Awakened

Adoption!

April27, 2013

I woke up in the middle of the night (popping up) and the thought that was in my mind was.... We can adopt a girl! Of course I could not sleep!

April 28, 2013

I was in the shower thinking about THE thought and begun to pray. I was overcome with piece and excitement. I prayed in the spirit and what I heard was "the child will have His genes" it was in the back of my mind that I would have a child with someone else's genes but of course as my dad has preached for years, we all have the genes of Christ!

Well, 

I went to church, Noah's baptism and race  meeting.

I couldn't figure out how and when to tell Dave!

So....

May 4, 2013

Dave and I went to Chanda Pierce show with, Lacy, Trent, Laura and Cory. Well, again I felt like I was being led by the spirit because.... At this show a singer shared his story and his testimony. In it he talked about his two adopted daughters from China. (I at this point had been ignoring the thought.) When I heard him telling this story I was yet again overcome and just wanted to break down and cry. Of course Dave didn't know and I just wanted to pull on his shirt and tell him at that point. 

The next night is when I finally told Dave. We were eating dinner and I prefaced with, I feel like God is telling me something and I just don't know what to think. I then told him the story. His reaction was not at all what I expected. He of course was quiet for a second then said, I have no problem with adopting and if that is what we are supposed to do we will be shown the way.

Our next step was trying to figure out what to do. I had the thought to call my old boss, Becky, because she is a licensed adoption agent. I called her and she said she would be willing to answer any questions about adoption. She was going out of town but when she got back we would sit down and talk. 

So in the meantime we wanted some spiritual guidance and of course prayer. So.... We wanted to talk to our parents but we didn't want to until we have made the "decision". Because at this point we were just looking at the options. So we turned to our preacher and his wife, Bill and Cindy  Rineheart.  They came over for dinner on May 10, 2013. They gave us lots of advice and things to consider and think about. We also prayed. It was a very good experience. 

The next step was to talk to Becky. Well, I talked to her..... She was very stand offish. So...I felt like that door closed. Bill and Cindy told us that doors would be opened and shut and I believe this door was shut! 

So, I was kind of disappointed and didn't know where to go. 

Then...then...then....

Ahead Start had a play group in Greenville at George The Train. I saw Stacy who has very recently adopted 3 children. I briefly spoke to her and asked what adoption agency she went through. She asked me if we were going to adopt and I said we were discussing it. She said to call her anytime and she would be glad to talk to me. 

On June 2nd we went to Stacy and Erik's house for dinner. She was also having some friends over that had adopted a baby from China and had biological children as well. We got to their home after driving through a torrential downpour and having a tornado warning in Anderson. Upon arrival, we walked in and there sat two friends of Dave's; Chris and Laura Brarreno. We were very surprised and of course excited, God just keeps putting things together. During dinner we got to ask lots of questions and we were all very honest. It was great! 

On our way home we pretty much decided that we were "in" and more than ever feel like we are being led to do this. 

Telling our parents,

May 28, 2013

I told my mom and dad. They also were very supportive and felt like we were doing what The spirit has led us to do. And, my dad told me something that gave me chills. He said that he had a dream, in his dream he was talking to someone (who he figured was one of his children) was "picking" out a child, and he said, what did you get, he pulled back the blanket and it was a little girl. WOW! Is all I have to say.

June 7, 2013

We told Dave's parents, his aunt Kathy and uncle Nelson and everyone was very excited and supportive. So now all we have to do is tell siblings and meet with the lawyer and start the process....

June 10, 2013

I am awake when I should be sleeping (shouldnt have drank coffe at 8:00pm)! I pray and seek God to guide our step and show us the way. When I prayed the verse that came to my mind was, Mathew 6:33, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you. 6:34, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself! 

We emailed our siblings this wonderful story of faith and obedience.  We have received only loving and kind words. This has been such a blessing. I thank God for these wonderful people/family in my life that are so supportive and only speak with the grace of Love. One thing that is on my mind is I am a little hesitant about moving forward with the lawyer in GA. I have had reservations about calling but I thought it was just because I was scared. My sister in law Megan emailed me tonight and shared that a friend of hers parents own an adoption agency and have adopted 6 out of 8 children and they are believers. I was excited when she sent me that because I feel like we might have a personal relationship with these people and would have lots of understanding. Again it's late and I'm up thinking about this and have to wait until tomorrow to talk to Dave! This is a fun experience and keeping me busy, but most of all I feel like Dave and I have the best communication about this and are seeking God and our faith is getting stronger everyday! PTL!