Approved!!

Last week we received word that we are officially approved to adopt through Bethany Christian Services! Our hearts are filled with joy, relief, and hope! Now, we wait!! While I'm sure there will be ups and downs during "the wait"...God has taught us a great deal on waiting over the past few years...lessons that have been learned through various trials (our infertility being only one of them)...and I am praying and trusting all we have learned will be used to strengthen us until we get "the call" and are able to meet the child God is trusting us to love and raise.

I know I've mentioned this before, but we have been overwhelmed with love and support from friends, family, and those that do not even really know us (right now I'm thinking of the man that came to inspect our well as part of the homestudy...who shared with me his daughter's struggle with infertility and pursuit of adoption... and who only charged us what it cost him to test our water--amazing!). God has blessed us beyond measure. He has led others to pray for us, to encourage us verbally, to give of their time and resources...words can't describe how much God has used each person to encourage us in this journey!

I was hoping, by now, our online profile would be up...but, it's not :( As soon as it is loaded, I will post the link and I will also a link of our hard copy adoption profile book to view. 

On another note...I am SO excited to be a part of the Created for Care retreat for adoptive (or soon to be) moms going on next weekend! I am looking forward to connecting with others who have adopted...I am looking forward to hearing stories...learning...and being challenged as I prepare for motherhood! Also, I am looking forward to sharing this time with my sister...who recently adopted a little girl from Ethiopia. Below is the retreat t-shirt fundraiser (these have been sold over the past few months to off-set the retreat costs)...

...Love DOES make a family. This time last year, I might have told you that genetics make a family...It is awesome to look back and see how God has changed our perspective...God brings a family together...in any way He sees fit...whether through genetics or by adoption it is HIS love that holds a family together.