We're still here

For those of you who are wondering, we are still here!  It's been a little quiet, *sad sigh*.  We did hear that our adoption case worker had changed so that was a little frustrating, but it won't really effect us as we have already completed everything.  When she called to let us know of the changes, she did confirm that families ARE looking at our book.  Which, you think that would make you happy, but it really kind of makes you sad because now we KNOW that we are being looked at and considered, but then not chosen.  So it's a little bitter sweet you could say.  But, we know that God has the perfect child planned for us and he/she just haven't found us yet! 

I will say this, GOD IS GOOD and He does move and work in ways I don't think we will ever understand.  Last summer He led a woman into my office when we were feeling like God was being a little too quiet.  She works at the pregnancy center here in town and told me that whenever a mother chooses adoption they only go through Bethany.  Well, how about that, Bethany is who we are going through!  Ok, now back to my previous comment about God being a little too quiet, it has felt that way a little here lately.  Everyone announcing they're pregnant, going to baby showers, etc. intensifies that a little I guess.  Well, same woman last summer walks into my office yesterday.  At the exact time I need to talk to her I guess.  I told her how everything was going, where we were in the process, and I could tell she was trying to say something without saying something.  She gave me the name of an adoption attorney here in town (pretty sure I had asked about this and no one knew of one here locally) and told me to call him asap and ask about what is involved when a mother comes to his office for adoption.  So, needless to say, I called him as soon as I could.  It never hurts to have all your options open and let everyone know your intentions.  I have talked to OB's, Pediatricians, school counselors, and others about our plans, and everyone has been so sweet about it and has assured us they will call us if something comes up that we would be interested in.  So, you never know how God is going to show up.

Keep praying for us for patience (which I always hate praying for).  Pray that we continue to trust in the Lord and know that He does have great plans for us. 

Checking In

So far everything is the same, no new news to share.  We had a yard-sale type fundraiser a month or so ago and did really well.  We raised about $900 to put towards our fund!  We were super excited about that.  Several people came up and donated when they heard what we were doing it for, some people told us about their adoption journey, and one lady prayed over us right there on the spot.  I have to admit, seeing how other people have gone through the same situation as we are, and hearing what they have to say is kind of funny.  Everything they say we are feeling or have felt.  Every excitement, every frustration, everything.  And what's also funny is that everyone says the same thing, "God knows HIS timing and when it's right He'll let you know."  Come on God!  Is it time yet?! We are ready!

Please keep praying for us as we continue waiting for the perfect child God has planned for US!

A New Year

As 2012 begins, Andy and I look back on the past year in complete shock.  It flew by and it seems like we went a million miles a minute.  Neither one of us have ever really been big on actually keeping our New Year's resolutions until this past year.  We made several of them, you know the usual, read the Bible more, be better everything, lose weight, get in shape, begin the adoption process, etc.  Everything started great, we read the Bible together, began walking around the neighborhood together every night, and found a great agency to begin our adoption. As January 2011 came to an end, we began to fizzle out on our resolutions.  We fizzled out on everything (sad to admit) except for one.  WE FINISHED OUR ADOPTION PROCESS!!!

We are 110% official!  Kelli, our case worker, who by the way is a blessing, called me with the news last week. Our home study has been signed, sealed, and delivered to the State of Tennessee.  Our profile is now being shown to prospective parents and we are officially on the waiting list.  Reading this post as I type it out is incredible. I find myself almost crying tears of complete joy at the mere thought of being a mommy and Andy being a daddy any day now.  I actually just took a HUGE sigh of relief that the hardest part is behind us. Kelli says that this time, referred to as "the waiting game," will be the hardest part of the process.  Up to this point, Andy and I have set the pace.  We determined when the paperwork was turned in, we determined when to get things done, etc. Not really though.  God has been in total control the whole time and it's pretty crazy how I have recently come to realize that. HE placed some amazing friends in front of us when the time was right who led us to Bethany. HE pushed us to get our paperwork done. HE made 2011 fly by.  HE makes things happen in HIS time, not ours.  I have just figured that out. I know that waiting for a phone call can seem like an eternity, but God has a wonderful plan for me and Andy and He's taken care of us up to this point, so why should we worry about the next phase?

Looking forward to 2012, I hope that this will be the year of great change in the Stites household. I pray that this family of 2 becomes a family of 3.  I pray that the resolutions we have set for ourselves are actually kept. I pray that God prepares us physically, mentally, financially, and every other kind of -ly possible!  A lot of people ask me what are we going to do if we get a call tomorrow.  I'm not going to lie, that thought is absolutely terrifying! Going from Andy and I coming and going as we please and not worrying about anything has been kind of nice.  Knowing that we are responsible for the life of another human being is a tremendous responsibility.  He will not give us more than we can handle. 

Thank you so much for continuing to pray for us. Knowing that so many people are in this with us is very comforting.  One of my resolutions is keeping this blog updated so you will know where we are and what's going on, I PROMISE I will keep this resolution! We are very grateful for family and friends that love us and support us.  We love you all!