I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.
1 Samuel 1:27

God is faithful. He is good. He is love. Our adoption story is one filled with these truths.

We are all adopted into God’s kingdom. The Gospel is filled with this beautiful truth and message of adoption. Romans 8:15 states, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” He adopted us and has a great love for this cause. We may each play a different role, but we are called to care for orphans. In July of 2010, a trip to Guatemala made it clear my role was to be an adoptive mom. In God’s timing and in His way, of course…so began the waiting expectantly part.

In July of 2011, I married a guy from Texas. So this Yankee made her way down to Texas to begin life as a married woman. After a year to really get to know one another and travel a bit, we wanted to add a little one to our family. Little did we know this would be quite a life changing journey. I think if you told me it would take 5 years, lots of pain, and be a rollercoaster of emotions I would’ve backed away. Looking back now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This path drew me closer to God in beautiful ways. It built trust, faith, and the hope I have in Him. Heartfelt prayers and my incredible community of family and friends carried me through this time. I understand now what it means to have the Spirit intercede and pray on our behalf when we don’t have the words. I’ve seen God show up in incredible way to provide financially and in other ways for this adoption.  I’ve seen just how perfect His timing is and how worth the wait our little miracle is.

After a few years of trying to have a baby naturally, we were unsuccessful and ready to see an infertility specialist. “Unexplained infertility” is a difficult diagnosis and after a failed attempt with IUI, we knew adoption was what God had planned for us. We prayed, researched, and met with a church couple before choosing an agency. After a year on the waiting list and complete silence, we received the call to attend an orientation in January. Joy and excitement, mixed with questions and concerns filled our minds as we drove to that orientation at AIM (Alternatives In Motion). We learned about the process, the costs, and what open adoption means. We were all in and ready for this! Paperwork…more paperwork…more waiting…then a home study with our awesome social worker and we were officially Paper Pregnant!

When my phone rang two days after the home study, I just knew it was our social worker saying a birth mom had chosen us…Austin and I were so happy! We got to meet our birth family, and I loved her from first sight. This selfless, lovely young woman is my hero. She chose life, love, and adoption. I will forever be grateful for our birth mom’s beautiful choice.

Then it was time to wait for our baby to arrive. I kept busy preparing the nursery, boiling bottles, researching baby’s first year, and praying for a healthy baby. Psalm 139 was my go to for reading and prayer. I knew God was watching over the development of our child. Psalm 139 13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful and I know that full well.” Finally, on May 23, Parker was born. We were there in the hospital for the birth and were able to hold him that very first night. I have never known love like that! Wow just wow.

 

During our time in the hospital, we got to know our birth family and I know in my heart that our child has so many people who love him and want what is best for him. This is the beauty of open adoption. Together, the birth parents, Austin and I walked out of the hospital with nurses looking on in wonder. We even drove this sweet couple home afterwards and have enjoyed a couple visits with them since.

 

It is amazing how God is using Parker’s story to teach others about His faithfulness. We were blessed with some generous checks from my school family. My preschool class had an “adoption shower” for us, which is what started our adoption fund. When I went to deposit the checks, the cashier began to cry. We chatted about how he was adopted and what a beautiful thing it was that people donated to the cause like that. I also have had birth moms and adopted children (now adults) reach out and share their stories with me. I’ve talked with some trying to have children and have been able to encourage them with Parker’s story and the beauty of adoption. I pray they each add a little one to their family soon.

Parker has also been one to bring joy. He has brought my pops (what I call my grandpa) out of a depression, and given new life to our family. He is truly loved by all who meet him.

I don’t know what it is you are waiting for: job, husband, health, child, purpose, etc. but know that we have a God who knows you, loves you, and hears your prayers. Wait expectantly on Him and He will answer. It may not look the way you think, but know His ways are perfect and for the betterment of His kingdom. To God be the Glory!