Roller Coaster Ride!

If you know anything about the adoption process you know there are a few hard and fast rules:

1. It is HARD!  Hard because of the paperwork & hard because of the extreme emotions that go along with the process.  
2. It is a ROLLER COASTER RIDE!  I like things to be smooth, predictable, and drama free....this is anything but!  Its hurry, hurry, hurry, then you hear nothing, then yes or no.....hurry, hurry, hurry....I guess this is preparing me for being a parent!  
3. You do not adoption accidentally!  You must be committed, intentional and very in touch with who you are and what you know you can and can not handle.  
4. You must have a GREAT FAITH!  

As Joe and I are walking through our adoption journey we learn something new everyday.  This is such a growing experience.  Just when you think you know yourself or each other, something happens and you are asked to rethink, readjust, and move forward.

In our very short time since we were Home Study approved and Family Profile ready we have been presented with several potential situations, some that we have asked to be shown to the birth families and some we have decided not to be shown and no matter if we ask to be shown or not, all I can think about is that baby...and all I can do is pray.  I ask God to be with that birth family and that baby as they move forward in their journey just like I pray and ask God to be with Joe and I on our journey.

The roller coaster ride is very odd, no matter how detached I tell myself I'm going to be, no matter how much I tell myself that I am going to stay at arms length, there is always a piece that slips out and starts to wonder and what if.  That is why the:  I'm sorry, the birth families picked another couple is so hard.  We know that is always a possibility, but its that hope that lives inside of me that always makes that so hard.  The strange thing is it is such a mixed emotion, sad that Joe and I weren't matched but so happy for the family that was and always following each "ride" I thank God for the opportunity, thank God for the birth mother and her difficult journey, thank God for the baby, and thank God for the family that has been blessed.

Our faith is what has brought us to this place in our life and our journey.  Joe and I believe that we are called to be parents and called to adopt.  We know that God has already picked our child/children out, that it is only a matter of time before we are brought together.  We have great faith knowing that we are following the calling of God in our lives.  The one thing I know for sure is that knowing you are following your call from God doesn't always mean the journey is easy but it does mean that we aren't alone.  The people that God has put in our life to help us with this journey just amaze me.  The blessings that come with knowing that others who have walked this journey before us or who are on this journey at the same time as us gives us the strength to get through the hard and rough parts of this ride.

God is Good!
Peace and Blessings!

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