#1 - I met a complete stranger in Target a few weeks ago (after being at the dentist and with the lower left half of my face not moving because of the numbing stuff). Her name is Carrie and I think God wanted us to meet. I was looking at the pre-made newborn bottles, just to have something on hand, and Carrie was getting something from the same aisle. She asked if I have a baby and I explained that I'm adopting. We chatted for a few minutes and she told me that she had several cans of baby formula in her car that she was going to donate but she would like me to have them. I teared up. In Target. In the formula aisle. So, after she paid for her stuff, we walked to her car - which was parked next to mine - and she gave me 5 cans of formula that she received for free from the companies. Seriously, God's hand was all over that unplanned trip to Target. Carrie's precious little girl has an amazing mama who is going to teach her amazing things!
#2 - I knew when I started this journey that people would be excited for me...I underestimated. I have been overwhelmed by the intense excitement, the encouraging words and all of the prayers. Even strangers are excited when they learn I'm adopting (see #1). To be honest, I have received some negative comments, which I expected, but the peace I am experiencing in being obedient to God's plan is restorative. Thank you friends, for all of your excitement and encouragement!! I love that the little one God has chosen for me is already incredibly loved by so many!
#3 - I gave up refined sugar as an ingredient for Lent. I've always had a sweet tooth and, after a particularly calorie laden Girl Scout cookie experience, I finally admitted that I'm addicted to sugar. God doesn't want us to be addicted to anything, nor do I think He intended for us to only eat bland, boring food. I believe He created healthy, yummy foods - including sugar cane - but I've lost my perspective on what is truly yummy. So, no sugar for me. It has been hard because, if you haven't noticed, sugar is in almost everything! I've been cooking at home more...and I do love cooking but the cleaning up is another story :) Eating out is tough but manageable if I can plan ahead. Someone asked me what I'm eating since sugar is an ingredient in so many things - I guess my answer is "real food." I am using honey and real maple syrup - both in very limited amounts - but I've been enjoying fruits and veggies, homemade bread, ravioli, granola, yogurt and tortillas. I miss dark chocolate but that's about it. If you want more info on eating real food, check this out. (FYI - I don't follow all of the "rules" discussed on that site)
If you're a praying sort of person, please continue to pray for:
- My adoption journey...I'm trying to experience the journey, especially the waiting, but it's hard
- The baby's birth mom...I don't know this woman, but I have a ton of love for her
- Finances...God has been amazing in this area and part of His amazingness is that I've been able to tighten my budget in lots of places
