I have written and re-written post. I do not know why it has been so hard. Perhaps because I like things to go according to (my) plan, but life rarely works that way.
Here's the short version: we have postponed our adoption home study until at least January 2017.
Here's the long version:
Despite several red flags, we kept plowing forward with the adoption because it is a dream so deep in our hearts and we really wanted our adopted baby to be close-ish in age to James. The truth of the matter is that Wes' health was quickly declining. So so thankfully, he finally has a proper diagnosis and is on the road to recovery (click here to read more). The details of that recovery need to be the primary focus of 2016 for us.
Additionally, Wes' beloved step-dad Darwin (who lives in Mississippi) will soon leave us here and go Home. We want to be available during his final days. We want to be available for Beverly after he passes.
Wes' dad (who also lives in Mississippi) is also facing some very serious and life-threatening health issues. And so is my dad. We want to be available to support them as well.
After much discussion and prayer, we have decided to postpone our adoption home study until at least January 2017. While we are sad, we are also at peace with waiting. We have an incredible three year old to enjoy and invest in. And we a lot of plates spinning this year. Adoption is still deeply rooted in our hearts and we still very much intend to grow our family through adoption.
So far, we have raised $8,000 (YAY and THANK YOU!) for our adoption. We will continue to chip away at the other $17,000 we need to raise. We will likely do a summer and fall fundraiser to well prepare us for January 2017. And we will also continue to pray that $17,000 falls out of the sky ;).
Please please pray for us. Please please encourage us. We need it. This ride has been quite the roller coaster. My heart feels an abundance of love for a baby who likely has not even been conceived yet. I remind myself each day that every "obstacle" will change the timing of our adoption, which will determine which baby joins our family. That is INCREDIBLE.
Thank you for walking along side us in this journey. It truly takes a village...
