WOW, things have really picked up speed!!! Since we matched last month, we talked to our birth mom on the phone, received a $5000 grant, had a barbecue fundraiser, found out our birth mom is in early labor, picked a name, celebrated Mother's Day, and started packing! Coming up - The Big 3-0 and a Baby Shower - WHEW! To say I'm excited would be a HUGE understatement - I am sooooooooo excited - for all of it! I still can't believe it's actually happening.
The first thing that happened after we matched was a conversation with our birth mom. I was absolutely terrified, and honestly, it was as bad as I thought it'd be - lol. There was a lot of awkward silence and all of us were noticeably nervous, but there was also some decent conversation as well. She seemed very humble and nice. We asked her about her interest and told answered questions she had about us. Probably the most humbling thing she said was "I just want a life for this baby that I can't give her". I can't imagine or understand what she's feeling, but I am in awe of her courage and strength.
God has also been doing some miracle working since we matched! One month ago, we were short about $18,000 - Today we are short just over $5,000!!! There is absolutely no explanation but God! HE is moving this financial mountain, and we give HIM all the praise! We received a $5,000 matching grant, so the next $5,000 we raised doubled to $10,000. God is so good - He is so faithful. I just can't even tell you how overwhelmed I am by His love and provision for us. We had a barbecue fundraiser, are selling raffle tickets for a hand made farm table made by a friend of ours, and re-launched our adoption t-shirt fundraiser. I have no doubt He will provide the remaining funds needed for us to bring our sweet girl home!
Probably the most exciting thing that's happened is finding out our baby girl is coming EARLY!!! Our birth mom is in early labor, and we're expecting a call saying it's time to go to Kansas within the next 1-2 weeks!!! Today she hit the 35 week mark, so we are just praying for a healthy girl and safe delivery. Our birth mom is already dilated to 2cm and 80% effaced, so it could be anytime :-)
We also picked a name... SELAH FAITH! Selah means "pause and praise God", and we can't wait to meet her and hold her in our arms.
As we go into this part of our adoption journey, there are lots of exciting things on the horizon. Tomorrow I turn 30 years old, and I've been dreading it for the last half of my 20s haha! There's nothing I'd rather be doing this year for my birthday than preparing for Selah's arrival, and that's exactly what we'll be doing. Friday is our baby shower, and I CANNOT WAIT!!! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be celebrating our upcoming adoption the day after my 30th birthday :-) I'm telling ya'll - God is soooooooo Good - I'm absolutely overwhelmed. Oh, how He loves us!!!
My next post will most likely include BABY PICTURES - Holy Jeepers!!! Nesting is DEFINITELY underway at the Summey home! Please continue to pray for Selah and her birth mom - also that God will continue to provide the remaining $5,000. I can't wait to meet our baby and introduce her to our family, friends, and church!!!
