Happy Thanksgiving

Well it's just a couple of days before Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? For many of us who are struggling through the waiting period of an adoption this could be a difficult and sensitive question to answer. We have so many highs and lows throughout this process and it can seem so much more difficult during the holiday season. I am thankful for my health, my husband who loves me so much (even when I'm going through my difficult days), my daughter (who amazes me every day) and my friends and family who support us, pray for us and are always there to lend a hug, smile, whatever it is I need, without me having to ask for it.

My daughter summed up Thanksgiving for both my husband and I the other day. We have always been very open about our daughter's adoption process and have done our best to answer all her questions. When my husband asked her the other day what she was thankful for she didn't miss a beat. Her answer was simple. Her birthmother. My husband asked her why and her answer was "she couldn't take care of me so she put me into an orphanage so my mommy and daddy could adopt me." WOW!

Although the waiting can be extremely difficult and we'll continue to have our up days and our down days, I'm reminded that I shouldn't just look at what I have now (my husband, daughter, friends and family) but I should look at how I received my blessings. So in this "National Adoption Month" and with Thanksgiving just a few days away, I want to also say thank you to my daughter's birthmom. Although I will most likely never see or meet her and I have no clue who she is, she has given me the gift of a lifetime. She has given me the most precious child. I can't imagine my life without her. I'm looking forward to being able to thank God for Katelin's birthmom as well. Thank you Lord for all your blessings.

May God bless you. And may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Kristi

The Wait Can Sometimes Hurt

We're still here and yes we're still waiting. We've survived about half the wait time now. Some days are easier than others. I try sometimes to keep my emotions in check because I don't want others thinking that I can't handle it or, worse yet, I don't want my 6 year old to get upset. It's hard though. Today is a difficult day. I woke up this morning to the radio station playing Christmas music. I had to start thinking about Christmas and the fact that we most likely won't have Katelin til after the holidays. It got me teary. My 6 year old and I were talking about Christmas time this morning as well (thanks radio station). She asked me if she could put Katelin's stocking up. Apparently she had asked her daddy to put an extra nail in the mantel this year for her sister's stocking. What could I say. I told her yes she could put it up. I am so thrilled that she's excited about her sister coming. And yet, I know it will be hard for us to have it there knowing that Katelin is still in Vietnam.

I understand the reasoning behind the timeframe and the review and such. But there is a part of me wondering how the people going through these documents can not feel the pain the parents in waiting are feeling. Maybe I'm assuming that they have no feelings? Maybe no one has every adopted in that office before? Alright the truth is, maybe I'm just feeling so sorry for myself that I just want to lash out?

I try to do the best I can to keep trusting in the Lord for my strength. He's gotten me through this far. Katelin turns 5 months on Saturday. I pray she is staying healthy and happy. I pray the Lord will somehow share with her (in His way) just how much we love her and can't wait for her to be a permanent part of our family.

Until that day I will just continue to pray. I got the opportunity to sing a song for the second time in church last Sunday. It's called "I Will Trust In Thee." Pretty fitting for our situation. The words are incredible. The first verse goes something like this: "When my path is dark before me, I will trust in Thee. When Thy face is hidden from me, I will trust in Thee. Though my burdens weigh upon my heart and hope seems from me, I will lift my hand, to thine my God, I will trust in Thee." Lord you found me and you definitely surround me. Thank you for your blessing and for allowing me to be human and share my feelings. I will trust in Thee. Amen

If anyone who has adopted or who is adopting or for any of our family and friends who are reading this blog has anything to share regarding their experiences or feelings please do so. We love all comments. I will share with you again after Thanksgiving. Until then, have a Happy Thanksgiving and remember to thank God for all things. Kristi

Flooding in Vietnam

No I'm not sharing news about Katelin. I'm asking that you pray for Vietnam. North and Central Vietnam has been hit but terrible rains which have left them flooded and many deaths have occurred. Certain diseases are starting to break out and to be honest, I'm concerned. My heart breaks for those who are dealing with the floods and I pray that things get better quickly for them. From a personal standpoint, I'm concerned about our travel. What will Vietnam be like when we are told we can travel? Will our travel be postponed due to these terrible floods? Will the entire adoption be stopped because of them? I'm praying and trusting in God. He has our family's best interests at hand and I always want Him to be the captain of our ship. Please pray for Vietnam. Thanks. Kristi