This month’s family, the Dyers, are a little earlier in their adoption journey, having just had their home study approved. For those who don’t know, the home study is a stressful (and costly) step in the adoption process, especially for those who don’t like to be judged by others! Getting over this hurdle is always a great feeling. Not only do you have the initial study, but some people are in the process so long they have to update their study. We did this when we moved from Thailand even after we had Evelyn in our home. We are excited that they are at this point, and hope that this month working with us helps them move further down the road towards bringing their child home!
As usual – the following is their story, in their words.
My husband and I always knew we wanted to adopt from the time we started dating. We didn’t know when or how or what it looked like, but we always knew it was something God put on our heart.
Even though we have lived in a few countries around the world, we knew we wanted to adopt domestically. We want to adopt domestically because we know the need here in our own backyard is as great as it is in other parts of the world. Our heart for adoption, especially domestically, begins with Brittany. Her parents died when she was young, and she was adopted by her grandparents. She knows she was saved from the foster care system and wants to be that person for another child as well. All children deserve loving parents and a loving family.
We moved back to the States about a year ago, and then I reached out to Kathleen asking her about some information on adoption. I didn’t do anything at that time to move the adoption process forward. After another 6 months passed, I felt another tug for me to reach out to find out more information about adoption. I reached out to another friend, but still didn’t do anything about it. Recently, a friend of ours posted something on her Facebook about adoption, so I reached out to her, and she shared a timeline of what the adoption process looks like. Before I knew it I was calling a different friend who does home studies, and within a week, we turned in our application to begin the adoption process. I know this timing comes from God, and the time for us to adopt is now. I have never been so sure of anything. We know what it feels like for God to be calling (or maybe yelling), and this time is one of those times.
Adoption for us has nothing to do with not being able to have children of our own, health complications or any climatic reasoning, we just simply knew it was something God placed on our hearts to do.
Adoption for us is more than becoming parents {again}. It is a way to defend life; a way to care for children who may not have someone else who can care for them. It is a way for us to love another child and in that process, love others on the journey. Our adoption process is a way for others to choose life, but most of all, our adoption journey is a way we can share the love of Jesus with others. Not only do we get to share the love of Jesus with our child{ren}, we get to share the love of Jesus with the birth mother, with the hospital workers and with all the other we come into contact with as our child{ren} grows older.
The more we dive into the adoption, the clearer our path becomes. The more we read and prepare, the more our hearts grow.
Throughout this journey, we keep being reminded to “Fight the Good Fight”. We know we must be faithful in what God calls us to do. We aren’t naive to think adoption won’t be hard on everyone, but we know it is something we want to do. We know it will be hard for the birth mother, we know there will be challenges along the way for all of our children, and we know it will be difficult for us as our child has questions along the way, but again, it will all be worth it for our family. We fight for this beautiful love story, which will, without a doubt, play out in our adoption. We know there will be unexpected things happen throughout this process, but it will make our story even sweeter. We know there may be risks we have to take, but they will be worth it. We just have to keep pressing on Fighting the Good Fight. Adoption is hard for all involved, but it is also such a beautiful process as well.
We have already seen God working in our journey. We have seen walls broken down, people placed in our lives, and friends and family come together with such joy! We are truly blessed to be on this journey, and it will change not only our lives, but many lives around us as well.
As you think of us and look at the bows we have chosen, would you please join us in praying? Please pray for the expectant mom. Pray for her to have peace in her decision, a calmness in her heart only God can provide. Pray for the baby to grow in the healthiest environment possible, and to adjust well. Pray for us as we continue to prepare our hearts as we await the arrival of our baby. Pray for our children to adjust well and love unconditionally their sibling. Pray for God to prepare people for our future, people who will guide us when we need assistance.
We are also so excited and anxious to share our life with the addition to our family. We can’t wait to meet our baby. We already love our child so much. We pray for him or her daily.
We thank you so much for your support. Thank you so much for allowing us to share our story and for you taking the time to read it. We know we could not do this without the many people in our lives supporting us in the many ways they are.
With much love,
The Dyers
Kathleen again: Wow! What a great purpose statement. The Dyers seem like such a great family and hopefully this month’s sales will really help them out. Take a look at their bows and follow the link to shop for a cause!
