We have SO much gratitude for the picture above. Since the very beginning of our adoption we have had a puzzle with several hundred pieces. Whether someone has given financially, prayed for us, or been a source of encouragement somehow their name has been written on a puzzle piece. Every piece represents a person who has had a part in our adoption story that God is writing. The goal is to eventually, when our adoption is final, build the puzzle and put it in a clear frame and display it in our “baby Indias” (that is what Annistyn and Norah call him/her) room. We are going to take it down and show our child all the individuals God used to help bring them home and play a role in the story that He is writing for their life. So, to everyone who is on one of these pieces (you know who you are), and those who are not yet, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so thankful for you! So thankful that you have allowed God to use you in the grand story that He is writing for our child and for our family.
Well, it’s been 4 months since our last adoption update. Mainly because there have been no updates. We have pretty much just been waiting over here. We have been waiting on our agency to send us a child’s file for us to review.
When we started the process almost a year ago the India program was thriving and they were seeing families bring home kiddos in a very short timeframe. Unfortunately, there has been a significant slow down the last few months in the India adoption program as a whole. As far as why this is happening, we are not sure. There have totally been moments of discouragement and lots of questions during the past few months. We have even prayed and even checked into different programs within our agency. But, we have been led back to India every time. God has uniquely given us a heart for the people and place and we feel like the Lord has specifically called us there. So we are leaning into Him and trusting His perfect timing. He is good and He has a plan far better than our own.
There have been some exciting milestones since the last update though! We have continued to raise funds. Our goal is around $35,000. This week we were notified that we were awarded a grant of $3,500 from JSC foundation. Which brings the total that we have raised through grants, fundraising, and people being so generous to us to $27,000! Less than $10,000 from our goal! God has been so faithful to provide for us financially. We are so thankful to everyone for the support both financially and those who have encouraged us through phone calls, messages, and mostly who our praying for us. We truly could not do this without you all. We are so thankful for each and every one of you!
We also were able to attend an adoption conference in January hosted by our agency. It was part of our education requirements that we have to have before our adoption is finalized. It was super neat and so encouraging meeting other adoptive parents, some of them pursuing Indian children as well. It was just a great time of learning, equipping, and encouragement for the journey ahead.
During the wait, God has been growing us and teaching us more about Himself and His character. Our favorite song right now as a family is Way Maker which says, “When I can’t see it your working, When I can’t feel it your working. You never stop working. Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, my God, that is who you are.” We know this to be true and we are clinging to the promise keeper and the one who writes the most beautiful stories. The one who takes mess and brokennesss and redeems it and makes it into the most beautiful things.
Ways to pray
1. Pray that files will open up and we will be matched soon but also that we will continue to rest in Him, enjoy the journey and trust His perfect timing.
2. Pray for our child in India that we do not even know yet. For safety, protection and healthy attachments . For preparation in their hearts for the tradition to come.
As always, if you are reading this we are so thankful for you and your partnership with us in this journey. Thank you for the prayers and for supporting us and holding the rope as we climb into the unknown. We are more thankful than you know.