The desires of my heart.... Adoption!

I have thought about adoption a lot in my life. I have several people who I love very much that were adopted. I can't imagine my life without them.

About 2 years ago, when Alyssa was born, I was told that I couldn't have any more children naturally. At this point, I knew instantly that adoption was going to be how I expanded my family. I knew, but with a newborn child... the timing just didn't feel right. Every so often the "idea" or "prompting" would come back, and I would re explore the idea of adoption. The timing never felt right. There was always something going on that seemed "more important," or I was too stressed to even imagine taking on any more. One day that all changed....

About 2 weeks ago there was a lot going on in my life as usual, but something was different! The prompting to adopt came back to me, but this time it was not a soft whisper or an idea that just popped into my head. It was as though I was literally knocked upside the head. The idea hit me so hard that it nearly consumed me. I thought to myself again.... the timing isn't right. WRONG..... I received a definite confirmation that now is the time, and that I need to get moving. I always knew that the Lord was guiding me, but on this matter he was doing more than gently pushing. He knows the desires of my heart, and he also knows when my child or children will be ready.

I began thinking we would adopt a baby.... afterall that is what everyone else does. Wrong again. As I began researching adopting a baby, nothing felt right. Then I began exploring the idea of adopting a child that was a little older, and was waiting for a family to call their own. I started to get a good feeling about it, but still something wasn't right. That's when I began to wonder..... Had I imagined the whole thing?!? NO I had definitely not imagined it. I continued to research and look at all of the children waiting. That is when I saw the sweetest little face I have ever seen. Then I noticed he was one of 3 siblings waiting to be adopted. Could I really take on 3 more children?? This is when I changed the wording of my prayers.

I prayed and I prayed and I prayed some more, and guess what happened. I knew. I still don't know if those sweet angels I found will be the ones to join my family, but I am pretty sure that I will be bringing 2 or 3 angels into my home.

The feeling I got that evening when I prayed will be something I will never forget. I felt my entire body tingling, and my heart began to swell. I began to wonder if I had opened my eyes would I see if bursting out of my chest. The strangest thing of all is that the feeling rarely leaves. Every time I think of adopting the feeling returns stronger. This feeling is amazing. Thank You Heavenly Father for taking the time to speak to a stubborn listener. Stay tuned for our adoption journey :)

Something sweet that my kids did. We have been discussing this decision as a family since it will affect everyone. Kaitlyn says I don't mind sharing all of my stuff. I would really like it to be 3 girls and 3 boys though lol. Then Brittany starts saying her prayer last night, and she says please bless my brothers that they are safe wherever they are. I started to cry. My kids are every bit as excited as we are :)