New Journey Begins Today...

So...we're expecting!

But...I am not pregnant.

...we ARE beginning the adoption process. YAY!

We are planning on adopting a baby boy from Rwanda.

The process usually takes anywhere from 12-18 months...

We are hoping to travel there to get him sometime next year...late summer or in the fall.

We are extremely excited to say the least.

WHY adoption?

Adoption was something I had always been open to growing up but also something I had not thought about in awhile. Last summer we just casually had several conversations with several friends about adoption. One couple had adopted from Ethiopia and the other couple was in the process of adopting domestically. I really had laid it down and told the Lord I was okay if I never adopted b/c I just didn't think it was something that we would be able to do....but the very next night Nick told me for the 1st time ever He really was open to adoption. God has such a sense of humor and timing.

Decemeber 31st, 2009 Nick told me he really wanted me to be praying about adoption. Wow, what a great thing to hear from my sweet husband. I was so excited but also nervous. Even before I began to seriously pray about it...I believe I knew what the Lord was going to say. During the next few weeks Nick and I really sought the Lord about this during our 21 day church wide fast.

It was good...God was speaking. One amazing thing about this whole deal is that before the new year began...I was praying that God would show Nick and I exactly what He wanted us to be focused on...life is busy, Beck was only 1 month old, Reese is turning 3 soon...ministry and life was busy....but my heart was...Lord, even in all this...the day to day...I want us to walk in the center of your plan for us...giving ourselves most effectively for God's Glory in all that you have currently called us to. Well...I really believe God's answer to me was adoption.

James 1:27

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

I believe the Lord was telling me that this was the next step for us...for whatever reason.

I never would have imagined that was how God would answer...but I am so very glad He did.

All that to say...that was now almost 6 months ago. We already feel like we have been in this process forever. We have been waiting for Beck to turn 6 months old to begin...which is today. Happy 6 months sweet Beckham. There has to be a 1 year age difference between your oldest child and the child you adopt. That is why we have waited. So the plan is...Beck will be about 1 1/2 when we get the baby. We shall see...everything could turn out different concerning the time.

Mailed in our initial application today.

A little scary...but this much I know...

GOD is FAITHFUL and TRUSTWORTHY...

if He is calling...then we must OBEY.

What a blessing.