We are getting ready to have our homestudy update at the end of March. Part of me is a little sad and confused (and sometimes angry) that we are still waiting after three years. According to our agency we are doing everything right. All of our friends and family tell us what great parents we will be. We have continued to pray and trust God for our baby. So what is the hold up? We don't have an answer to that question and we may never know why we have waited longer than "the norm." But something we do know and continue to be reminded of over and over again is that we are loved!
God loves us and continues to send us reminders that He is control and has a plan for our lives. Whenever we do get sad, confused or even angry, He faithfully sends encouragement our way. Whether it's something we read, a phone call or email from a friend, or a song we hear on the radio, it gives us just the boost we need to continue this journey.
We also feel the love from all of you! So many of you have been journeying right along with us. We are so thankful for all that you do. Last week as I was gathering information about our contacts from last year for our homestudy update, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. In 2010 we had 2-3 potential birthmother contacts for the year. In 2011 we had 19 potential birthmother contacts!!! At least 6 of those contacts came directly from a friend or family member passing our letter or information along. Others found us on the internet or facebook, but we don't know the exact source. So from the bottom of our hearts...THANK YOU!
Here are just some of the ways you have helped us "spread the word" that we desire to adopt a baby:
1.) Facebook Page: Many of you have "liked" our page, shared it to your wall, and send us encouraging comments whenever we posts comments, pictures and our blog.
2.) Adoption Blog: Many of you follow our blog through google or email and share our blog to your facebook account and encourage your friends to do the same. We actually received an encouraging message from another adoptive family across the country in Florida and a phone call with a potential birthmother lead in Michigan all from one share of our blog on facebook.
3.) Sharing on your sites: Many of you have posted links to our website, facebook page, adoption blog and iheartadoption page on your personal facebook pages, websites, blogs and groups you belong to online.
4.) Word of Mouth: The match we had in July (although it ultimately didn't work out) came from a friend of a friend who had met us once at a Bible Study two years before. She remembered we wanted to adopt and called up our mutual friend to get our contact information. How awesome is that? Several other contacts have also come by one of you passing our letter along or calling us with a lead you heard about.
5.) Community contacts: We have letters at our local crisis pregnancy center, a doctor's office and a women's center in Redding all because you have been willing to pass them along.
There are probably many more examples that I am forgetting right now or that we may not even know about. We are indeed loved!!!! Thank you and please keep it up. We have included a list of all our websites, blogs, pages etc at the end of this blog. Please feel free to share, share, share. We also have letters and business cards available if you would be willing to pass them along to hospitals, doctors, colleges etc. Just let us know and we would be happy to mail some to you. We know that God has the results in His hands, but isn't it awesome that He allows us to be a part of His plan. We don't know when our match will come or where it will come from, but we do know that each day brings us closer to bringing our baby home.
Our Contact Info:
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/jimandamyhopingtoadopt
Adoption Blog: http://www.jimandamyhopingtoadopt.blogspot.com/
Personal Website: http://www.jimandamyadopt.com/
Email: revjet3@netzero.com
Toll-Free Adoption Phone Number: 1-877-257-6127
We have full color letters, business cards and brochures from our agency available to mail to you to pass along. We would like to adopt a newborn baby. Our agency can work with a birthmother from anywhere in the U.S.
I have to admire your positive attitude! My husband and I are just starting our adoption journey. We are starting to save the money needed to join IAC. It is nice to read about your story and see what is coming for us. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah and best wishes to you and your husband as you begin your adoption journey!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Amy. You are always upbeat in front of all of us, but I know inside your heart is breaking, waiting for your baby to arrive to your waiting arms. I never thought it would take so many years for this process to take place, and as we all waiting in anticipation we never forget the courage it takes for the birth mother to give her child to a loving couple. It is a truly a mother’s love for a mom to give her child up for adoption. It is so different now than it use to be. With open adoption the birth mom can still be involved with her child and the adopted parents.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is moves by your dedication to you posts, to your writing. You touch so many lives Amy in ways you may never know, but we know that it touches our life and ministers to all of us. It helps those that are just starting the journey and gives encouragement to those that like you are waiting for your baby,
We love you and I am not just saying this because I am your mom. I truly believe that the Lord has used your writing or posts to help others through this journey. And like you I long for you to have the baby that God has for you to be place in your arms this year. I want to be a grandma to your children too. God has a plan and purpose; I just wish HE would hurry it up a bit. Keep writing, keep sharing your heart, and one day soon you will be blogging about your new little one. I love you forever and always.