Week 3

Dear Adoption Community,

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a t-shirt! Our first fundraiser has gotten off to a great start with at least 33 shirts sold! Again, if you are interested in purchasing one, you can see the details on Facebook or on the blog post from Week 2. I'm not placing the order until March 1, so you still have time to buy one if you'd like.

Our next step is finding an adoption agency. Jeff and I have been praying daily that God would lead us to the right agency and put Godly people in our path who have our, our future baby's, and the birthmother's best interests in mind. This Tuesday, we will be attending an informational session at an adoption agency (I've decided not to mention them by name until after we've chosen one) that has a branch in the D.C. area. We are really excited for this meeting! This is just another step closer in meeting our baby. We are also considering another agency that is not in the local area; however, we have received great information and a glowing review from friends who have used that agency to adopt one baby and are beginning the process again! We definitely have our work cut out for us when it comes to making this choice, and we pray that God will make it clear to us where we need to be.

Jeff and I are also in the midst of making other very important, and sometimes even scary, decisions about our baby. We've decided that, just like with pregnancy, we do not want to choose a gender. Whatever God's will is for our family, we're okay with that. So we may end up with a little girl or a little boy or even twins (yes, we're checking the box that says we'd welcome twins into the family!). The "not knowing" makes it even more exciting!

Other decisions that haven't been so easy for us have dealt with race, special needs, and exposure to alcohol and/or drugs prior to birth. To be honest, we don't have all the answers right now. We're praying very hard about each of these decisions and seeking council from our families, other couples who have adopted, and even medical professionals. Many times when we begin talking about race or babies who have special challenges, it's uncomfortable to say the least, and ugly at worst. I've had thoughts like: "Am I being racist?" "Shouldn't we accept all children into our home?" "I don't want the agency to think we're snobbish if we don't check all the boxes." The truth that I'm learning to accept now is that Jeff and I just simply aren't equipped to deal with all levels of need. And that's okay...I think. I'm still working through all of this. For instance, we know that after the baby is born and my maternity leave is up, I will have to go back to work. On two teachers' salaries, living in the suburbs of D.C., being a stay-at-home-mom just isn't an option for us right now (who knows what God has in store down the road). So, we've determined that adopting a child with severe special needs probably isn't in the best interest of the child. Again, we're still working through all of this. Pray that we would have clarity and guidance as we make these tough, tough choices regarding our future baby.

As we inch closer to putting ink on paper by completing applications and paperwork, I can honestly say that I feel like an expectant momma. My heart is so full and eager to meet our baby. I know it will take months, possibly years until that day arrives, but when it does...my oh my, what a special occasion that will be. I can't even imagine how I will feel. My eyes are watering now just thinking of it. One thing is for certain, that child will be loved.

Many Blessings,
Sara & Jeff

How you can pray for us this week

Pray that we would be led to the agency that God wants us to use. Also, pray that as we make important decisions, we would listen to what God is saying and that His will be done.

Isaiah 43:5-7

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, who I formed and made.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.