3 Years Ago Today......

After adopting Emily in 2001, we knew we would adopt again..... eventually, but it wasn't until the end of 2006 that we felt God telling us it was time. On February 26th, 2007, after much prayer and research into countries, agencies, and all that comes with adoption, we embarked on this journey to our Guatemalan daughter.

Emily's adoption from China took almost exactly 18 months from start to finish and we thought that was long! We'd learned that with an adoption from Guatemala, the average time frame was about 9 to 12 months, give or take. With that, we were very optimistic that our newest addition would surely be home with us by Christmastime that year or by early 2008 at the latest. As we all know now, God had another plan.

As we mark this third year, even knowing all the paperwork that will have to be done.....again, all the extra fees that will have to be paid.....again, and the many trips to Guatemala that we will be taking this year, we can't help but be thankful for this experience. God has provided this opportunity for our family to grow, but also for our faith to grow. He's teaching us patience, and showing us His grace.

Our hope and prayer is, of course, that Olivia will be home with us by the close of this year. There are still many other children waiting to come home to their families as well. We pray that 2010 will be the year that all of these Guatemalan children will be united with their forever families.