16 months

Today our daughter-across-the-ocean turned 16 months old. I've felt a heaviness today that is hard to express. She is growing up and we know nothing new about her (we cannot request an update on her until we receive our acceptance letter). All the information we have about her is six months outdated and I find myself wondering how much she has changed and what new things she is accomplishing. The other day the sight of her picture on the table was enough to make me cry. It's hard to feel like a mama when you can do nothing to meet your child's needs. Waiting is hard.

On the flip side, it has been neat to reflect where we were one year ago today. A year ago we were headed to Kansas City for my little brother's wedding. We spent the three hour car ride making a list of all the ways we could raise the $25,000+ we would need to pursue an international adoption: *craft fairs *photography marathon *blog fundraiser *support letter *cake decorating *freelance *grants *garage sales 

To be honest, the financial aspect of adoption seemed impossible. It was our biggest hurdle.

Today, one year later, I am overjoyed to tell you that our adoption is FULLY FUNDED. Only God! We have seen Him show up time and time again, providing through unexpected places and unexpected people. Even though the process is long, slow, and hard, our faithful Father affirmed our decision to say "yes" to Him again and again. I am convinced that when God asks us to do something that He will provide the means to accomplish the task. Jesus is heir of all things; He has all the resources.

I have never felt so loved by God as I have this past year.

To see Him defend the fatherless and set an abandoned little girl in China into our family. 
To see so many give sacrificially to bring our daughter home and express that it is an honor and gift to do so.
To see Him meet every financial need we have had thus far.
To watch Him answer specific prayers regarding our referral.

So yes, waiting is hard. Yes, it hurts not knowing what my daughter is doing at 16 months. Yes, my arms long to hold my baby and be a mama to her.

But the journey is worth it.

The journey is worth celebrating! Thank you to all who have invested in our daughter. We are eternally grateful for your love and support and rejoice in our adoption being fully funded.

For those who are interested or who have recently donated by purchasing a cake, I am now setting aside my cake money for our daughter's medical fund as we are trusting God to provide not only for our adoption but also for the expenses that will occur after she comes home. Thank you for your continued support and love!