2013 is there and gone

2013 summed up would be "a year of waiting". We try not to put our lives on hold for the adoption, but certain things like trips, home improvement, and even career direction are at a standstill for now. Our energy and finances are all directed towards a hopeful adoptive placement.

Although we have been "frozen" in aforementioned areas, we have still had a chance to grow over the past year as a couple (the adoption process is great for developing communication skills, and the stress can be a refining fire to a marriage!) and spiritually as we've become more involved with our church and community group that is a huge blessing.

This time last year, we had just closed our home to foster care and were preparing to attend the orientation at our current adoption agency. This year has felt underwhelming and disappointing in many ways. Our profile book has been looked at only once, and we still don't have an answer if we were chosen. We applied for two situations of already-born children with a private attorney, which didn't pan out. I have looked into numerous situations through other agencies and private attorneys that have never worked out.

As 2013 has ended and we begin to walk through 2014, we continue to wait. We want the situation that is best for our family, so we accept continuing this chapter. Over the past several months, we've explored adding other routes in addition to our local agency such as signing on with other agencies, doing private networking, and some other routes.

Please pray for us to make wise decisions. We really don't want to get in debt or jump into a situation that isn't right for our family. I appreciate those of you who pray regularly and provide ongoing encouragement!!

And, for a summary of this blog for 2013, here are the top 5 posts (most read):
5. My Lucky Day- Probably the most stressful day in our journey so far.
4. Genes, Mental Illness, & Adoption- The scholar in me loves some good research.
3. Situation #1- We had so much hope when we overnighted that thick packet to Florida...
2. Work Family- We were shown love by my generous co-workers!
and the number one most-read post of 2013 is...
1. Profile Photobook- Our hearts in book form!

And for 2013, we've had over 6,500 views!