adoption

Adoption Update and Month in Review {November 2022}

comehomeforcomfort

This post contains affiliate links – I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.  ❤

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her his great mercy, and they rejoiced with her. Luke 1:58

I hope that as you read this post, you will rejoice with me over God’s great mercy! This is a good update, friends. Here we go!

At the end of my last adoption update, I asked that you pray for two things: that our adoption would be approved and that our children could be in our home sometime in December. Thank you for praying with us. God said YES to both of those things.

The paperwork was all approved the first week of November and we got to meet our sweet children on November 8. I have a quote in my adoption journal that says “It’s a magical thing, the meeting of souls who will be together for a lifetime.” We found that to be true!

It was, of course, a little scary and a little awkward at the very first. But God’s presence was in the room as we connected, talked and laughed together for an hour or so. Before we left, Paul led us all (including foster parents and a social worker) in prayer. It was incredible.

Since then we’ve been able to spend increasing amounts of time with our children, from a few hours to their first overnight stay in our home over Thanksgiving weekend. We were praying to have them here for Christmas, and I was timidly asking God for Thanksgiving. I really didn’t think it was possible.

The chapter that I quoted at the beginning of the post, Luke 1, is one of my favorites in the Bible. Verse 37 says “for nothing will be impossible with God.” My request wasn’t impossible for him!

Adoption update in one sentence: God graciously allowed us to spend Thanksgiving with our children, and we are currently planning for them to move into our home before Christmas!

I can’t share their pictures or many personal details about them here, so you’ll have to settle for this picture of Paul during one of our first family devotion times. I’m not sure there’s anything better than sharing God’s Word with people you love!

People have said to us, “those children will be so lucky to be in your home.” I know what people mean when they say that, and I so appreciate their kindness. Believe me when I tell you: we are the lucky ones. They are precious, amazing, brave children. Paul and I are overwhelmed with God’s kindness in allowing us to share the rest of our lives with them.

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! (Psalm 126:3)

I want to bring a balance to the real excitement and joy in this post. Adoption isn’t a perfect, easy thing. Adoption is necessary because the world is broken. There is so much heartache, grief, loss, and pain that accompanies adoption.

I’m so thankful that Jesus came to bring life, hope, and joy to this broken world. I’m more ready than ever to celebrate the birth of our Immanuel – God with us – this December!

His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.  He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. (Luke 1:50-53)

November was a crazy month as we kicked everything into high gear, preparing for this big change in our home. My parents came one weekend and were a tremendous help in rearranging what felt like every piece of furniture in our home.

God has been so faithful to provide for our needs as we go from a family of 2 to a family of 5. We were able to shop the giving closet at our church, which provided us with two car seats (one for each car) and a mattress at no cost.

Thank you so much for praying for us. I know God is answering your prayers with YES! as he gives us wisdom, strength and the ability to do his will.

This update isn’t the end of our adoption journey. In many ways it’s just the beginning. I will continue to share, as I’m able, the updates on our transition to a family of FIVE. The actual adoption won’t happen until closer to fall 2023, but it’s already final in our hearts!

My mom is graciously hosting a virtual adoption shower for our family. You can read about it here on her blog today. We are so grateful for all of you who are supporting this gospel work of adoption. I am SO grateful for the support you continue to give by praying and by checking in with us – it makes a world of difference!

Read More:

48 thoughts on “Adoption Update and Month in Review {November 2022}”

  1. What a precious and blessed Christmas gift! Congratulations on growing your family. May the Lord continue to wrap you in his grace during the transition to a family of 5. Merry Christmas!🙏🏻❤️🎁 🎄

    Like

    Reply

  2. My heart is overflowing with joy for you, sweet friend! This is such amazing news! What an awesome God we serve!! Rejoicing with you and Paul, and will be praying for your precious family of FIVE!!! 😀

    Like

    Reply

  4. I’m so happy for your growing family! I am so glad you were able to spend your first holiday together. I love when God surprises us by answering the prayers we timidly pray. God is good and it’s so sweet to see him work in your lives! You can count on me for more prayers for your family.

    Like

    Reply

  6. Whitney, I’m absolutely thrilled for you & Paul! Praise the Lord for all He has done! I’m so anxious to meet your new family members💗

    Like

    Reply

  7. So so sooooo very thankful and happy for your family! I’m praying the Lord puts their little hearts at peace during transition and creates a deep family bond between you all. And HE will!

    Like

    Reply

  10. A friend sent me the link to your blog. My husband and I are also seeking adoption through the foster care system in PA. We were matched with an 8 year old girl who came to live with us November 4, 2022. After 12 years of marriage and no children we now have a child’s laughter and singing in our house. Praise God for the great things He has done!

    Like

    Reply

    1. I’m SO glad we connected, Naomi!! How wonderful that your sweet girl is home with you already. We celebrate 12 years of marriage in December, too! If I can encourage you in any way, please reach out to me. ❤

      Like

      Reply

  13. Pause
    Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! We have three precious grands adopted from the foster system. And you are so right, we can never love their past hurts away, BUT we can give them a future built on hope!! I will keep your precious little family in my prayers. May the wonderful, delightful days far outweigh the tougher ones!! ❤️
    A Grandmother in AL

    Like

    Reply

  22. This Gigi’s heart already loves those children, is praying for them and can’t wait to bring them into our family! That day at your house was the best day; Not only did I get to spend time with you all,
    I got to move furniture! You know that’s my favorite thing! 😆 We praise the Lord, for answered prayer for your family!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to comehomeforcomfort Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.