Unity!

Ken and I started reading an adoption book this past weekend. It is one we picked up while visiting Focus on the Family's campus in Colorado Springs last summer. I had it put away, but after we received another packet of information from Bethany last week which included a recommended reading list, we decided we should start doing some heavy reading into adoption and parenthood.

We have both read the first chapter and just started the second. It has already been helpful for several reasons. First, each chapter gives discussion questions and thoughts to honestly ponder. It gives us good dinner and after dinner conversation topics. This road we're on can seem scary, but going into this with God and trying to do all we can to be prepared helps. Second, as with every reading, the book emphasizes that the adopting couple has to be unified and fully ready to embrace the journey and adoption. One person in the couple can't run the show while the other party isn't ready. Both have to be fully into the process.

This reminds me of what Jesus said before his death on the cross. "Stay strong, be unified." He knew that there would be challenges on the road for the new church as surely as He knew we'd have challenges. He knew that by being united with other believes, encouraging each other, walking the road together, learning together, growing together that the journey would be easier.

I am so thankful that I have such a supportive husband in Ken, and that we have so many in our lives who are encouraging us and walking this journey with us.

Thoughts On Being Expectant Parents

This past week has brought lots of excitement and lots of time to think. There is a baby boom going on in Salem and at Morning Star Community Church. It has been a joy to journey through many of our friends' pregnancies and births this past year. Two couples we love dearly just had their first children last week. Congratulations again to Nolan and Jill Nelson on the birth of Jace, and to Josh and Erica Gordon on the birth of Elliana. The greatest joy is knowing that these children will be brought up in some wonderful families.

As I've anxiously waited to hear news of these births, I've thought about our situation. No, I'm not able to actually "give birth." This is a hard fact and one that God has been so gracious and gentle in helping me grasp. Yet, we will be going through many of the same emotions and stages as any expecting couple.

* When is the due date?

* What will the sex of our baby be?

* Will our baby be physically, mentally, and emotionally o.k.?

* Will we be good parents able to discipline, love, guide, correct, and raise them well?

* Will the baby be a good sleeper, eater, pooper, etc.?

One blessing about being older parents is that we have had the privilege to watch our brothers and sisters in law, along with some close friends, do a fantastic job raising their children. We are blessed to have some wonderful families in our lives.

I am being careful not to let my emotions or mind run too far or too fast. We know this will be a long journey. Yet, like every expectant parent, we want to use this time to wisely prepare ourselves individually and as a couple to be the best parents we can be.