The Sweet Spot!!

What a journey this has been.  From April to May, we were speeding along, seeing an adoption by the end of the year as a possibility, only to find ourselves at a STAND-STILL this ENTIRE summer.  Let's not focus on the fact that this summer would have been the PERFECT time for me to finish our paperwork.  Why?  Because my perfect time is not God's perfect time, and He is so good. Let me tell you why . . .

Just to give a little recap of the past few months:

• April: picked an agency and got home study for that agency. 
• May: could not sign with that agency, for no other reason than this nagging feeling that would not let us move forward. 
• June: started with another agency that had a super-sweet boy waiting to be adopted. Changed home study to requirements of that agency. 
• July: things fell apart (will not go into details for respect of all parties involved). 

Enter waiting game. Enter doubts that this was ever God's will.  Enter questions about my own intentions and motivations.  But, God is so good!

The night I posted the blog saying that we were putting on the brakes was tough for me. I really did not know how we would adopt now.  It did not feel right going back to the other agency, and we were pretty convinced that the entire "process" was not for us.  We wanted to be more involved; we wanted to know more; we wanted to be able to ask questions and be certain that we were making a wise decision, in every step of the process; we wanted to do what was good and right for the country and its people.

Over the entire course of this process, I have been emailing a sweet woman who runs an organization helping orphans in the DRC.  At one time, they helped with adoptions, but it was clear based on our email contact, that this was no longer their focus.  They wanted to be a voice for the orphans left behind, and I definitely respect that.  So, on the night we said, "Stop!", I emailed her, thanking her for her advice and asking how we could help, if we chose not to go forward with adoption.

And, then we waited . . . 

On July 25, I got a response (and I paraphrase): "We would love your support of orphans in the DRC. We occasionally coordinate adoptions if we have a referral from another family in our organization. Do you know anyone?"

My thoughts: I don't know anyone. *SIGH* Another door closed.

My reply (and I paraphrase again): "Pick me! Pick me! We will be nice to you; we will be nice to our child; we will be nice to the people of the DRC. Pretty please with cherry on top?"

Her response: "Maybe. Let's wait until winter."

My reply: "So, you're saying there's a chance? (taken from Dumb and Dumber, if you don't recognize) Can we do anything in the meantime? By the way, I am licensed to practice law here in Texas. Could I help you with the adoptions in some way?"

I stop here to discuss what a sweet moment of grace I am sitting in. I have been praying for adoption for a few months. But, I have been praying to use my law degree in a way that aligns with my passions for seven years. Is there any way the Lord could answer both prayers at the same time? Ah, yes. Because He is that good.

Her response: "Let's chat. When are you available this week?"

And, after tons of prayer, after several conversations where it is clear this organization is the perfect fit, and after a weekend of paperwork, we just found out yesterday that WE HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED. And, to see the joy in our house. I was cheering; the kids ran around hugging one another; even Philip expressed his elation (by smiling--those of you who know Philip know how elated he gets). :)

So, we are back on the road again. And, it feels so right. It's like we were trying to get somewhere, our GPS constantly saying, "Recalculating," in that sweet British accent that makes you want to hit it. Hard. And, then, right when we least expected it, we were placed on the right path. The organization will help us with the adoption, but we are involved in every step of the process. As I learn the process, I can help other adoptive families. We also get to learn of real needs of real orphans in the DRC from those working on the ground. And, there is a little boy on the other side of the world who just got a home. And he doesn't even know it yet.

And, to think, God has been orchestrating this whole thing, even amidst our frustrations and doubts. I cry out in awe of His goodness, His mercy, His faithfulness. More than anything, I hope this encourages you on your path. If we can pray for you in some way, please let us know.