Adoption Ramblings of a Mama.....

Last Thursday, stirred emotions....

We headed to court to make Hope an "official" Pilcher......








I can't explain the emotions....




I just remember a friend of mine trying to explain to me the "adoption high" and what it feels like coming down from it....











I totally get what she's talking about.


When we got the call about Hope, our life didn't change drastically until the reality that she wasn't leaving occurred....





which wasn't long after, but it was such a whirlwind. We weren't prepared, like you usually are when you have 9 mos ahead of you.



The newness of a baby was awesome. The severity of the sleepless nights sunk in, and the emotions that took place at the hospital lingered, as my little family of 5 became 6 overnight....JUST.LIKE.THAT.




In other words, it took a lot longer then a couple months for it to sink in. In fact, as the Judge was asking us our vows and charging us with this life that had been given to us, I couldn't even imagine going through that event early then that date....




I kept wondering why the court date was set over 4 mos from the date we received Hope, but I am just so thankful for this date....







That date came just a few days shy of the turn of events just last year, where we were in another courtroom pursuing another little life in North Georgia. One that was the same age as our Hope.



The severity of the emotions and the commitment we were making to Hope was making my heart pound....



It was just SO.REAL.




We opened our hearts to a child in need, and GOD provided her to us.



But really, us to her....






I just can't explain the joy that she is. The honor it is to look at her every day, and know that we've been given this life to raise, and love, and cherish. Her smile lights up a room, just like her sister's, and melts my heart, every.single.time.





To know that she will be raised in the Lord. She will be introduced to the gospel, and she will know that Jesus died for her, because He wants her to share her story and the great work that He has done; and He wants to spend eternity with her...wow, y'all, just wow..... That hopefully her birth parents and others through this will have also felt and seen the love of Christ and the grace poured out. There is no way I can explain how that feels. Just no way.





It brings such tears to my eyes. When we were discussing some things with our Attorney after our court meeting, and we mentioned Foster Care, he said "you know that's where she was heading.....Hope, that is..."


I am not at all saying Foster Care is wrong, and I am very much thankful for the homes provided for children in direct need, love and care. But y'all, this precious life that you have seen through pictures, our testimony, and some of you have held in your own arms; was to be sent temporarily or possibly permanently to a home where she may or may not have called home forever, or call a mama and daddy permanently by name. And  the fact the birth parents gave her to us, is what I hope, (if they haven't already) be used to see that God's amazing love is big, that they got to choose a better life for her. That there will be healing, because they will know His great love for their child and for them, because of the sacrifice. Because of the mercy poured out. I pray they see, and that they will know Jesus and His great generosity because of this.






I do not dwell on "what if's", for I know my God has a plan for all.


But I do love to see His mighty hand work. And I am so thankful we are being used in her life, as she is in ours.




I have never before experienced  in my heart the depth of the out pouring of grace from our Heavenly Father like I continue to see during this process.  I have never felt a stronger urge for rescuing orphans then I have during this. If you have ever considered adopting, I encourage you strongly to pray about it. The Lord presses on the hearts what He wants you to know, for some.....that is actually adopting....for others, it's supporting the families that do so. Don't think He'll leave you alone on this. He worked on us for 14 years; I believe, preparing our hearts, our marriage, and our family for Hope. He didn't leave our hearts alone. Even when I tried to deny His plan for us.

We are not perfect. I'll admit that there were MANY times I thought "oh crap, did I just really say "yes Lord" to this?? We were in "freedom" zone...no more baby sitters, diapers, sleepless nights. We've got this family of 5 down and well into practice....I mean, it's been 10 YEARS since we had a baby and not to mention we will go through another TEENAGE years. Don't think the what if, what if, what if's didn't try to stop me..... they would start to creep in and I would have to verbally rebuke those thoughts aloud. I had to verbally claim that I will follow Jesus where ever He leads on this....

Our attorney asked us if we would still be interested in adoption again. Tim and I can agree, we always strive to be open  and follow where the Lord is leading and His plans for us. I have learned never to say never.....



Thursday night we had a little celebration for Hope's life. Elizabeth kept wanting to call it her "birthday" party :) I guess in a way, it was her official "birth" by law into our family.....




Our Jillian did the artwork for the cake with our theme "Family Tree", and we just had the best time celebrating and reflecting God's goodness.







 For those of you that have emailed, Facebook messaged me and the like, asking about who we used or went through for the adoption; I apologize for not yet responding to all of you yet....I'm getting there. Along with my 500 thank you cards. They're coming.....sincere apologies on my delay. Each one of y'all that has invested in giving of your time, talents, love, prayers and financial support for our family and for Hope is so appreciated by our entire family; that my heart bursts and tears fill my eyes when I think about it every day.




The details of our adoption story is so cool, but too much detail to write right now. But I love to see how Bellamia played a part in it and with readers like you.




Our home study was done privately by a customer to Bellamia and blog follower. She was just so precious and we are SO thankful for her and the timing God provided for that. If you are interested in going that route or have questions you can contact Leslie @ lesliehcude{at}gmail{dot}com.

We used  Sam McClure with The Adoption Law Firm out of Montgomery, Al. One of Sam's first words to me was "I'm your OBGYN in adoption, you can call me anytime...." He was amazing to work with and has such a heart for the lost and the orphans.


If you are still reading, wow, bless you! Haven't sat down this long to write a post in a while!


Happy Rainy Monday, y'all! Hope to be back real soon!