Living the Life of Riley

One of the hardest life lessons to learn is when to change directions. As humans, we're headstrong and sure that our way is THE way, but so often, it is not. That's where our story begins.   After almost four years of trying to conceive, my husband and I had a "Come to Jesus." Is this what we are meant to be doing? Have we been traveling down a path that is of our own making, not one that God cleared for us? Are we supposed to be pushing the issue of a biological child right now,  or is there a child out there that is calling to us through adoption?  

 

Now, I must say that this wasn't necessarily a hard-fought battle. We have always wanted to add to our family through adoption, so when we revisited the situation and decided to pursue it seriously, we had already hashed out our desires and beliefs. We just hadn't planned on striking out on this path first. But in the same way that God is constantly listening and urging us to accept his guidance, the moment we were opening ourselves to the idea of adopting first...We received a sign.  

 

 

Monday, Monday...So good to me

It all started on a Monday. We had filed our taxes and were excitedly planning on spending our return...paying our Christmas credit debt off, like most Americans. One more step in the direction of increased financial security! As we were running our errands and enjoying our day together, we circled around to the adoption discussion again. Imagine our surprise when, late that night, we received word of a young woman wanting to pursue an open adoption.

 

Needless to say, we were shocked. Can you say, "God Calling?" Before long, we were waiting to hear our birthmom's decision. Would she choose us? Would she parent? Will we be able to raise the money necessary?   On Saturday, April 13th, we finally got the answer we have been waiting for for years. "Yes, you will be the parents of this baby."  

 

With every adoption, the adoptive parents know that there is a chance that the birthmom will change her mind. This baby, whom you've already grown to love and think of as your own, might not be coming home in your arms. This is the chance you take. You step out on faith and say, "Here we are, God. Make of this situation what You will." After a long discussion with our b-mom, we feel confident that we are all on the same page in our desire to see this baby in the best possible situation, an open adoption with all parties working together for the good of the child.  

 

So here we are, Lord, out on the ledge. August cannot come soon enough for us. Our greatest prayer is to bring home Riley James Prestwich.