Our Story

Gods timing is perfect.... I have heard that statement more in the past year and a half than I have in my entire life. While at times it is hard to accept I know whole heartedly that it is the absolute truth. Whether it be in the waiting stages of adoption or other aspects of our lives, God's timing truly is impeccable. We may not always realize it at first but during the wait God uses the time to allow us an opportunity for spiritual, physically and emotional growth. I know I am not the same person I was in April 2013 when we began this journey. I have grown so much stronger in my faith and love for my heavenly savior than I ever thought possible. I praise The Lord for this journey and for the days to come because I will continue to grow in my faith and continue to share the love of Jesus Christ with others. 

This past Sunday, Nic and I had the opportunity to meet an amazing couple in Texas who recently brought home their son from Ghana Africa. Again God's timing is completely remarkable....only our Heavenly Father can bring together two families, both with the heart of adoption, in the massive state of Texas, in the same terminal on the same flight. Oh did I mention this family lives at most an hour from our home??? I can hardly wrap my mind around how amazing this encounter was and we now have another family we can connect with in our area. Praise The Lord.  As they shared their amazing story the one part that really stuck out to me is when they said every trial, every set back and every day they waited was all a part of what makes their story.  They waited almost 2 years after they were matched with their son before they were able to bring him home. This does not include the time they waited from when they began their adoption journey. That wait, while hard, was a part of their story. It was also a part of their son's story. While they may not  have known why, God had a purpose and reason in mind for that wait.  That really hit home as we are approaching the year mark from when we submitted our paperwork to Africa. Just like our new friends from Chicago, God has a plan for our life and for Amira. We might not understand God's plan now but it is all written out above and this is our story.  Adoption is not about us, it's all about him and all the Glory to God when that day comes when we bring her home. So let me share with you our current chapter of our adoption entitled...,

Chapter 10: Behind the scenes of the wait:

As of now we are up to date with everything. December 2014 our paperwork in which we submitted will begin to slowly expire. In December we will begin the process of updating our fingerprints. As long as we do it within a certain time frame this update will be free for the first renewal. Starting in January 2015 we will begin the lengthy process of updating our home study. This means updated health physicals, financial status, employment, the works. This update will cost between $250-$500, however, it is necessary as our home study expires in March. Also expiring in March is our immigration paperwork. This first update, again if done in the proper time frame is free.  I know the cost of adoption is troubling and hard to understand for a lot of individuals. And that's ok. However, God is faithful and will provide. I know the time frame of waiting 2-4 years is hard for people to understand given the large amount of orphans in Ethiopia alone (around 4.5 million). And that's ok to feel that way. It took me a while and lots of praying to get to the point where I am at peace with this wait.

It's all part of our story.  We will learn, we will grow, we will cry, we will shout for joy and praise The Lord. This is our journey, our story and we are grateful for everything and everyone who is a part of this path. 

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and donations. As time continues, we will share with you every chapter as God intended.

God Bless.