you guys and for Leah as you continue through this process.
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