Our Growing Family

If you've been reading this blog from the beginning, then like it or not, you've been along for the bumpy ride that has been my pregnancies.

First, you read about my health crisis following the birth of my son, Jack; then you waited and prayed with me through secondary infertility; you rejoiced with me when I got pregnant, prayed for the safe pregnancy and delivery of my second child, Tori, and shared in my joy when she was born. And then you waited, and even kindly inquired, as my sisters got pregnant and had babies (my adorable niece and nephew!).

Little did my husband and I know, that in the midst of all that waiting, God was working. He was creating new life, and He was preparing our home to receive that life.

Today, I'm thrilled to announce that we are expecting. Two.

No, I'm not pregnant with twins. In God's gracious and surprising providence, my husband and I are hoping to adopt two children from Ethiopia.

We haven't met our new children yet, but, God-willing, we would like to adopt a boy and girl around Jack and Tori's ages. They may be biological siblings or become siblings upon joining our family. We don't know. And we don't know how long the adoption process will take--it could be a couple of months, or as long as a year. In fact, there is a lot we don't know yet!

But we do know that God has led us. We do know that He is faithful. And we are very excited to one day meet the children God has ordained to be a part of our family.

Right now, we're slogging our way through a "paper pregnancy" (which, let me tell you, is vastly preferable to three months with one's head hanging in a toilet!). We've completed our home study and hope to be able to send our request to Ethiopia in a few weeks.

We've already been immensely blessed by the support and encouragement of both of our families, dear friends, and our local church--a community with a rich legacy of adoption.

And all of you--you who have been so very kind to me and my family through the last six years--can I ask you to pray for us once more? I know you will, and my heart is full of gratefulness.

I can't wait, some day soon, to introduce you to my new children.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9