Thursday, May 17, 2012

20 Months and PRAYING!

Today, May 17, 2012, marks exactly 20 MONTHS of being on the AGCI waitlist for Caroline Faith!

Last month, we were holding steady at #12, and now a month later, we know that we are at least #11.  I am very thankful to be another month and another number closer to our baby girl!

Interestingly enough, on the email updates we receive bi-weekly from our agency, they are saying the current estimated time for referral of a baby girl is 20 months.  However, I am thinking that this time frame will probably be extended.  But, Lord willing, we ARE getting closer, and I am thankful.

My sweet friend, Mysti, who has been a constant source of encouragement for me over the years and especially in our adoption journey posted this quote on FB this morning.  (She later told me that she thought about me when she posted it, and had hoped that I would see it.)

Well, indeed, the Lord led me to it this morning, and I read it in tears.  It is a quote from Beth Moore, one of my favorite Bible study teachers...

"God created time and never wastes it.  We alone waste it when our impatience to receive what we want hinders our preparation to know what to do with it." 

I know that every single second of the past 20 months was ordained in God's plan and God's timeline for our family.  Unfortunately, I have wasted some of the time as I have struggled with impatience, fears, doubt, and discouragement.  I am really trying to NOT waste any of the rest of our time waiting for our daughter.

During this waiting time, He is preparing us for our future with our daughter.  He is using this time to mold and shape us into who we need to be in order to parent her.  He is using this time in order to grow and prepare our other children for their baby sister.  God knows FAR BETTER than we do when the best time is for Caroline Faith to join our family.   Looking at this perspective in the wait changes everything for me.

I am so thankful to serve our almighty God, the creator of all things...including time.  And He never wastes one second of it.

To our sweet baby sister,

We are so very thankful to be another month closer to you, sweet girl.  It has been fun to actually do some things to prepare for your arrival this past month...like paint your baby crib PINK!  I sure hope you like pink! :)

I am also about to start writing in your baby book, and I hope it is something you will treasure over the years.  Your story will look a little different than your brother and sisters, but that just makes it special because it's YOURS!  It is the special story that God is writing for your life.

God loves you so much, and we do too!  We can't wait to have you join our family, but we are waiting on God to prepare us and get us ready for you.  We know that in His perfect timing, He will set you in our family.  We are waiting on Him, and putting all our hope in Him.

Hold on, baby girl.  We love you and we're coming soon.

"May He give you the desire of your heart...May the Lord grant all your requests."  Psalm 20:4,5

7 comments:

Meredith said...

My friend at Sarah posted that exact same quote from Beth Moore this morning!!

Such a good reminder in staying present with the ones we've got.

Praying for you, lady!

Sonya said...

20 months was our magic number...and we've had our sweet Sophie Joy for 6 weeks now....I continue to pray for you to hold your sweet one!

woosterweester said...

Oh Alison! I have been praying every morning that this truly would be "Miracle May". Wore my Caroline Faith bracelet on Sunday again to remind me to pray that these children come home quickly. You have waited WELL and even on the tough days you continually point back to HIM. Thanks for being a great example of what 20 months waiting looks like. Hugs to you today!

Lauren said...

praying for you continually Alison! I know I say it a lot - but you truly are a beautiful example. Your faith is a witness to all of us watching!! Love you friend!

Beth said...

Beautifully written. Praying for your sweet family!!

Abby Blackburn said...

Praying for you, your family and Caroline Faith! Thanks for sharing your heart!!

Kelly said...

Our sweet LIndsey's referral came in at 23 months. I do remember the last few months as the hardest. Hang in there, sister. Continue to cling to the Lord and His promises. You'll be seeing that sweet girl's face soon!