A New Adventure

Oh, where to start? So much has been going on in our lives and finally we are to a place where we are comfortable sharing.

Gabe and I signed a contract with an adoption agency today!  We had always known, even before we got married, that we would adopt, but thought we would adopt an older girl from the Philippines or Brazil when our own children were older (like jr. high age).  But life has a way of being all-around unexpected.  So here we are, making a decision to adopt an infant as our first child.

This blog is going to be a way for us to keep friends and family update.  And for others to get an inside glimpse as what adoption entails.  Growing up, I and didn't have the opportunity to see adoption stories up close.  So adoption is going to be a learning curve for me and my family.  Gabe, on the other hand, was adopted from the Philippines at 12 with his younger sister.  He has 7 siblings, 4 of which are adopted too.  And their family has several friends who have adopted, most internationally.

Making a commitment to adopt has been on our minds for several years.  Two years ago, we actually had a lengthy conference call with an agency, but we weren't ready just yet.  Fast forward 2 years, and the thought of adopting is still scary.  It is expensive and as a woman I worry about finances, even though my husband more than provides for us.  I fear not having the motherly instincts kick in and being overwhelmed and not knowing how to be a mother.   But we decided we needed to step out in faith.  And after signing the papers and writing a big check, I have such a beautiful peace about it all.  No second thoughts.  And I'm so excited to move forward.  Gabe and I have such a strong marriage and we are walking closer to God than we ever had before.  And so far, we are snag free.  I think there have been many opportunities where God could have slammed closed a door, but so far he hasn't.  So I feel we have his blessing and that is comforting.

We also decided to start the process now because Gabe's job is getting unpredictable.  He has orders to be stationed in Hawaii (Yes, I know it's some people's dream place to live.  But I was born in the Midwest and beaches and water don't appeal to me).  He chose this station because he wanted to deploy, and it was the only unit leaving.  He deploys in December and will be gone 6-8 months on a non-combat deployment.  This give us the opportunity to have increased income which will help offset the costs we will see.  I will stay in Missouri until he gets back, which gives us over a year to adopt without having to go through a 2nd homestudy.  Also, I have friends and an AMAZING church family that I want share this experience with.  While Hawaii maybe nice, who wants to live there alone?

So that's a quick run-down on us.  As you can see, we have alot on our plates from starting a family to a MAJOR move in a year.  But it is exciting and we treat it all as an adventure.  God has blessed us and we can feel his hand on our lives, keeping us together when major stresses from the marine corps could pull us apart.  But we covet your prayers as we step out into the unknown.