Girls night out

Last night, I had the wonderful privilege of having dinner with some friends in the adoption community. One of my new friends asked me if I was still okay with the wait as it is still increasing and I quickly said YES!!!! I started thinking about this. I have not gotten down at all. I'm sure at some time, it will sink in and I will be sad, but for now I want to enjoy these moments.

I have to tell you that in Oct 2006 we went to our orientation with our agency and since then God has done great things, fabulous things. I have never experienced what some people call a "spiritual awakening" but these past months have been nothing short of amazing. I know what awesome things God has done since then, I can not even imagine what He has planned for the rest of this journey and I think that's why I am okay.

We now have a home church introduced to us from members of the adoption community. Because of that I am involved in a weekly Bible Study, participate in a book club, and have become good friends with some of these ladies. Michael has attended the mens minstry as well. We are active in our small group.

For family and friends, you know that I do not open up much. I have kept my feelings to myself. Since this adoption thing has started, its so much easier to do that. I have real friends who know me and although opening yourself up to friends can sometimes be a risk, the benefits have been awesome. I have really been changed by this and we are just waiting..God is good!

Work. I have had better relationships with patients and parents. I have met close to 100 families who have adopted from China and other countries from all around the world. I get a glimpse into their lives for just a brief moment and in that moment that they are touching my life, I hope to ease their burden of a hospital visit just a little bit. God is good! I am sooo not deserving of this. Even with Michael..when he worked with Chik Fil A, he was able to start conversations with families with Chinese Children.

First Friday-Gosh, where do start? A monthly gathering of people interested in China adoption, those waiting, and those who are home. Instant family. There are no words for this group. Susan and Dan, thank you once again for listening to God and opening these doors. Many have been touched, many seeds have been planted. Lifelong friendships have been started and that in itself is just awesome. Each month, I am ready to here stories. There is a gathering this Friday if anyone of you are in the Atlanta are and we are having dinner before hand at La Dolce Vita

Family and friends whom we have not been in contact with in years are interested in this journey. WE have received quilt squares from people we didn't expect (we have 47 to go, HINT HINT) and have had sooooo many prayers.

This blog. Wow. You have been so kind. I love my Saturday morning chats over at the Seventh Diamond (see sidebar) and I love praying for you. Although I pray daily, on Mondays I pray specifically for this process, the people involved and most importantly the children. I also pray for every person who reads this blog. Just know you are prayed for.

Love Without Boundaries- I do not how this will impact our journey but wow, do I feel connected to this group and can not wait to read more about what they are doing.

I feel like I have posted this subject before. That's okay. LynnMarie may read this one day and I want her to know that although she will not be with us for quite awhile, she has had an enormous impact on our lives.

I can not put into words how my heart and mind have been changed. I have read your stories, seen your videos, watched pictures from Gotcha Day. Many of you have been a source of hope and strength. I cant mention everyone but particulary Miss Laney, Sheridan, Shelby have encouraged me far beyond words. For those of you who have been there, done that, THANK YOU!!! Let me just tell you what an emotional person I have become. When I learned that yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of Sheridans referral, I cried. Seriously, that one little boy has brought smiles and laughs to many people during their difficult times. I remember crying at work when Laneys gotcha pics were up! I love to cry!

and to think this all started with a stingray excursion on a Disney Cruise..

God is indescribable!