We are officially ACTIVE and are so incredibly excited!!! I cannot begin to put into words the emotional roller coaster we've been on the past few weeks - the best word I can think of is "overwhelmed" (in a good way). We got the call saying we are officially active on Friday, February 5th - Almost exactly 2 months after signing the contract with FAC - talk about a whirlwind! I am still in shock that everything has been moving along so quickly! The next step is to be matched with a birth mom. There is definitely some nervousness associated with this - wondering exactly how this process works, how long will it take, what state is our birth mom from, etc. However, the excitement far outweighs the nerves! They've told us that this part of the journey should only take 2-4 months :-)
The matching process so far has been quite exciting - In only one week, we've already been given the opportunity to have our profile book presented to three different birth moms! This has been more emotional that I was anticipating. My heart hurts for these women (and birth fathers) who are selflessly choosing adoption for their baby. When I read about their situations and struggles, I am humbled. We've spent each night this week (since we've been active) praying for each of these families and asking God to give them peace - to allow the adoptive family they choose to reflect Christ's love to them and share the message of the gospel with them. We've also praying for emotional and financial protection during this matching process. We are trusting that God has already chosen our baby and is leading our paths towards each other - how amazing is that! It's definitely stretching our faith, and sometimes that's been uncomfortable, but it has also been so good.
It took us all of about 12 hours to realize that waiting is one of the hardest parts of this journey. It's excruciating to wonder what's happening - wonder if you're going to be chosen - wonder what the birth family is thinking when they look at your book - wonder when you'll hear something. All I know to do is keep on doing what I know to do - lol. God is good, and He's got this. I believe that with all my heart. You can rest assured though, you'll hear me shouting all over Cartersville when we find out we're "matched"!!!
Please pray with and for us as we continue the matching process. Pray for these birth moms and dads we are being presented to, and pray for Jarred and me. Pray that we would have discernment and peace about the situations we present to. Pray that we would be prepared to boldly share Jesus and his big love with these families when we are matched.
The other part of this process is fundraising... Our big benefit concert is scheduled for February 20th - 1 week away! Our prayer is that God would use this concert to provide financially for us so that we won't have to take out a loan. We need to raise about $38,000. To me that number seems impossible, but I know God can move the mountain, and I'm trusting Him to do just that! Please pray us about this and spread the word about the benefit :-)
While we're waiting, this thought keeps resonating in our minds...
Sweet little one, I know you're out there - getting closer and closer to us. We love you already and are waiting for you!
The matching process so far has been quite exciting - In only one week, we've already been given the opportunity to have our profile book presented to three different birth moms! This has been more emotional that I was anticipating. My heart hurts for these women (and birth fathers) who are selflessly choosing adoption for their baby. When I read about their situations and struggles, I am humbled. We've spent each night this week (since we've been active) praying for each of these families and asking God to give them peace - to allow the adoptive family they choose to reflect Christ's love to them and share the message of the gospel with them. We've also praying for emotional and financial protection during this matching process. We are trusting that God has already chosen our baby and is leading our paths towards each other - how amazing is that! It's definitely stretching our faith, and sometimes that's been uncomfortable, but it has also been so good.
It took us all of about 12 hours to realize that waiting is one of the hardest parts of this journey. It's excruciating to wonder what's happening - wonder if you're going to be chosen - wonder what the birth family is thinking when they look at your book - wonder when you'll hear something. All I know to do is keep on doing what I know to do - lol. God is good, and He's got this. I believe that with all my heart. You can rest assured though, you'll hear me shouting all over Cartersville when we find out we're "matched"!!!
Please pray with and for us as we continue the matching process. Pray for these birth moms and dads we are being presented to, and pray for Jarred and me. Pray that we would have discernment and peace about the situations we present to. Pray that we would be prepared to boldly share Jesus and his big love with these families when we are matched.
The other part of this process is fundraising... Our big benefit concert is scheduled for February 20th - 1 week away! Our prayer is that God would use this concert to provide financially for us so that we won't have to take out a loan. We need to raise about $38,000. To me that number seems impossible, but I know God can move the mountain, and I'm trusting Him to do just that! Please pray us about this and spread the word about the benefit :-)
While we're waiting, this thought keeps resonating in our minds...
Sweet little one, I know you're out there - getting closer and closer to us. We love you already and are waiting for you!
