11. Yep, it's true. Today marks 11 months on the waitlist for a 4-5 year old boy. Who knew? I will say that this has been quite a journey for us! On one side, I just "assumed" that this adoption would be FAST!! I mean, not many people request a little boy. But, deep down, since before we even sent in our paperwork to Gladney, I had a feeling that this would be a tough road to travel. I don't know why-- just a feeling I had.
From the beginning, we knew this was going to be God's story that He's telling. But, it's been tough and I've definitely found myself on my knees crying out, "why?" "What's taking so long?" My momma arms feel empty! My heart has broken over and over. And, I've definitely had some not so graceful moments in this wait that I'm not too terribly proud of. But, even through some of my toughest moments, I have felt a deep peace about this journey. I know God has our boy and He's getting him ready. Back in August, when we had surpassed any type of estimated wait time, I called our case worker and we talked. She was able to get some info for me and give me a little insight in to what's been going on with our case. Though the news was a bit shocking-- again, I just felt such a strong presence of God's hand working in all of this. At that point, we had lost 5 potential matches and the in-country staff was currently working on match #6!! It's hard to explain, because so many around us were confused, frustrated, and upset for us-- and don't get me wrong-- so was I-- but, the peace was still there. I knew God was working and obviously our timing was not aligning with His timing and He was working the kinks out so His perfect boy for us would be ready in His perfect timing!
(this is NOT the norm with Gladney, and I think all of the matches have fallen through on the orphanages' end, not on Gladney's end!)
So, here we are at 11 months. Though I wish my boy was upstairs, tucked in bed right now with his sister and brother.... I will choose to wait-- with the Lord's strength, gracefully-- until His perfect timing is revealed.
**We are on to match number 7. Lucky number 7?? I sure hope! :)
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15 comments:
We are waiting and praying with you. Can't wait to read the end chapter of your story... woo wee! Does this boy know just how much he's loved ALREADY??? So excited...
I can't tell if I am more anxious for your referral or ours... I think it may be a tie! Praying for your son and that you are able to see his smile soon!
Blessings.
j
www.gfinkfamily.blogspot.com
Beneath the Acacia Tree
I remember reading your blog when you announced that you were adopting again...I also assumed you would have a referral super fast (and was excited because I love it when people adopt preschool aged kids like we did). There is no doubt that your journey has been laid out for you and will be perfect as soon as God is ready to reveal your little boy to you! Best wishes for peace while you wait. I can't wait to read all about your little guy when you can share your exciting news!
God bless you family and your patience during this process. I can't wait to see him united with your family.
Wow! You're so wise to be trusting God in all of this.
And as someone who just completed the adoption of 2 boys with Gladney, I personally feel like our agency operates with integrity, and that they really do keep the best interest of the child at the forefront.
Hang in there! I can't wait to find out who God places in your family!
I cannot believe it! I'm sure at the beginning you never would have imagined that you could wait this long. And yet, you have. One day at a time. I hope God is preparing all hearts involved for your sweet boy! I can't wait for it to be revealed - the one He has for your family!
I love that you titled your post "God's Story." We too, have been waiting longer than we anticipated for a referral. I keep reminding myself that as frustrated as I may get with the circumstances or the people I perceive to be controlling them, God is ultimately in control and his timing is ALWAYS perfect.
Hang in there! :)
Thinking of you guys!!! I check your blog/facebook often hoping to see some long awaited news. You are right though, the perfect little boy for your family is out there and will be united with you at the right time! Hang in there... praying for you and your little boy!
Praying for you! It will be exciting to find out about this little boy that will be so worth the wait!
Debi
Jenkins' Journey to Ethiopia Adoption
http://jenkinsethiopiaadoption.blogspot.com/
wow.
Come on Lucky 7!
Sending love and patience your way.
xoHeather
Love what you acknowledged here. God's Story.
I felt so at peace with that very thing when some portions of our waiting seemed ridiculous. Families traveling who'd gotten referrals after us. Looking back, we can see God's hand and perfect timing, even though at the time it seemed crazy to us to be STILL waiting to travel.
God will be SO glorified through your family. A whole new level of peace comes in our hearts when we just trust it. It's HIS story...let him tell it. :) Hang on, girl! Your boys is coming, and it's gonna be GOOD!!
ps...super excited about the possible connection too!! (sorry if that seems like "code" but I don't want to put details here)
I found your blog through Eryn, we are adoption buddies.
I can totally relate to all your emotions, we waited 10 months for a toddler boy referral and they thought it would take 2-3 month max. SO hard to wait especially when we had different expectations. I will be praying for peace as you wait for the perfect boy for your family!
I also wanted to copy and past an email that went out to people this week. I am working on a project for a non-profit and wanted to give you the opportunity to donate one of your adorable necklaces... The email paste is below. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in.
Hello,
We are asking for your help! This Christmas, Perpetual Change (theperpetualchange.me) is going to be opening an Etsy store from November 15-December 15 to raise money for a country near and dear to our hearts, Ethiopia. Please go to the website and check out the amazing things that are being done to help the children of Ethiopia.
Here is where you come in… For the month of October we will be collecting donated items to be sold on our Etsy site. Your donated item would go on our Etsy site for the price that you sell it for on your site and in the description your Etsy site would be listed, which will be great advertisement for you. The money we make from the sale of your item will go directly into helping Perpetual Change make a difference.
We would love to have you consider participating in this beautiful opportunity to tangibly help children in need. Please contact me at cgladheim@gmail.com if you have any questions.
You can mail your items to:
Perpetual Change
c/o Christy Gladheim
22297 SW Fisk Terrace
Sherwood, OR 97104
Please include in your package, or in an email, the price you would like your donated item to sell for and the description you would like listed on our Etsy site.
Thank you for your support,
Christy Gladheim for Perpetual Change
HI, I just stumbled upon your blog and first of all want to tell you your children are beautiful! My husband and I are starting the adoption process and have heard of All God's Children and Gladney. If you don't mind (I know it is a personal question) but I was wondering what you thought of these two agencies and why you picked them and what your experience was with them. Any thing at all would be appriciated. Please email me at candacemcclintick@gmail.com. Thanks and good luck!
My heart felt for you when I read this. I can't wait till that match is made...and perhaps, God will show you his fingerprint!
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