Waiting & Hoping

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth

right up to the present time.

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,

groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all.

Who hopes for what they already have?

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8:22-25

I feel like this verse perfectly sums up a lot of what we are feeling like right now. We are inwardly groaning as we wait to see what the Lord has in store for our family, but we are not hopeless! As we are waiting for God to finish writing our adoption story we have patience and HOPE that there will be a beautiful story in all of this. A story which will be so incredible, such a miracle, that there is no doubt that it was written directly by the hand of God. Oh, friends, I am so anxious to know how this story will end!

It has been about a year and a half since we decided to take the leap and pursue this journey that we knew we had been called to go on. What a long, crazy ride it has been so far and I have no idea when it will end! In the time it has taken us to travel this far we have seen so many of our friends start and finish their own adoptions (I can think of at least four off the top of my head!) and while we are so happy and encouraged by each of them, we struggle with frustration about our own story and why it is taking so long for us to know what our ending will be. Yes, that's not a pretty thing, and it certainly isn't very Godly, but it's the truth! However, this past week or two we have become even more convinced that we are on the right path. While we obviously haven't reached the end of this road (since we still have only our sweet Hunter and he is anxiously awaiting siblings!) we have seen some of the firstfruits of our labor and they are amazing. Some of the friendships and connections that we have made so far are worth all of the pain that we have been through already, and I know that there is so much more joy to come!

While we are hoping for what we do not yet have, we are being taught to wait patiently and be content with what we do have. Yes, our hearts are yearning for the child or children that will join our family, but if we dwell on that we would overlook the fact that we have a beautiful son who is so sweet and compassionate and loving. We have a wonderful marriage and this journey has only solidified our love for each other. The hope that we have is a hope that is not yet seen, but it is felt and it is only by the grace of God that we can still have hope that the end is coming and it will be glorious!!!

Please keep praying about the situation I had previously written about. The doors are still wide open there and we are looking for a miracle to turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh so that the child involved will be able to prosper. We love you all and we appreciate all of your support and prayers more than you will ever know!

Love,

B, E & H