One year anniversary

     It is the one year anniversary of being on this exciting journey of adoption.  I remember celebrating my 40th birthday while telling family that we were expanding our family.  Something I never thought that would mark such a milestone birthday.  Well, the excitement has not ended.  Now at 41, I want to share the milestone of paperwork completed. :)  It seems so simple, yet so significant in this earthly world.  And like so many things in life, the more you share it, the more you hear yourself saying it, the more real it becomes.  Even with all the paperwork, it doesn't seem real.  This mess of papers laid out all over the dining room table can't come close to representing something beautiful that is about to happen.
     As I mentioned this past year has been full of paperwork.  I am excited to think I have already written my autobiography for my grandchildren to pass down.  I have reflected, analyzed, and recorded more about myself than I ever anticipated.  As I occassionally grumbled, God often reminded me that my writings were my testimony. (2 Timothy 1:8-9)  It was an opportunity to reflect on how God has refined me, delivered me, and equipped me for this new journey.  Scott and I were also asked to write an assignment regarding our own race and nationality.  I have never cared much about what others think till I realized how much of an indirect and direct impact it has on me and how I view and love others.  The educational portion of the home study was also eye-opening as I felt I was given a "manual" on how to care for adopted children.  Honestly, I was only given one manual when my biological children were born, and I think I will use the same one for our adopted child.  The Bible- true, never changing, full of broken people needing a Savior, and it applies to all generations.
     At last I say, our home study is complete.  Our educational component is complete. Our application for Immigration has been filed.  Our dossier (and collection of documents submitted for permission to adopt) is being reviewed, authenticated, translated, and will hopefully arrive in Haiti by January.  It is time to breathe and give God the praise for an amazing year.
     Next year will be God refining and teaching me patience.  As we wait...waiting for governments, waiting for paperwork, waiting for phone calls, and waiting for answers.  But while we wait, we will keep on living!  Trusting in His purpose, His plans, His perfect timing, and all for His glory.