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A New Chapter of Our Life Books

I once read a book where a lady explained to a child that everyone has a "Life Book". She explained that when you have something big and new happen (like get married, move away, have a baby) that you start a new chapter of your Life Book. I love the thought of having a Life Book, I have often thought to myself "How is this going to fit into my life right now? Well, I guess I'll just have to start a new chapter where it does fit."

We started a new chapter of our Life Books a few months back when we had come to a crossroad in our adoption process. Ahead of us was a dead end, that after months we couldn't find any way around, but this other road held promise. I could blame it on people, an agency, or circumstances, but I truly believe that God had us on the path that we needed to travel to get us ready for where we are now. Frustrated, out of money, and with nothing else to do but just quit, Ben and I took a chance and decided to "try out" this DHR adoption class that was about to start. We went....and we both felt an almost instant sense of relief. We felt like we had finally gained some ground and could see an end to this dream. After a few classes we knew we were where God wanted us. At first we were very disappointed because we felt like we had lost children from our Bulgarian adoption (the only thing I have to compare it to is miscarriage). In two years not one piece of paper with our name on it had traveled to Bulgaria, but in our hearts it was so real.

Our new chapter has been a completely new experience for us, it has been (comparatively) fast paced, full of training, excitement and fun! We have learned that a lot of the things that we believed to be true of domestic adoption, were just myths. Probably the most important truth that we learned, was that a domestic adoption can be just as legally sound as a international one.

So where are we now? We are "officially waiting". Ahhh....that feels good to say after so long. Yes, after more than two years, lots of tears, prayer, worry, frustration and paperwork, we are waiting for the day that a social worker calls and says "We think we have a match." and yet another chapter of our Life Books will begin! We are so excited to see what (or who!) God has for us!

Saying that felt awesome. In the coming months we would greatly appreciate your prayers and support as we finish this journey! Thank you friends...xo, Sam

PS. If you are thinking of adopting or are stuck as we were and would like to know the minute details of our process, I would be happy to share them with you. Just give me a call at (205)433-9040.

Comments

mandi said…
Wow! I know that was a hard decision to make, but sounds like you guys are (and have been) on the right path! We too are currently in the stages of waiting on our domestic adoption. Ours is moving a bit slow. But we are trusting in God's timing.

hugs to you and your sweet family on your new chapter!
Anonymous said…
Yay! So glad it's starting to work!
I wish you all the good luck in the world on the process of adopting, their is obviously children out there that will choose you to be their parents all in good time, God will bring them to you when the time is right...your family seems to have the hearts that grow with more love and you have lots of love to give...I hope your family grows real quick!!! Suzanne, Australia...
Anonymous said…
I am so excited for you and your family:) God's path usually has some winding areas and turns, and it looks like he just took you to a big turn:) Just hang on and he will take you all the way!! Thank you for your willingness to take in some children that need you so much.

Suzanne
Jan said…
Samantha, Last time I wrote, we had given up on adoption unless God directly intervened (or as I put it "unless a child knocks on the door and says 'will you take me?") 10 mos. ago, He sent us our girl through a convoluted private situation only God could orchestrate and without us lifting a finger. A true miracle. I'll be praying for you.
Robbie Jones said…
excited for you! ...praying!
Anonymous said…
YAY! I recently found your blog through another sewing/smocking blog. It was a post about Stepping Heavenward (a favorite) that drew me in. I love your heart.
Our adoption roads have had many twists and turns. I don't know if God has any more little ones for us but we are here! We thought we would be adopting from Ethiopia but God had a beautiful baby boy the next state over and he is such a joy. We see so much more clearly the adopting, eternal love of our Father through the life of this precious boy.
It's an exciting journey and His mercies are ever new.
C. Riley

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