The Journey Officially Begins

Today we completed our preliminary application for the adoption process.   We have had an amazing week processing through stuff with God.  We've felt him almost silent since the fall and have been waiting for the "go", processing through fears, questions, etc.  Last week, my friend Emily posted to my surprise that they had just started the process to adopt their fourth child.  We had already decided on our country, Haiti, but have had some difficulty with what agency to work withfor the process.  Having three biological children is more than some agencies want to deal with, as it requires permission from the Haitian president.  Emily and her husband have adopted their first three domestically so imagine my utter surprise to read they are adopting a 4th internationally...through Haiti.  I was able to dialogue with her over email and explore the agency she is using.  It was like a door flung wide open and God said, "now, go...this is it!"  Tonight, we are filled with unspeakable excitement.

Our journey to parenthood with each of our first three children started with a + on a stick; this journey is starting with an application placed in an envelope.  The anticipation and excitement are the same.  Who is the little one God is preparing for our family?  What will he/she/they look like?  What will their gifts and talents be?  We know this journey is going to be a few bits longer than 9 months, but our hearts have already started to beat in deep, loving anticipation for the next member of our crazy clan.