Training!

I love to run. The freedom, energy, and time of worship that running brings is an amazing gift. I also love to run in races. I'm pretty competitive and love to push myself further. Training is part of preparing for the race. I try to push myself, set goals, and do what I can to be ready for the race. Yet, no amount of training can fully prepare you for race day. The crowd, weather, route, and a number of major and minor obstacles can either help you reach further than you thought possible or hold you back.

We just took another class today to help us in our "training" to become parents. This one was an "Adoptive Family Baby Care Class." We were in a small class (only two other couples) learning more about infants and basic infant care. It was fun and informative and watching Ken hold, wash, and feed the "baby" brought a big smile to my face. We talked about new baby safety (things sure change) and when to call the doctor. We also talked about the uniqueness of adoption and the emotions of bringing our new baby home. Taking yet another class should give us more confidence when the big "day" arrives.

Yet, no amount of training (CPR, first aid, infant care classes, meeting with our family physician) can prepare us for the moment we actually are at the hospital and preparing to put the baby in the car seat and bringing him or her home. The questions, fears, and excitement will be there, just like for every new parent.

We are just so thankful that we have a God who has given us all we need to become the parents of the child He has picked for us. Just as in a race I can only see a little bit of the route ahead, God has seen the whole route. Ken and I are in a stage where we are only seeing one minute, one day at a time, we serve a God who has the path we're one planned out and we can trust Him.

Where we are right now: We are on the waiting list. Our profile books are in different offices in Oregon and Washington waiting to be looked at. Some may be mailed to a situation in a different state. We have no idea where our child will be born. If a birth mom is interested in us, we may be contacted to meet her. If the meeting goes well, she may pick us to parent her child. This is the most likely course. There is a chance we'll get a call that a mom is due very shortly or in labor and we may be asked if we'd be interested in the child. Bethany would feel this child and situation would be a great fit for us. Either way, we are getting prepared.

Our nursery is taking shape. Pictures will come when it's closer to being done. We now have a crib, pack and play, Moses basket, and booster seat thanks for my brother, Eric, and his darling wife, Ginger as well as our dear friends, Doug and Amanda. I've bought some neutral infant clothes (onesies and sleepers) and some necessities to take care of the baby (bottles, diapers, wipes).We've chosen the stroller, car seat, etc.

We are trying to be wise though and not move too fast. It is such a hard balance. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Blessings and a Happy 2011!