I've wondered how to introduce possibly the newest member of our family to you. It's all happening so fast but in a way God's given me a slow-mo perspective that is allowing me to soak up everything that is happening and also giving me opportunities to share about Asher and miss him during all this.
I've always said that Asher made me a mother; I loved that time with him. Motherhood has forever changed me and there is no going back to the way things were before him.
My heart has been open to the idea that God may have for us a child who is in need of a mother and father. My body and womb still need time to heal before carrying a child for 9 months if the Lord so blesses in time. But our hearts and home are ready and willing to fully embrace a child whenever God sees fit.
We thought that it might be in the form of a foster child, one that we could care for but prepare him or her for a life back with their parents. We were given that opportunity a few weeks ago, but God showed us through very clear signs and obstacles that right now our hearts are ready to full care and love a child as our own... and after our loss this summer we feel like the risk of losing another loved little one should be as minimal as possible.
We had really asked the Lord this last week to show us wisdom and guidance in what to do. Should we stay in the foster system? Should we go through a program like Lutheran Family Services which deals with foster children who are in need of a permanent home? Should we wait? We decided to go ahead and send off for the LFS packet of info and then just go through the holidays and enjoy family and see where God may lead in the next two months or so. But one thing was clear, our hearts wanted to adopt. The packet came in on Wednesday...... and so did the call.
"There is a woman who wants to put her baby up for adoption and hasn't found a family for her yet. She is due December 6th. She wants a two parent home and a Christian family for the baby within her. Would you be interested in adopting her? Can you put a profile album together and write a letter to this birth-mother?" We were hearing the words but were we really understanding it? Were they really asking us to consider becoming the forever parents of this little girl who hadn't even been born yet? Was God moving this fast and all of the sudden? Were we ready?
We had been walking in great faith in the days before that call. Why doubt Him now that the possibility was present. It just seemed too good to be true. a newborn. in two weeks. for us. for keeps. We started to get excited.
...... to be continued first thing on Monday!! I know I'm terrible for making you wait. I just want to tell the whole story and it's just too long for one post. I promise when you come on Monday the story will continue....
CASEY! You can just leave people hanging like this! Some of us can't deal with it! lol
*hugs* continuing prayer!
Posted by: Toni Reitter | December 01, 2008 at 12:02 AM
God is so good. He gives us what we need before we really know what that is. I will be praying for you both, sorry- all three of you!
Posted by: Michelle | November 30, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Praying for you this week, and I'll say a few special prayers for that precious birth mother and baby girl. There is not a more selfless act than adoption.
Posted by: Shelly | November 30, 2008 at 07:02 PM
rejoicing with those who rejoice. (smiling)
Posted by: kari breed | November 30, 2008 at 06:23 PM
WOW!! Great news! We will be praying!! And looking forward to the rest of the story...
Thank you for sharing this with us! It's been amazing to see what God is doing in your lives!!!
Posted by: Kelly B | November 30, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I am sooooooo excited at this huge possibility for you guys!! Can't wait to hear more. A precious little girl... Adoption is a wonderful and very special blessing! Our little Anjela brings so much joy and fun to our life. I love you and am praying hard for you. Miss you lots!
Posted by: Allison Omondi | November 30, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Anxiously waiting for the next segment of your story! We'll be praying for you guys as God reveals his plan! Hooray! Love you guys! Christy
Posted by: Christy Campbell | November 30, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Cannot wait for the rest of the story. My eyes are so wet right now I can barely type. I am so excited for you both. God bless you as you love this new baby girl.
Posted by: Mary | November 30, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Wow! Can't wait to hear the rest of the story and see what God does in your lives in the coming weeks!
Posted by: Leslie Stanton | November 30, 2008 at 07:02 AM
I can't wait to hear how this is going to end!!! I am so excited for you both and pray that God will bless you in ways you could never have imagined. Our prayers are with you, this birth mother, and this little baby girl.
I can't wait for Monday :)
Angela
Posted by: Angela Gilbreath | November 29, 2008 at 11:46 PM
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Posted by: Alicia | November 29, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Casey,
I know you won't remember me, but we met once a few years ago. Angey introduced us at ODBC at one of the functions. My close friend, Angela Murray, has been sharing your story with me over the past few months. She has encouraged me to read your blog mentioning how encouraged she is by it. I recently started following your blog and truly appreciate your openness in your hurt concerning Asher. I am encouraged by the words you write and blessed by your heart for our Lord!
I say all this to say that I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about this little one that the Lord has led you to! I just can't wait to hear the next installment of the story on Monday! What a blessing!!!
Posted by: Erin Stanford | November 29, 2008 at 07:36 PM
You know I'm praying for you. Been thinking about you guys a ton the last few weeks!
Posted by: Zsera | November 29, 2008 at 07:29 PM
full of breathless expectation here in wasilla...
Posted by: sarah brown | November 29, 2008 at 07:25 PM
I can't tell you how excited I am for you!! What a blessing to receive that call, I hope one day to know what if feels like. We love you guys and can't wait to hear all the details and maybe meet the new member of the Alaska family. Praise God!
Posted by: Bonnie | November 29, 2008 at 07:10 PM
WOW!!! how awesome!!
Posted by: Drea | November 29, 2008 at 06:06 PM
with tears in my eyes i read this post...PRAISE OUR LORD!!!!!!!
i am beyond thrilled for you and your family. WOW. i seriously cannot wait to hear more...PLEASE keep us posted!!!!!!
as a doula i have been involved with birth mothers and adoptive mothers together and it has been so wonderful. i hope you all have a close relationship...and that you get to be at the birth of your daughter :)
Posted by: tiffany | November 29, 2008 at 06:06 PM
TIckled pink to hear this news. We have had this news twice in our lives. One precious daughter dec 3 and 5 years later another sweet angel on dec 27. Our Christmas time is surrounded by pink and princess Birthdays. What an exciting time for you and we will be praying for all the many things that will be happening in the next few weeks.
Posted by: Kristy | November 29, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Dan & Casey,
WOW! Don't we serve an awesome God who sends us just what we need in just the right time. I am praying for you both during this next journey in your lives.
May God bless, Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Wilson | November 29, 2008 at 05:41 PM