What I Have Learned

I am so sorry I have been such a delinquent. I am enjoying the summer, but finding it very busy at the same time. Maia still takes two naps, but Alexa and Gabbie keep me going 24/7. We have spent our summer days relaxing by the pool (except when I am chasing a one year old from the shallow end to the deep end), camping, and hanging out with friends. I am reminded often that hopefully next summer I will be chasing a 2 year old and almost 1 year old around the pool. We talk often of our little guy and pray constantly for him. We realize that he still may not even exist, but we pray for his birthparents and caretakers. Many African parents have to give up their children due to disease, death, or poverty. These children are not taken due to poor parenting skills, abuse, or other emotional problems. This makes it so heart wrenching to think that most likely the birth parents desire to raise him, love him, and provide for him. I thought I would make a list of what I have learned since starting this process.


1. Trusting God is the only thing that will get you through this process.
2. GOD WILL PROVIDE!!!!! We have seen this in more ways than just raising $11,000 at our fundraiser. This has been one of the best years financially for our family since I decided to stay home. Coinsidence?..... No God's plan. THANK YOU GOD!!!
3. There is a great number of families that have, or are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia in Grand Rapids, MI. What an amazing support system we will have.
4. I was so worried about how our girls would react, and they talk constantly about their baby brother from Ethiopia.
5. People love to tell you all of the adoption horror stories. I have learned to add them to my "could happen" list, and then remind myself that God is in control. He will give us what we need when we need it.
6. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still have fears, and doubts about this process even though I know we are exactly where God wants us. I have fears of attachment, travel, future, and more. I always need encouragment to keeping praying and give my fears and doubts to God.
7. People feel passionate about adoption. Many who have desired to adopt but did not feel that calling have given us great financial support and prayers.
8. Patience and perseverance!!!

There is my list. If you are adopting and would like to add more to the list of what you have learned I would love to hear it.

Sorry is I spelled anything incorrectly, the spell check would not work.