On top of that (most of you probably already know) Adam and I are expecting our first child in May 2015. We are still mostly shocked and overjoyed. To be a mother is something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl, so I am completely over the moon and am so glad we waited even though at times it seemed like the hardest thing in the world to do.
I feel so blessed to have remained strong in my faith in God. He has gotten me through the darkest days when I felt like waiting to have a child was keeping me from having a biological mother-child bond, something as an adoptee I have always wanted to experience. Thankfully, God provided us with so many wonderful opportunities to grow both as individuals and as a couple, and I am forever grateful that He made waiting for His perfect timing enjoyable most of the time!
God also blessed me with the perfect job to prepare me for being a mom. I have snuggled, disciplined, studied, and loved so many children throughout my many years in childcare. I went into this field part-time as an undergrad, because it was easy, and I had tons of babysitting experience. I have learned so much about the personalities of little ones, and although my job is both rewarding and fun, I would never again say it is easy! It has opened my eyes to many things, innumerable to list here and given me a long list of forever friends that I know will always be there to help me out with "mom questions" or just to vent. :)
I can't count the number of times Adam & I prayed for God to show us the right time to have a baby, but the end of the summer it finally felt like the time to let go and let God. Once again, God showed me how awesome He is...within 5 weeks, I was holding 4 (yes, I couldn't quite believe the first 3) positive pregnancy tests. Although I don't feel God's existence needs to be proven to me, I'm only human, and the reassurance that we really had been listening to Him these past 7 years was overwhelming.
Looking back, Adam and I were in no way, shape, or form ready to tackle parenting when we first got married. I'm sure we could have figured it out, but the life experiences and challenges we have been able to tackle together have strengthened our relationship in ways that I didn't even know were possible. God's provisions (Adam's education & my flexible job) allowed me to travel with my husband all over the world. Navigating unknown territory together, facing language barriers, and novel customs brought us closer together, and I feel so secure entering the world of parenting with my best friend for life.
Basically, God's timing is perfect, and I encourage each of you to keep praying, keep believing, and live in the moment. Don't waste your time worrying, because God has a plan for you! Pregnancy has come with its own set of trepidations, but I have been choosing to trust God and enjoy this special time! I will leave you with one of my all time favorite Bible passage: 1 Peter 5:6-7: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
