One form in particular that we have to review with our social worker is called, "The Family's Acceptance Statement". This form is a contract that outlines what disabilities, ethnicity, emotional struggles, and past abuse issues we think we can parent in our home. Everything from cleft lip to down syndrome is on this list, and what feels like a million things in-between. It also includes decisions about the contact we are comfortable having with the birthmother, birthfather or either of their families. Please pray for discernment as we are trying to process these decisions.
A week ago, I was sitting in the sun after lunch. The weather was just perfect and its hard for me to stay in the house once a summer day hits. Milo came and asked what I was doing. I said, "I'm trying to get a tan". He replied, "What is a tan?" I said, "A tan is when your skin gets darker. It gets darker and it looks nice." Milo thought for a minute and said, "Right! So your trying to become camouflage!" I laughed and explained that this won't happen. As he rode his bike around me he would occasional yell out a "hello" or "I hope you find the tan!" I later told Josiah the story and he laughed and said, "Beauty means different things to different people." As there are many hard and scary decisions to make about adoption, I found Jo's statement comforting. God already knows who the child in our family will be and He knows it will be beautiful. Worrying about the details and the unknowns comes far too naturally, but trusting Him will have the greater reward. He already has something beautiful in motion.
Thank you for continuing to read up on our process and for the support and encouragement. Thank you for the prayers. Phase one is almost over and we hope you will join us for the next phase as well.