I realize that it has been a really long time since Matt and I have posted, but who wants to read "still doing paperwork" for several months on end. But today it has changed, Matt took the paperwork to work to mail today. YEA! One step closer.
It took a little longer because we waited for me to get out of school and Matt to take a day off work. We had to get fingerprinted again and do some background checks again, that required some running around. Hard to do when you have to be at work. But it is done and I can sigh and wait for Suzie to call. (new social worker at new agency)
So, now we wait again.
Sunday, I turned 35 and it was hard. Not because I feel old, although the gray hair and wrinkles are getting more abundant everyday. But because I just thought I would be somewhere completely different in my life right now. I had my moments on Sunday when the tears came all too easliy, but my wonderful husband was there to help me through and I prayed alot. I know that Matt and I are travelling this road for a reason and we might not understand now or ever on this earth why, but it is only for a season and there will be an end, hopefully a very happy one.=)
So, Matt and I are reminding each other of all the good that is in our lives and all the wonderful things we have been blessed with. Like wonderful, wonderful, family and friends who have been a HUGE support. They show us almost daily how much they care for us and are there for us. For that we are thankful. We have a home, clothes and food. And a wonderul little dog, Daisy, to make us laugh and say "aw, how cute is that". And we have hope that someday we will say that about our children. We just have to remember to give control to God on daily basis, probably really hourly or every minute or second if we are truly honest. And wait...
Jer. 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New Agency
We wanted to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It has been a rough couple of weeks. We have decided to change agencies. We are finishing up the paperwork for the new one, Luthern Social Services, by this weekend. We would appreciate your prayers as we make this transition and continue to wait upon the Lord.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Another Twist
We found out some new information today that unfornately cancelled our meeting on Wednesday. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to walk this journey of adoption.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Good News
We have had an interesting week. On Thursday, I received a voicemail from a pregnancy counselor at Bethany Christian Services. I was staying after school, coaching my DI team, so I immediately called Matt and asked if he could call her. I was very hopeful that we had been matched and waited for Matt to call me back. He finally got ahold of the counselor and talked with her about a birthmother who had picked our profile. She told Matt of some issues that they were concerned about, asking us to still consider the mother and get back to her. Thursday night we talked it over and had further questions for the counselor. We left her a message that night but did not hear back from her.
The next morning I prayed during my devotional time with God, explaining how I was not sure if we were strong enough to take this next step, only to be let down by the birthmother and the issues we were about to face. We had hoped that after walking this journey for so long that the adoption part would be a piece of cake. I prayed that God would show us for sure what we were suppose to do. Then on the way to work, about half way through my drive, I turned on the radio. I turned it on just in time to hear the Pulse Morning Nugget. Corey Mann read the follow scripture, Rev. 3:8 "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." I immediately lost it. I turned the channel then, because of commercials and heard the song "Strong Enough" by Matthew West. Wow, I could not believe the way that God had immediately answered my prayer. It was as if those DJ's were there when I prayed it and knew what I needed to hear. It still brings tears to my eyes to know what God did for me that morning.
That same day Matt tried again to get ahold of the counselor, only to find out she was with another family at the hospital waiting on their new arrival. So, she had Matt call and talk with Irene, the director of the agency. Irene answered Matt's questions. And the things we had questions about were cleared up with that phone call, so we agreed to meet with this birthmother, this Wednesday, April 20th.
I know that God has opened this door for us, and all we can do is step through it. This birthmother may not be our birthmother, but He has opened a door. It has given us a renewed hope that He is still in control and we just need to have faith. Please pray with us, as we meet with this birthmother. That we will trust God and know that whatever the outcome, He is still with us walking, between us, leading the way.
The next morning I prayed during my devotional time with God, explaining how I was not sure if we were strong enough to take this next step, only to be let down by the birthmother and the issues we were about to face. We had hoped that after walking this journey for so long that the adoption part would be a piece of cake. I prayed that God would show us for sure what we were suppose to do. Then on the way to work, about half way through my drive, I turned on the radio. I turned it on just in time to hear the Pulse Morning Nugget. Corey Mann read the follow scripture, Rev. 3:8 "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." I immediately lost it. I turned the channel then, because of commercials and heard the song "Strong Enough" by Matthew West. Wow, I could not believe the way that God had immediately answered my prayer. It was as if those DJ's were there when I prayed it and knew what I needed to hear. It still brings tears to my eyes to know what God did for me that morning.
That same day Matt tried again to get ahold of the counselor, only to find out she was with another family at the hospital waiting on their new arrival. So, she had Matt call and talk with Irene, the director of the agency. Irene answered Matt's questions. And the things we had questions about were cleared up with that phone call, so we agreed to meet with this birthmother, this Wednesday, April 20th.
I know that God has opened this door for us, and all we can do is step through it. This birthmother may not be our birthmother, but He has opened a door. It has given us a renewed hope that He is still in control and we just need to have faith. Please pray with us, as we meet with this birthmother. That we will trust God and know that whatever the outcome, He is still with us walking, between us, leading the way.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
April Update-Faith and Hope
Life in limbo. That is a great way to describe us, right now. Our condo still has not sold and we are currently not matched with a potential birthmother. Hence, the life in limbo.
It seems as of lately, God has been reminding Matt and I that this is a journey and that we are not where God wants us to be yet, for everything to work out to His will. In my daily devotionals I have been reading through the bible, just finished Job, which seems to have added to my depression and frustration with God. But it also, pointed out to me, that I am not in control of this, just like Job, I need to let God work in our circumstances. And not continue to tell God that I did nothing to deserve what is happening to Matt and I. We are living and walking with Him, yet we continue to question, instead of trusting in the journey that He has us on. I also read in My Utmost for His Highest, "Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading." Wow, that same devotion included the scripture Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings of eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Those who have faith and hope...
We received the April update from Bethany, they are curently working with 10 birthmothers. Of which, 5 are already matched with perspective families. Pray with us, that we could continue this journey with a renewed faith and hope in the One who is leading us.
It seems as of lately, God has been reminding Matt and I that this is a journey and that we are not where God wants us to be yet, for everything to work out to His will. In my daily devotionals I have been reading through the bible, just finished Job, which seems to have added to my depression and frustration with God. But it also, pointed out to me, that I am not in control of this, just like Job, I need to let God work in our circumstances. And not continue to tell God that I did nothing to deserve what is happening to Matt and I. We are living and walking with Him, yet we continue to question, instead of trusting in the journey that He has us on. I also read in My Utmost for His Highest, "Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading." Wow, that same devotion included the scripture Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings of eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Those who have faith and hope...
We received the April update from Bethany, they are curently working with 10 birthmothers. Of which, 5 are already matched with perspective families. Pray with us, that we could continue this journey with a renewed faith and hope in the One who is leading us.
Monday, February 28, 2011
March was the start
A year ago, Matt and I started this adoption process with Bethany. I would love to be writing this post, excited about the baby that has entered our lives, but still we wait. There is not much to report. We are praying and trying to trust in God's timing. We have had a rough couple of weeks, as we get closer to the date we started this process.
We still believe Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We are still learning through this process to be patient and wait upon the Lord. I read recently that to be patient means to trust in God's timing. Wow, how this is true!
Please pray with us that we will trust in God's timing as we continue the journey with adoption.
We still believe Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We are still learning through this process to be patient and wait upon the Lord. I read recently that to be patient means to trust in God's timing. Wow, how this is true!
Please pray with us that we will trust in God's timing as we continue the journey with adoption.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
My Hope is in You!
God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain. I haven't meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I've kept my feet on the ground, I've cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is a baby content. Wait, Isreal, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always! - Psalm 131, The Message.
"Hope now; hope always!" A powerful sentence to reflect upon. Where does your hope come from? As the psalmist says, my hope comes from the Lord. We anchor our life in the hope of Christ Jesus. We worship Him with thankful hearts and through Him we shall have abundant life. God surrounds us with love daily and we put our hope and trust in Him. It is that hope and trust that we cling to daily.
We have had an interesting week. A week that no doubt has God's finger print on it. A week of confusion. A week of emotions. A week of hope.
God has surrounded us with wonderful family and friends. Words can not describe the appreciation we have for you! We also know God has something special for us (Mandy and I). We do not know what that will be or when that will be. But we pray and thank God for all He has done for us. We pray for the child that He will uniquely place in our lives. We know you pray for us. We encourage you to not only pray for us; but for us to have patience for God's time; to give him total control; but also pray for that Birth mother that will make a very difficult decision. Pray that God will surround her with a sense of comfort, love, and hope for the child she bears.
As noted at the beginning of this post, we put our hope in Him. This week we learned that all the profiles we gave to the adoption agency were passed out. It's easy to look at this and say 10 families looked at us but we were not chosen, how depressing. I'd rather look at this and say, we have been considered by 10 families, what a blessing to be able to be part of their journey. Personally, I think they like our profiles because of all the Notre Dame pics. I mean who would not want a child to be part of a family so embraced with the heart of the Irish. Is there really anything more adorable than a little Irish football player or Cheerleader...I doubt it! And, Of Course, a Notre Dame Education is unparrelled. Where was I...oh, we have been blessed to have all our profiles shown...it gives us hope. For that we thank God. We'll be sending more to the agency this week.
We also learned of a unique situation this week that clearly illustrates the power of sharing our story. For privacy purposes we will not disclose names. We learned of a young women in Illinois who recently gave birth to a little girl. She is working with an adoption agency in Illinois. However, through our connections we have forward our profile to her pastor. We do not know what will come of this, but we do know that there are many people praying for this situation. We ask that you pray for this little girl. Pray that God will surround her with love and comfort. We ask that you pray for this young women as she continues to process this difficult decision. Pray that God embraces her and fills her with His love and guidance. While it would be a wonderful addition to our family, we pray that the little girl is placed with a loving family. That may mean staying with her birth mother, it may mean being placed with another family, it mean the placing the little girl with us. We do not know but He knows. We know He knows the plan He has for this little girl and we pray that His will be done in this situation. We recognize that this may be a step in the journey and we are keeping our emotions at bay.
As you can see, its been an interesting week. We know that God has a plan for us and we know that none of these situations may go in our direction, but we put our hope, our trust, and ourselves in God's hands.
May you be blessed by the riches God brings into your lives. May He continue to show you his unyielding desire to grow closer to you.
Thank you for your prayers, we are blessed!
Matt and Mandy
"Hope now; hope always!" A powerful sentence to reflect upon. Where does your hope come from? As the psalmist says, my hope comes from the Lord. We anchor our life in the hope of Christ Jesus. We worship Him with thankful hearts and through Him we shall have abundant life. God surrounds us with love daily and we put our hope and trust in Him. It is that hope and trust that we cling to daily.
We have had an interesting week. A week that no doubt has God's finger print on it. A week of confusion. A week of emotions. A week of hope.
God has surrounded us with wonderful family and friends. Words can not describe the appreciation we have for you! We also know God has something special for us (Mandy and I). We do not know what that will be or when that will be. But we pray and thank God for all He has done for us. We pray for the child that He will uniquely place in our lives. We know you pray for us. We encourage you to not only pray for us; but for us to have patience for God's time; to give him total control; but also pray for that Birth mother that will make a very difficult decision. Pray that God will surround her with a sense of comfort, love, and hope for the child she bears.
As noted at the beginning of this post, we put our hope in Him. This week we learned that all the profiles we gave to the adoption agency were passed out. It's easy to look at this and say 10 families looked at us but we were not chosen, how depressing. I'd rather look at this and say, we have been considered by 10 families, what a blessing to be able to be part of their journey. Personally, I think they like our profiles because of all the Notre Dame pics. I mean who would not want a child to be part of a family so embraced with the heart of the Irish. Is there really anything more adorable than a little Irish football player or Cheerleader...I doubt it! And, Of Course, a Notre Dame Education is unparrelled. Where was I...oh, we have been blessed to have all our profiles shown...it gives us hope. For that we thank God. We'll be sending more to the agency this week.
We also learned of a unique situation this week that clearly illustrates the power of sharing our story. For privacy purposes we will not disclose names. We learned of a young women in Illinois who recently gave birth to a little girl. She is working with an adoption agency in Illinois. However, through our connections we have forward our profile to her pastor. We do not know what will come of this, but we do know that there are many people praying for this situation. We ask that you pray for this little girl. Pray that God will surround her with love and comfort. We ask that you pray for this young women as she continues to process this difficult decision. Pray that God embraces her and fills her with His love and guidance. While it would be a wonderful addition to our family, we pray that the little girl is placed with a loving family. That may mean staying with her birth mother, it may mean being placed with another family, it mean the placing the little girl with us. We do not know but He knows. We know He knows the plan He has for this little girl and we pray that His will be done in this situation. We recognize that this may be a step in the journey and we are keeping our emotions at bay.
As you can see, its been an interesting week. We know that God has a plan for us and we know that none of these situations may go in our direction, but we put our hope, our trust, and ourselves in God's hands.
May you be blessed by the riches God brings into your lives. May He continue to show you his unyielding desire to grow closer to you.
Thank you for your prayers, we are blessed!
Matt and Mandy
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