God sent Pat the Bunny

This adoption thing gets hard sometimes, we who are in it, know it...but do you ever wonder if other people know it? I mean, we don't have bellies that stick out to kingdom come, our little pinky toes aren't so swollen they look like they might pop off, we aren't having to pee every 5 minutes...you get my point. Yet, our hearts are invested, we are just as anxious, nervous, excited, impatient, yearning, and in love as the next guy. There are few outward signs. Are there days you wonder if anyone besides your hubby, and maybe your mom even think about this crazy process, let alone ask you how you are feeling or imagine your little one aloud with you?

This is where I was late last week- feeling alone and neglected as a mommy in waiting. God heard me. He sent my neighbor, my wonderful neighbor. She had the cutest package for our little one, and one that meant so much more to me than what was inside. She was thinking about our kiddo. She was thinking about me. Thanks God, for sending Gail. Thanks God, for sending Pat, the Bunny.

Blessings, Kindra

Baby Shopping=Fun. No Baby Yet=BOOOOOO!

Brandon and I had a great time today doing some baby shopping...prior to today, we had a changing table cushion, some books, and a couple stuffies from friends :) Now, we have a CRIB!!!!!! (Well, not really...it is on order.) Unfortunately it won't be here for 3 months, but then again, it will beat the baby (bummer)! While we were in our groove, we also bought the bedding, promised to arrive next week- FUN!! We laughed- since we picked a crib that takes 3-4 months to arrive, God will have a sense of humor and somehow bless us with 2 kiddos- and they will

have one crib for awhile! (And we won't be complaining ONE BIT!)

(Ours is antique black)

It seems silly to be so excited about furniture and bedding, but for us, it is one step closer to the reality of our African blessing. Today, we find comfort in preparing a place where they can feel safe, secure, comfy, warm, loved, happy, restful, comforted, cuddled, nestled, and so, so, so, so wanted. We love you little one(s). We are waiting for you, preparing a place for you; but you are already very wonderfully in our hearts. Mommy and daddy can't wait to meet you. Until then, rest comfortable in your Father's arms. He is holding us, too.

Blessings, Kindra

June update...

Well, we got our official June update this week, and we were exactly where we thought we would be:

Girl: 20, Boy: 9; Siblings 10!

Unofficial (19, 8, 9 :)

We are thankful for the movement that we have seen this week. A couple new referrals, some travel date assignments and some more court passings. We continue to pray for God's perfect timing. As we leave our 5th and enter our 6th month waiting, we continue to seek His sovereign will over our lives, the life of our child(ren) and of their mother and family.

I leave you with Psalms 19:8-9, in recognition of our unofficial numbers - The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.

Blessings as we move closer to our kiddos.

Kindra

My shield and my strength

There are many discouraged moms and dads in adoption land these past few weeks, and I have to attest that they are not alone. My heart aches so deeply...my heart longs so deeply...my heart needs so deeply. It has been so quiet on the referral front, and though we have been blessed with news of court passings and the safe arrivals of families returning home with their sweeties, the words on the latest update say it all: "There have been no referrals since our last update." Sniff. Hiccup. Sob. I need a tissue, or a box, please.

I certainly do not wish to wallow in disappointment and impatience, but rather to seek the promises of the Lord that His unfailing love shall be my comfort, and to seek assurance that I am not alone in this sadness. The Holy Scriptures remind me that I am not alone; rather, the Lord is beside me, as is a family of adoptive parents that have trod this path before me and survived to experience the everlasting joy of His fulfilled promise.

Tonight, I find peace in Him...Jesus, you have made me glad. You are my shield, my strength, my portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need.

"Made Me Glad" from Northland Media Design on Vimeo.

Blessings, Kindra

What a weekend! Phew!

We had an amazing holiday weekend with family and friends. All I could say as I plopped down onto the sofa last night was, "PHEW!" Wow. This is always the beginning of summer swimming, boating, and family gatherings for us. Our house seems to be "the place" for all things summer, and we are so blessed by the Lord to be able to offer a restful, fun haven to our family and friends. But boy am I tired when they go home! (Gracie too- she hasn't hardly been awake all day!)

These holiday gatherings get harder without our little pe(rson)ople here with us. There is such a sense of "something missing" as we draw closer. Our family is getting just as impatient as we are! We all rest assured that the perfect day is coming, and we can't wait! Little one(s)- there is a large, rather crazy group of family waiting here to love you! I hope you like the pool, the lake, and the boat 'cause that is kind of a big summer deal around here!

Sunday in KidZone, the kids all shared a favorite memory of someone that went to be with the Lord. The innocence in their hearts and their memories brought both joy and tears. It was a great time of group fellowship. They are pretty cool kids. It is wonderful to serve in a church home that shares these times together, and honors those that have passed, as well as those that have or are serving our country. We are so very blessed to live in a nation where we have the freedom to worship our Heavenly Father!

Finishing up the quarter this week (2 more papers to write), and then I have a three week break before summer quarter starts with Dr. Howard's Old Testament class. I am thinking June is going to be a GOOD month! Bring on the referrals!

Peace to all who are waiting! Fill your hearts with joy, for the Lord is our strength!

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1

Kindra