Have you ever taken the time to look back at all that has happened and realized how things fit together to get you where you are today? We make so many of our own plans but the Lord's plans for us will always triumph over our own. Steve and I have especially been seeing this lately.
Although it was heart-wrenching that I've never gotten pregnant, in a way I'm thankful because if we had a child biologically, who knows if we ever would have pursued adoption. This experience has been incredible. I really can't describe in words how much I'm in awe when I think about what God is doing for us. To think that he cares so deeply about us that he made all these things happen in our lives and the expectant mother's (EM) life so that we could be connected with each other is just amazing.
I really feel like we're supposed to share this as a testimony. Again, I can't share every detail because we want to respect the EM's privacy. So please don't ask what her name is, what her "story" is, etc. What I do want to share with you is how much of a blessing she has been to us. She is a Christian and therefore wants a Christian couple to raise her child. It amazes me how selfless she is. She is not doing this for herself; she truly wants the best for her baby and is confident that me and Steve are supposed to raise him. I say it that way because she has told us that she prayed and sought God's guidance in all of this and really feels like God wants us to raise her child. She wants to bless a couple and help make their family complete. After talking with her about what we've all been experiencing, it's clear that God has given us both signs and reminders that we're on the right path. It's enough to give me goosebumps! Just look at the miracle that can happen when you're letting the Holy Spirit guide your decisions!
The EM has been so gracious to us. I can't even imagine what it's like to decide to place your baby for adoption. But here she is, letting God work through her, and even taking our feelings and situation into consideration. Knowing we haven't gone through pregnancy on our own, she wants us to be involved and get to experience things with her. She invited us to her 20 week ultrasound that was last week. It was amazing seeing the baby move, seeing his spine, hands, feet and adorable profile. I think what got me the most was at the end when the ultrasound tech had a profile image up of the baby and we saw him yawn! I had tears coming out and was trying so hard not to start sobbing. She let us keep all of the ultrasound photos. She even wants the doctors to put the baby on my chest as soon as he is born so we can start instantly bonding.
After the ultrasound appointment we went to dinner and even stayed talking for quite a while after we were done eating. We feel like we really click with her. She is so easy to talk to, so honest and open. I wish I could express to her how much it means to us all she is doing. I certainly will try, but words will never be enough. She is such a remarkable woman and I have so much respect for her; and not just because she wants us to raise her son, but because of the person she is. Because of how she trusts the Lord to guide her.
We'll be going to the next ultrasound appointment on June 1st. I'm really looking forward to seeing the baby and EM again so we can continue to grow our relationship.
Please continue to pray for us in this journey. Be sure to include the EM in your prayers as well. We are so grateful for your prayers, love and support! And I challenge you this week to actively notice what God is doing in your life. You will be amazed if you just take time to soak it in!
