Our Redefined Life

I'm not sure how to begin this post. Some of you more eloquent writers would be able to tuck the details of my last couple of weeks into a nice, neat, tidy and beautiful post. I have tried to figure out how to do just that, but haven't come upon any fantastic ideas. Instead, I am just going to jump right in.

Two weeks ago we left for a two week family vacation as a family of four. We returned home this week as a family of five. We brought the newest member of our family home. In addition to our 13 year old boy and 11 year old girl, we also now have a 1 year old boy.

We knew about 7 months ago that his young mom was having a difficult time providing for him. We were asked to begin thinking about whether we would be willing to adopt him if the time came. About a month ago we were approached with the adoption offer.

This little guy's single, teenage mom had come to the realization that she could not provide for him as she had envisioned and hoped. She made the most loving decision to give him a family and a chance for opportunities she knew she would not be able to give to him.

After much prayer, talking and more prayer, we made the decision to welcome this little guy into our immediate family. We spent our vacation time beginning the transition. We obtained guardianship. He made the trip home with us, his car seat snuggled securely between an 11 year old and 13 year old in the back who doted and loved on him all 22 hours of the trip home.

A verse that has been coming to mind quite often in recent days is:

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) " In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

We had plans for our future. God obviously had other plans far beyond our imaginations. As we remained open and surrendered to God's plans, the direction of our steps changed drastically.

Bottles, diapers, brightly colored toys, and baby food jars are scattered throughout our home. Naps, schedules, and bedtime routines are once again becoming a high priority and of great importance. Baby giggles, snuggles, drool, little toothy grins and even fussiness and crying now fill the walls of our home.

Our family is being redefined. The path we are traveling and the journey we are on is being redefined. Our lives are being redefined. However, it hasn't taken long for us to completely embrace, enjoy and adore this new definition of our lives.

Our redefined life is completely amazing and God rests Himself in the midst of it all...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

We invite you to partner with us in prayer for the following specific areas:

* The continued transition for both our newest little guy as well as ourselves.
* Strength, energy and wisdom as we move forward in the days ahead as a family of 5.
* The legal process would continue smoothly and effortlessly as we proceed with the adoption.
* The financial requirements for the adoption would be provided for as God sees fit.
* The birth mother (and other family members) of our little guy. This was not an easy decision to be made. Although they all continue to reiterate that they know this is in his best interest, hearts continue to break at his absence.

For those who were praying during these last weeks as I was taking a break, thank you from the very depths of my heart! It meant more than you will ever know!!