Reminiscent

"I have prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I have asked of Him." I Samuel 1:27

Elijah,

A year ago this time we were waiting to find out whether or not the second birthmother we'd interviewed with had chosen us. We later learned she ended up parenting her baby boy. We've been blessed to remain friends with her and her son. While it was disappointing at the time, what I now know is how God has used that relationship in different ways. That little boy wasn't meant to be our son. He was meant to be your friend.

Today I've been filled with butterflies as I await the pictures of some dear friends who were meeting their baby girl for the first time. I woke up with them on my mind and I've prayed for them and thought about them off and on throughout the day. It has allowed me to fully relive all the emotions, all the memories of the day we met you.

I remember the seemingly endless drive to Ohio. We were filled with nerves. We had so much to talk about but could barely carry on a conversation because of the excitement we were experiencing. I remember daddy looking back at the empty carseat in the backseat and commenting on how it would be occuppied the next day.

I remember the night before, resting peacefully as so many had prayed for a restful night for us. We went out to dinner, went to the hotel, got our outfits ready for the big placement ceremony. We wanted everything to be perfect when we met you. Every experience was our "last" but not in a sad way - in a sentimental way marking how we had waited and prayed so long for our miracle.

I am reminded of the call - we knew Sara was meeting with you before she'd place you in our arms but the call came an hour earlier than we were told. We were so nervous walking into the room, not knowing what you'd look like. All we knew was how tiny we were told you'd be.

And finally - we laid eyes on you. What is remarkable is that I had dreamed about a placement ceremony. I don't know if I've told anyone this, but in November 2006, before we even knew adoption would be how God blessed us with you, I stood in the Vines Center watching placement ceremonies on the jumbo-trons during a fundraiser Winter Market the Godparent Home was having. I teared up as I watched Dr. Falwell place percious little ones into the waiting arms of their adoptive parents. In my heart of hearts - without knowing ANYTHING at that point - I knew one thing - I knew one day that would be me. I didn't know it would be you, but I knew God was already preparing my heart for the day we'd meet.

May 31, 2008.

A newly adoptive family said it best just the other day: "Now we know why this took so long - she wasn't born yet!"

It's true. The first interview, the second, even the other birthmothers I met in the home were all a part of God's perfect plan - but the entire time He had already chosen YOU for US.

I have fully embraced the way God orchestrated each and every step of our adoption - each and every part of the journey that led to that priceless moment of when you were placed in our arms. But what I have been quick to forget is how God PLACES families together.

You were placed in our lives specifically for us. And all the other circumstances, the disappointments, the failures, the heartaches, the confusion, happened so God could show His Sovereignty and might by bringing our family together.

What I am thankful for is the reminder - to reminisce of the day we met. To remember how God answered our prayers - but what it so important to remember is not that God answered our prayers for a baby...but that He answered our prayers to become a family. He had a plan. He knew all along. It wasn't just that we were meant to be adoptive parents - we were meant to be YOUR adoptive parents. I know that full well and I'm thankful for the reminder that there are no accidents in the life of a child of God.

Elijah, you have blessed my life more than I can even put into words. Your curious exploration reminds me not to miss the little things. Your zeal and excitement remind me to let my joy be complete in Christ. But mostly, you remind me every time I look at your sweet face that God hears the prayers of His people and He answers. I am quick to add that the answer isn't always yes to what we want. Even when the answer seems like a "no" it just means He has a greater yes planned. I love you baby boy. You are my answer to prayer.