Billy and I have decided to adopt an infant! We are in a domestic infant adoption program and we are absolutely thrilled!
Ever since I was younger (and by younger I mean like 6), I always had a passion for children who did not have the gift of a wonderful home. Case in point, when I used to draw pictures of my "dream house" with my sister and cousin Sarah, mine always included an orphanage. What child thinks like that? Before Bill and I got married, we had discussed adoption and we both agreed we would be open to adoption.
This fall we decided to start a family. While we were excited to start a family, God began to reveal to Billy and I that we wouldn't have the typical family. While capable to have children of our own, we both didn't feel that was the way to go. Strangely enough, we both felt this way but didn't discuss it...at least not yet.
About a week before Christmas, my husband and I had traveled to Utah to attend our cousin Tommy's college graduation. On the day of the graduation, it was amazing how often God prompted us to have a discussion about adoption. It started with Third Day's "Merry Christmas" song about adopting a girl from China in the morning. Then at lunch, my grandma brought up the adoption process of our cousin Ben. Then we were asked about when Billy and I were starting a family. To wrap it all up, on the ride back to our hotel near the airport, the Third Day song came on AGAIN. Hmm...God- I'm listening now...
After an emotional conversation and talking to God about this big decision, we decided it was time to move forward. We are still constantly amazed about God's hand in all of this. We chose Bethany Christian Services as an agency and so far it has been a pleasant experience. The agency is very upfront and realistic- we Sturgell people LOVE that! Fortunately, we were able to attend the next information meeting on January 3rd- there wouldn't be another till late spring early summer. God intervenes again!
We have filled out our official formal application and are eagerly awaiting an appointment to interview with the social worker. God immensely blessed us again because we will be required to take some training on the adoption process and the agency only offers this once a year...in March! The timing is perfect as it always is in God's hand.
While we are extremely excited, we are by no means unrealistic. We are aware that this will be a long and trying process but with God's hand in it, we will learn much. Stay tuned for more information!
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1 comment:
Jenn, I'll be following your blog closely as time goes on. We're heading to China soon... so it's fun to see a cousin going through a similar process. God definitely works in mysterious ways. This adoption wasn't even in consideration 3 years ago... yet everything has just fallen in line so perfectly. Can't wait for you to meet Gracelynn... (and I can't wait to meet her too!!!)
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