Monday, November 19, 2007

Where Do I Find the Words....

...to express what happened in our lives today?

All I can say is a meeting between two couples took place today and God was very much there. I know no other way to describe it.

J. (the birthfather) and S. (the birthmother) were two people that we felt like we had known our entire lives. J's first words were "I have to tell you I've never been this nervous in my life. I didn't sleep at all last night." We all chuckled because none of us had. What was supposed to have been a "to bed early" kind of evening turned into a sleepless one as I mulled over the facets of our profile--the one with which these strangers had become so familiar.

In his opening comments, J. broke into tears and excused himself from the meeting for a few moments. In a nutshell, he explained (mainly directing his comments to my husband in a "man-to-man, father-to-father" sorta way) that he had chosen us because he felt that we could give this child the parents--mainly the father--he never had. They held hands tightly as they discussed their troubled past and all the ways they hoped that this adoption would prevent the same thing from happening to their child. I can't express the respect and the bond that I felt with them at that moment.

We were amazed to discover the process that occurred in their selection of our profile. J. had first taken the stack of profiles and, after careful deliberation, had selected us. Without informing S. of which couple he had chosen, he gave them to her. After reading through them, she chose ours as well. Upon learning this, they decided to give them to her parents who, amazingly, also chose us after reading the stories of the different families presented. If ever I have been humbled by the handiwork of God...it was then.

As we grew more comfortable with each other, we talked about our lives, our passions, our families and our faith. The last one is the one that provided the most poignant memory from today. J. looked my husband square in the eye and said "I have never been much of a church person but I have just started going to the church where my Dad went before he died. Tell me about your faith and what you believe."

Knowing full well this was the most important question of the day, Keith leaned in and proceeded to deliver the most unbelievable testimony I'd ever heard. Tears welled up in his eyes as he talked about his love for the Lord and all the ways we had seen his hand in our lives. If nothing else folks, today we had an upfront and unmistakable opportunity to share our faith. That in itself was worth the trip.

A piece of exciting news was that S. goes for her dr. appointment tomorrow to find out if/when she will be induced. As you can imagine, we are anxious to hear the outcome.

Without going into every detail about the meeting (mainly because we are in the middle of getting ready for our final home study visit tomorrow) I will leave you with this:

Six people met in the back corner of a restaurant today. Two were caseworkers who had planned on having to facilitate a pre-birth meeting between two very nervous couples. Instead, the conversation flowed, tears and laughter were shared and stories both tragic and uplifting were relayed. A hopeful couple on the brink of having a dream come true listened to the struggles of a couple whose biggest decision of their lives is looming. Blue eyes locked upon brown searching for acceptance, forgiveness, trust and empathy.

All were found.

Hugs were exchanged, a bond was formed and God was honored.

Regardless of the outcome, I am forever changed by the meeting we had today. My heart is full and my faith is renewed. Thank you God for this most precious opportunity. And, if you are reading this, thank you for caring and sharing in this amazing journey.

17 comments:

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

Tears and praises here... lots and lots of both.

I KNEW He'd show up in a big way!
Katie, thank you for sharing your journey! I love my Lord more now than I did even 10 minutes ago.

Anonymous said...

Wow...
you are so right...
how CAN you have words for such an amazing, miraculous experience??
I'm in awe...and continuing on my knees in prayer and thanksgiving to God for this meeting you all had today.

Anonymous said...

Katie,

Jay tried to give explain to me what happened yesterday. After reading your blog this morning, I am praising God with you. I have often been quoted as saying "God will answer our prayers when He is ready and when He thinks we are ready to receive His gifts", I believe with all my heart that God is ready for you to receive His gift. This has been an incredible journey and what a testiment and honor to be able to share with this couple. I stand amazed at the wonder of God and how He works miracles in all of our lives.
I can't wait to share in the joy of this new addition in your lives.
Miss Sara will arrive on Dec 3rd if she does not decide to turn head down by then, so it's a waiting game on our end. Just think we will have 2 babies in the family this Christmas. Can't wait to get together very soon!

Beth Cotell said...

I am so happy that the meeting went well. You continue to have a wonderful outlook on this whole process. It is so clear that God is working in you and through you! God will continue to bless you and I am praying that it is with a new baby!

I know you are busy with much more important things but if possible, please head over to my blog,

http://beth-amomslife.blogspot.com/

I just awarded you with a blog award!

Megan Cobb said...

I waited all day for this post and man o man was it worth waiting for. Thank you for sharing this with us. I couldn't be more happy for y'all or more delighted with how God answered all of our collective prayer over this meeting. But then, I'm also not at all surprised! :)

Unknown said...

I read your entry this morning in the Grady Emergency waiting room (Steve's Mom, she'll be fine) with tears pouring down my face. My heart hurts with joy and sadness, what a wonderful, brave couple to let God and the wellbeing of their child guide their hearts. WE all know that couldn't be choosing a better family, but they can only go on so little... and so much - faith.

Nicki said...

Goosebumps and Chills!! I am so happy for you. What an amazing meeting!

Nicki said...

Goosebumps and Chills!! I am so happy for you. What an amazing meeting!

Girl Gone Wild - BibleStyle said...

I absolutely LOVE IT when God tenderly shows us what we need and shows off when it comes to giving us the desires of our hearts.

...you have moved me...

Kimbo said...

You amaze me every day with your unique and wonderful outlook on life. I know that this baby will be forever blessed to be raised by the two of you. I am glad that the birth couple realize that too!!

You are an amazing person and the best friend I could ever ask for. I am blessed simply to know you.

Love you!!!!!!

jennwa said...

I just came to your blog through Beth's. That was a beautiful post. It sounds like that baby is going to have a wonderful home with you. Good luck and God bless.

Anonymous said...

I knew in my heart that this meeting would go well!

Will you be able to be present during the birth?

Aimee

Lori - Queen of Dirty Laundry said...

Oh, what a special treat to come here today and read about your blessed meeting! I'll be checking back often to find out what happens next.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Julie said...

Tears flowing here. What a wonderful story. I will continue to pray for your family.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Julie

Anonymous said...

I am soooooo excited for you guys! Any word on an induction date yet???

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Shannon P.

AnnMarie said...

Katie-

What an amazing journey you and your family are on. I am so glad I got to speak to you yesterday as you sit on the edge of such a life changing experience.

Best of luck and my prayers are with you.

Ann-Marie

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I went back and read this after reading today's (June 2's) post. What a story...