Narrowing it down.

So, after many conversations about adopting with agencies, we've decided. We had it down to two agencies and after talking on the phone with one, I realized that they were essentially asking us to lie about some things. I am on some medications that they frown against and some agencies will not accept you if you so much as mention these medications. Then, one agency told us just not to mention them and have the doctor's letter dance around the truth. Ok, totally not our style. After discussing it with each other and friends, we decided that if God's will is to bring a child to us, then He will deal with the details of the world, the rules, regulations etc. And with different agencies telling us different things, we were quite confused. So, we decided we'll apply and if it is not meant to be right now, it won't be. Finally, I feel like I have given this situation to God! I am not stressing. TOTAL PEACE. We have the money to at least apply and will find out if we are accepted within two weeks. Our favorite agency will consider us on a case by case basis and completely encouraged us to apply, stating that in 15 years they've never had a couple rejected for the reasons we've struggled with. Other agencies have also told us not to even apply unless we have $30,000 in the bank! Ha! How is that allowing God to take over the financing of our new family? We have read countless stories of how God has provided for families in the most unconventional ways. We're excited to see what He does with our situation!!!

So, all that said, we have decided to go with America World Adoption (AWAA)! They were our first choice, in my heart I knew we'd use them and they are the most truthfully Christian agency that we've found. Their application is the only one who has us sign a doctrinal statement regarding our faith. And, even though they may ask many questions about our lives "BC" we're confident that full disclosure is the right way to do this! Why would we want to begin our family journey in a way not founded in truth? We want to take the journey that is full of integrity and that honors God the most! :)

So, now, the paper chase begins. We'll let you know if we get accepted and if we don't, well we believe we'll be parents SOMEHOW! :)

FROG

My mom is going to women's retreat. She is helping to organize it and every year is a different theme. This year it is "F.R.O.G." Or "Fully Rely on God." Wow, is that ever the truth for us right now. It is so hard to let go and surrender this process to Him. I truly feel that it is His will that we adopt but sometimes wonder if the timing is His or mine. I get quite anxious when I think about how we'll pay for it, and then I read countless blogs and stories about how God provided ALL the money for a couple to adopt. I can't imagine He would do otherwise for us. I just want to do this right, I want to do it at the right time and in His way. Then I see something that says grants and financial help are available. I sure hope so! We need a miracle! :)

Here are some things I read from some testimonies....This is just how we feel.

As we trusted God completely, we became willing to love His will more than our own. Though we overwhelmingly desired children, we could say with certainty that we wanted most what God wanted and knew that His plan was perfect. We have also been blessed to see the tiniest fraction of God’s heart. The desire and longing for our children to hurry home, to be with us so we could love them and provide everything beyond what they could imagine reflects in a tiny way the love that God has for all of us. He desires and longs for us to come home to Him and accept Him as Lord so He can love us and provide everything beyond what we could imagine.