So Long January!

January 2011 has not treated us too well, so I will not be too sad to see it go. It has been a terribly cold month filled with sick kids, a never ending cough, and little movement in our adoption. I have spent the last few days at home with my sick boys. They had the flu. Yuck! I will happily welcome a new month.

I love February! As a mom of two boys I love an excuse to make pink and red treats and crafts. I love celebrating my love for the three special guys in my life. Justin and I started dating in February, 10 Februarys ago to be exact. Wow! I had no idea when I said yes to that first date what God had in store. It has been an amazing 10 years. I sure am glad I said yes.

Last year around this time we were preparing to go to the Adoption For Life Conference at the end of the month. I started reading Russell Moore's book, Adopted for Life. We knew God wanted us to adopt and felt like it was the right time to begin. Of course, this was easier said than done. I had so many questions. International or Domestic adoption? If international, then what country? What agency would we use? How in the world would we pay for the adoption? Last February, I had so many questions, fears, and concerns about starting the adoption process.

We went to the conference asking the Lord to confirm to us that He wanted us to adopt and to show us where our child was. He was faithful to answer our prayers and give us some of the answers we were searching for. He clearly put Africa on our hearts. I remember looking up at Justin on the last day of the conference and saying, " I think our baby is in Ethiopia." He smiled and said, " I think so too." He gave us an amazing peace at the exact same time. We also learned about AGCI while we were on this trip.

I can't believe it has already been a year, since we began this crazy journey. I am so glad we said yes to Him when He put adoption on our hearts. This February I still have questions. When will we see our daughters face? How old will she be? What will it be like to hold her in our arms for the first time? I hope and pray that we will have our answers by this time next year.

This February I am attending the Created to Care retreat and I can't wait. Only four more days!!!! January exhausted me, so I am so thankful for a chance to get away for a couple of days.