So many blessings...can't count them all!!!

It's funny how when you announce that you are pregnant, typically, your family and friends are extrememly happy for you.  It's rather different when you announce that you decided to adopt a child.  Although you end up with the same result, with a child, you do not always receive the same kind of initial reaction.

When we first announced our news to our family and friends, and then to colleagues and patients, we really didn't know what to expect.  The most nerve-wrecking part was telling our families, of course.  My sisters and brother were utterly ecstatic for us!!!  (Both of our parents still need some more time.)  I think many people wanted to suggest adoption to us in the last several years as they became aware of our situation, but they didn't.  Well, I am so grateful that they didn't push it because had they brought it up, I don't think I would have accepted it very well. I just wasn't ready then.

Announcing this news meant also admitting our struggles for the last almost 9 years.  Part of me wanted to leave that portion of the letter out and not be completely transparent because I didn't want the whole world to know our struggle with infertility.  I felt like I needed some privacy.  However, after showing absolute vulnerability,  I've been COMPLETELY astounded by people's reactions.  Many, many of them wrote emails or messages encouraging me how they were so touched by my honesty and also expressed their excitement for us.

I guess something happens inside of all of us when we hear another person's heartache, brokenness, or tragedy.  Most people do not dare to gloat or rejoice in their misery.  Instead, they hurt with you, share your heart, at best, lift you up in prayers if they are praying people.  And that's exactly what has happened to us.

I feel that I am surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, as the Bible says, people praying for not just the adoption process but for our baby who is growing inside of a girl/woman somewhere in Korea.  I am so thankful that we are not the only two praying for that baby.  Please continue to pray that my baby's birth mother isn't feeling too much stress by this baby that will be born out of wedlock; that she's not drinking, smoking, or taking harmful substances; instead that she's taking care of her pregnant self and my baby; that she is emotionally and mentally healthy.

I do hope that my child's birth mother doesn't feel guilty about giving up her child.  I also hope that she knows that there is a couple on the other side of the globe who is willing to lay their life for her child.  I wish I could tell her that she needs not worry about the well-being of this child because s/he will be so thoroughly loved as we attempt to show the baby a glimpse of God's love for all of us.

Lately, God's been teaching us to be gracious receivers.  For many Christians, we grow up learning that we aught to help and give to others when they are in need.  Because of that, we can often be the worst receivers and be completely self-reliant and self-sufficient.  Through this adoption process, we've been blessed by so many generous people around us.  Recently, I had a car trouble.  I was floored yet again by the way my friends came to my side and offered help; I have truly seen God at work.  So, although it's still not easy, I'm trying to receive with a grateful and humble heart.

Lessons I have learned recently:
1. When we become transparent before others, you will be surprised at how God uses it!
2. Prayers of many > prayers of two.
3. Although it isn't easy, receive gratefully, graciously, and humbly.  And when opportunity arises, give to others, the way you've been given.