Blessings- Laura Story

...what if your blessings come through raindrops...

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Spelling Words: CHILD & HOLD

While doing his spelling homework this evening, PQ got very quiet. When I asked him what he was thinking about, he started to cry. With tears rolling down his face, PQ told me that his spelling words were reminding him of his baby sibling that he's never met. The spelling word CHILD made PQ question if he was ever really going to be a big brother. I immediately wrapped my arms around him and reassured him that one day he will be a big brother.

After writing a few more spelling words on his paper, he came to the spelling word HOLD. Again, he began to cry. This time, however, he asked me if he will ever be able to hold his baby brother or baby sister. To him, it seems unreal. The past several weeks of potential referrals have been a roller coaster ride for all of us. But up until this evening, PQ was the one that kept Papa H and I grounded. PQ has always been the first one to point out that it all rests in God's timing. Tonight he reminded me how much he too is looking forward to the arrival of Baby H. It's obvious that we are all very eager to meet our child...to love our child...and to HOLD our CHILD.

Postponed until Monday

As if today's stress level wasn't high enough...profile's have been postponed until Monday at 4pm. A huge THANKS to all of my girls for being an encouragement to me today. I certainly needed all of you...and a special thanks to Country Mouse and Minnie for meeting up with me earlier today. I so needed that! :)

Baby Shower and Further Insight

After an action packed few months full of potential referrals, it became very obvious that our baby could be arriving any day! We still don't know God's plan for our family but we are trusting in Him through all of this. Over the past weekend, I was surrounded by several family members and friends who showered us with presents for the baby. Although nobody knows for sure when our 'due date' will be, people wanted to make sure that we had what we needed when the baby arrives. We were blessed beyond measure, that's for sure!

THE CAKE...courtesy of Phebe's Mama!

These two organized the entire event...THANKS AGAIN!

After bringing home the presents and making sense of what the past few months have revealed, we stepped back and agreed to rely completely on God's timing. For me, it's easier said than done. But isn't it funny how God works? Just when I finally gave it all to Him, He unfolded the next piece to our puzzle.

On late Monday evening, we were presented with another potential referral for a mother who is due in 2 weeks. After looking at the mother's medical files, adoption counseling history, and relevant birth plans we were reminded yet again that mothers are choosing adoption so that their children have a better chance at life. Although some people don't believe that private adoption is a good option, we were reminded yet again that it is a good option for many women.

Based on the past 5 situations that have been presented to us for consideration, one thing continues to be consistent. There is no doubt that the mothers who are placing their babies up for adoption love their children enough to give them an opportunity to succeed with another family. The situations that we have been presented with have provided us with an insight that most outsiders don't get to see. That insight has allowed us to pray over several women who are struggling to keep their own life in tact, let alone taking care of a baby as well. Many of the situations that we've seen are linked to severe drug use. Yes, that's right...drug addictions continue to present themselves time and time again. (It's important to note that I am not saying that all mothers who choose adoption for their babies are drug users. Instead, this is a small glimpse of what trends we have continued to see from the situations that have been presented to us.) It's certainly not what most people would think about when the term 'adoption' comes to mind. Instead, people tend to think of the fairytale stories where a mother gives up her baby for adoption and everything else in her life is roses and tulips.

The reason why I am sharing this with all of you is so that you can further understand how adoption is deeper than what you might see on the surface level. Each adoptive mother chooses life for her child based on circumstances and choices that are relevant to her. Each mother who chooses adoption for her child loves their baby enough to give them a chance. Adoption is a great option for some. It might not be for everyone but it is what our family feels called to do. We are able to add to our family through adoption and we are honored by this choice that God has laid on our hearts. Over the next 24 hours, we will know if this mother has chosen our family to adopt her child. Regardless of what happens, we are trusting in Gods perfect timing!