Adoption Is...

Adoption is...

Exciting

Work

Waiting

Painful

Grieving

Thankfulness

Hopeful

Sacrificial

Giving

Refining

Humbling

Patience

Trusting 

Anticipation

Dreaming

Receiving

BEAUTIFUL!

It amazes me how God has created us with such complex minds and souls that we can feel so many emotions all at one time. This list is sort of chronological, but also cyclical of what I've felt and know I'll feel throughout this process. When we say "we're adopting", so many people respond something to the effect of "wow! That is such a good thing of you to do" (it's particularly uncommon in India). But the truth is, adoption is about Receiving, more than giving. The birth family is giving us their child. God has given us and is giving us the financial means to adopt. Our agency and their staff in Congo are giving so much of their lives to serve orphans. God is giving us the awesome responsibility to parent another one of His precious children. We are being given a huge opportunity for refining our character, not only in the waiting, but in the future parenting of our child. We are Receivers more than Givers. But isn't that how it always is with the Lord? We can never give enough of ourselves to out-do Him. He is always the best GIVER. The perfect Father who lavishes us with all we need. It's humbling, as reflection on His love always is. All we can do is be faithful, hopeful, trusting, and grateful to the One who has adopted us.