Tuesday, January 27, 2009

While I'm Waiting and Adoption Announcement

The song While I’m Waiting by Jim Waller, was featured in the movie Fireproof, (which was a fantastic movie, by the way.) [It came out on video today. I suggest you buy a copy and watch it with your spouse. I think it’s safe to say that it will change your marriage and your life. It will be the best $20 you'll have spent in a long time.]
It’s so easy to take a song and fit it in to your situation, especially a Christian song. When I hear the song now, I can only think of myself. Selfish, I know. But in my defense, it is a self-centered song.

I'm waiting,
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

Well, God is working miracles again. For months now, I have been praying for Sammy's heart to change yet again so that we can adopt another child. (After Josi was to come home, we would still have had one more seat available in our family vehicle.) My heart has been in Ethiopia for a long time now. Really, ever since I was a little girl, I imagined travelling to Africa and bringing home a starving child. (I know now it’s not about me saving a child.) Since we lost Josi, my husband had agreed to one more son or daughter. He agreed that we should look here in the US. I was okay with that, but kept praying for his heart to soften for an Ethiopian child. Well it didn't take very long and not only did he say yes to Ethiopia, he said yes to TWO children.

So we have sent in our application to Children's House International and have begun the paperchase. We watched a DVD of waiting children and Sammy chose a little 7yo boy he would love to have as a son. (God is so good and so faithful. Thank you Jesus!!!) We are waiting on a little girl to become available so that we can bring home a daughter as well.

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

As we embark on this new adoption journey, I can’t help but wish I could just have my Josi back. When I think about all the work and preparation we have to do, I really just want to give up and quit. We literally have to start from scratch because our original homestudy is almost two-years old. (For Josi, we just had to do an update because last year everything in our homestudy was still current.) I hate having to think about telling everyone in our doctor’s office, and everyone else who doesn't know, what happened. I feel like a broken record sometimes, because it seems that everywhere we go, we run into someone who asks about Josi. And then when I tell them, they are so stunned and at such a loss for words, it becomes very awkward for the both of us. I can’t wait until everyone knows and then everyone will stop asking me when is our daughter coming home.

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully,
I will wait
Yes, I will wait

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I am so scared that this isn’t really going to happen. In the meantime, we will move ahead bold and confident, taking every step in obedience.

36 comments:

Amanda said...

I think this is amazing, truly a step of faith as you follow God's will for your life so UNSELFISHLY! I cannot wait to see him pour out his blessings and love on your lives!! also, a question... when does the wait end??!? even when the 'wait' is over... is it ever really?? it seems to stretch on and on for me at times... neverending, but then again, God's mercies are new every morning!! :)

Jocelyn said...

I am excited to follow your journey to Ethiopia. Kerri told me you were going with CHI. Let me know if you have any questions at all.
Jocelyn
jocbro@cox.net

Jenne said...

I am so excited for you and your family as you start the adoption journey again. I can't wait to follow your journey. I wish you all the best!

Jenne
Mom to Isaac

Jillienne said...

We are another CHI family. This is our 2nd adoption with them. We have really enjoyed working with them. Please don't worry, they will do everything they can to make sure that you can bring home your children. Let me know if you have any questions.

Also, I am so sorry for you loss, she was a beautiful little girl.

Jillienne
www.imminent-chaos.blogspot.com

Dawn said...

Oh Carla!! I am SO excited for you guys! Congratulations!
dawn:)

Tara said...

Your are in my prayers 110%! Much love and happiness to you momma :)

Faith, Family, Future said...

I LOVE THAT SONG~~~~~~~~~~So not surprised that you do too!!!!HEHEHE. You know I am on my face praying for you guys and your two precious children in Ethiopia.

All my love friend,
Tammy

Carrie said...

What wonderful news. My husband and I just began our adoption journey to Ethiopia and we had considered domestic before that but knew God was calling us somewhere else. I love checking in on your precious family and continue to pray for healing to your hearts with your loss of Josi.
Blessings

Mary Ann said...

Carla, I have been thinking about you for the last few days. Wondering how everything was going! I am still praying for you girl!I was able to share your story as a praise report last week at Bible study as an update on your family after the Horrible news of Josi. So I have alot of people praying for you!

Melanie said...

I'm so excited for you all!! What exciting news that not only one, but 2 more children to cheer home! Sure love you all and still praying for you to heal, be comforted, and be strong.
-Mel

Candy said...

Hey Carla I was thinking and praying for you just last night so reading this today is AWESOME NEWS...CONGRATS and I am so proud of you for taking that ever so hard step of moving forward.

I still think of Josi all the time...Oh wow we all really went thru it together last year with the Guatemalan Adoptions...

Can't wait to see picuters of your new children.

Unknown said...

I am so happy to hear that your family is going to share its love with more children - and so proud of you all for taking this step. Congratulations. Wishing you all the best. With love, Sheri

The Wretch The Song Refers To said...

That is so AWESOME!!

Before we adopted our first child, a friend warned me that adopting was highly addictive and naively I didn't believe her but now I know it's soooo true. Knowing how difficult and frustrating adoptions (esp international ones) can be should be enough to scare off any sane person from choosing to endure it again. But knowing the beauty, blessing, and joy of bringing that precious child into your family makes you have temporary amnesia and softens your heart to just "one more". I can totally relate to your whole "one more empty seat" sentiment!

I have been following your blog for a while now and praying for you... and this news just totally made my day!

The Wretch The Song Refers To said...

oh and I LOVE LOVE that song, in fact the entire CD is amazing :-)

Anonymous said...

You and your family remain in my prayers... It is a tough journey, getting through all the paperwork. Keep taking those steps out in faith. Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord." Is a verse that is very special to me. I found peace there during the adoption process. Blessings to you and your family

Julie said...

((Carla)) I am sure it so hard when others ask about Josi. I am still lifting up your family in prayer.

How exciting that you found a child on a waiting children's list. God is so good. I look forward to following your journey.

God Bless,
Julie

Alex and Sam said...

CARLA,
I am thrilled for you & your family. I hope you get wonderful news real soon. I continue to pray for josie, she's looking down on you & giving you strength.
I cant wait to hear about your new journey

alex

Judi and Elaina said...

Carla-How exciting for you and your family!!! Can't wait tohear updates and see pictures. HUGS!!

Anonymous said...

I found your blog through a friend's blog. I am heart-broken for your family about the loss of precious Josi. As an adoptive mom, I know how fiercely and deeply we love these little ones even if they aren't home with us. May God continue to bring comfort and healing to you... and His blessings as you pursue another adoption.
~Kristi

Mama Bear said...

What a huge step and such a blessing to two very special children in Africa. Though I have not lost a child, I can only imagine how difficult it is to continue on the path. Will keep you and your family in our prayers as you embark on an exciting journey to expand your family!
Blessings

Gail said...

I am very happy for your family and that God has given you a new plan. I love the words to the song. One I lisened to a lot while waiting for my daughter to come home was by Desperation Band - "Counting on God." It is awesome!!

Mamita J said...

Carla,

Congratulations on this new hope for your family. I am so glad that God has brought your heart together with your husband's to pursue these children. My prayer are with you.

Julie

Anonymous said...

Praying that you stand strong through this journey! May God bless you all!

Mendy said...

May God bless you all during your adoption journey for peace, strength and your precious child God has for you.

Angie's blog said...

God is so good! PTL that your dh is on board to adopt TWO!! Africa sounds like it will be a dream come true for you, and I hope that it turns out exactly how your dreamed about it over the years:) So glad to hear of the good news on your update:) Angie from a.com

lauren said...

Godspeed to you on this new journey!

lauren
www.laurensbaby.blogspot.com

Stacey and Dewey said...

Oh Carla I'm thrilled for you adopting two children from Ethiopa. There are so many beautiful amazing children there in need of a wonderful family just like yours.
Don't let the paper chase get you down, It gets easier each time. (not less work, your just more in the "know" :) Your being led in the right direction. I feel blessed to be able to know you and follow along with your journey.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful song, I'll have to buy that movie too.
Keep us posted, big hugs!
Stacey

Aileen said...

Carla,
I'm so excited to hear that you have opened your heart to children from Ethiopia and I'm praying that your process will be quick and painless. Your family is still in our thoughts and prayers.

Aileen said...

Carla,
I'm so excited to hear that you have opened your heart to children from Ethiopia and I'm praying that your process will be quick and painless. Your family is still in our thoughts and prayers.

Kim & Dave said...

I will be following your journey! I have been amazed at the strength you have shown in the trial the Lord allowed in our life.

Thank-you for sharing your lives & for being such a testimony to the Lord!

I will be praying for protection for your heart.....& for God's protection of your two precious children in Ethiopia!

Oh, & on a side note-I didn't know you were a homeschooling family, too! I am currently homeschoolingour oldest, while our two "littles" tag along! :-)

Daphne said...

Wow! God has revealed your new son to you... I pray that soon another daughter is revealed too. God Bless!

junglemama said...

So... how is the adoption going?

Anonymous said...

I hope that you are finding peace. Please let us know how you are and what we can do for you.

Amy said...

So happy for you and these TWO precious new children God has planned for your family! :0) Amy

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I hope all is going well with the new adoptions. I still think of you and pray for you often.

Love and Hugs,
TJ

Kristine said...

Hi Haley, Thank you for your comment on my blog. I am so sorry for you loss. I know your pain. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I am glad you got to meet your sweet Josi and hug her. I will meet our Zoe in heaven. Looking forward to seeing your Ethiopian daugher come home. God bless your journey.