So...what's the latest (you may or may not ask)?!

I realize that it has been over 3 months since our last post.  And, honestly, in regards to our adoption status, not much has changed.  We have continued to put our "yes on the table" to a variety of situations.  Then, we wait. 

Sometimes, we hear back that we are not the family chosen by a birth mom.  Sometimes, a few weeks passes and we simply assume that we are not chosen.  Then,  we wait.

Brian and I check our e-mails with such regularity that you would think we have become obsessed with our phones.  Some days, there are no new situations sent.  Others, we could get three or four.  We read them.  Pray about each one.  Then, we either hit "reply" or "delete."  Either way,  we wait.

The first time we went to Haiti, I listened to a podcast from Willowcreek Church.  The pastor spoke of Moses and his "waiting time" in the desert.  I was reminded of how moved I was hearing that sermon when I found myself reading in Exodus, today.  People, do you realize that Moses went into the desert to prepare his people KNOWING that he would never enter the promised land?  AND, Moses had a looooooooonnnnnnnggggggg wait.  Seriously.  We are talking all of Exodus, Leviticus AND Numbers long of a wait!

Friends, we all know that I DO NOT HAVE THE GIFT OF PATIENCE.  Phew!  Now that that's out there.  Anyone surprised?!  But, just like the faithful before me, I am called out of my comfort zone into the desert to wait for God's next instruction.  So, we wait.

A Moses kind of waiting....what would that look like in adoption?  Just like Moses, we remain in this place at this time.  God provided for the needs of His people, and God has provided faithfully for us.  We continued to be blessed with generous gifts from friends and relatives to help build up our adoption fund.  I was also blessed to get a job that was fairly family-friendly and fun.  We have been able to pay off a good portion of our debt and line ourselves into position to take another loan if our next adoption would require it.

During this time of waiting, we continue to grow, learn and share life together.  Although, I probably could draw some parallels between the Israelites and our family...I will spare you my preaching and just share some pictures:

We made kits to hand out to the homeless that we encounter this summer.
Love that our kids have a heart for those in need!

We share time enjoying each other.  Singing.  Laughing.  Playing.  Simply being present. 

Spring break took us to the shores of Alabama.
A bit chilly for some...and perfect wake board weather for others.

We enjoyed visits from family and friends throughout much of March and all of April.
It feels good to laugh & make new memories together!

Easter was spent at home with a sunrise service by the youth of our church.
Amazing worship experience!

Then, there was prom...

And, both of our girls' Confirmation Sunday...

An induction into high school Honor Society...

And, I don't even know?!  Sometimes, it is boring while you wait?

Life continues to move us forward.  We continue to pray for guidance, wisdom and peace.  And, of course, we wait.  And, in those moments when I feel that my patience is just about gone, I am reminded of a verse that I wrote down in my mom's group a few years ago (when we were in the waiting period for our first adoption):

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galations 6:9

Thank you for joining with us in prayer.  For your continual gifts of financial support and words of encouragement, we are so very, very blessed.  We are blessed to take this journey with so many friends and family who lift us up when we are weary and encourage us during this time in which we wait.