Holding Pattern

Planes circling the runway, burning fuel, waiting for the chance to land, nervous passengers becoming more anxious by the moment...a holding pattern.  That's where I'm at.  I'm in a holding pattern with my adoption process.  Things are moving forward but only because days are passing...not because there's anything I can do right now.  I guess that's not totally true - I've been completing paperwork, installing wood laminate floor, enjoying Thanksgiving with my family and praying (lots!).  My home study class is coming up on Friday, my home study will happen before Christmas and then the true waiting begins.

The home study paperwork takes the agency around 6 weeks to complete and finalize.  After that, I'll "activate" with the agency and begin my lesson in learning the true meaning of patience.  I hope I'll be a momma sometime in 2012 but it could be longer.  I believe and trust that God will send my baby in His perfect timing, but I know there will be days that I forget to practice patience.  My desire through this process has been to experience it...not wish myself towards the next step.

God has been teaching me so much about His love for His adopted children (all of us!) and the power of simple prayers.  He has woken me up from a sound sleep with a message for a hurting friend (for those who don't know, this is a God-sized challenge...my friends have voted me most likely to wake up in a tree after a tornado), He has urged me to pray and pray and pray for dear friends who experienced a miscarriage, and He has been teaching me about sacrifice and selflessness.

One of the ways God has been teaching me about selflessness is through one of the ladies in my small group...Michele wrote (and illustrated) a great children's book and has offered a generous monetary gift (based on her book sales) to help with my adoption expenses.  If you are interested in info on purchasing a copy, please let me know!  The books are only $14.99 and will make a wonderful Christmas gift.  I am honored that Michele is part of my baby's adoption story!

Thinking about my baby's adoption story makes me realize just how many people already love this little one...s/he already has a community of family, friends and playmates, all of whom are excited about his/her arrival!  I know single parenthood will be the hardest thing I've ever done but I couldn't ask for a better support system!  Yes, I will need people to help me...but I've already received more promised assistance than I could have imagined.  This is such an encouragement to me!

As we enter the Christmas season, may we all be blessed with the peace of Christ and His desire to draw us closer to Him.