Every Bitter Thing is Sweet

While I cannot claim any creative genius for the title of this blog post (it's the title of yet another AWESOME adoption blog!  The link is below so check it out.), the words have resonated with me ever since the blog was shared with me.

At the beginning of our journey, it was very easy to become bitter because of what we couldn't have and because of the struggles we were going through.  Now, although not completely, it's easier to focus on those sweet parts of the journey...learning more about the adoption process, meeting other adoptive families, sharing our story, preparing for Baby D.  Our minds aren't focused on the "can't haves" or "never will happens", but they're focused on our ability to provide a forever family to a child that needs one.  If you've ever eaten a Sour Patch Kid, you'll know what I mean when I say it's the sweetness in the middle after sucking all of the bitter off.

Updates/Prayer Requests:
1. Sam and I are still awaiting the arrival of our approved home study report.  The agency said 2-3 weeks.  It's been 5 weeks since our interview.  I, more than Sam, am finding it very hard to be patient.

2. Our adoption profile has been complete and published.  This will be shared with the agency and potential birth families once we join the networking program in January.

3. We still have about $10,000 to go in order to meet the amount required to complete the adoption.  Sam and I are writing grants through 3 adoption aid non-profits.  They are: Show Hope, The Gift of Adoption Fund, and Help Us Adopt.  Their websites are below.  There are many other agencies like these available to help with both domestic and international adoptions.  Check them out!

You can also help our fundraising efforts by visiting our fundraising page:  http://www.gofundme.com/3kmk6s

Show Hope: www.showhope.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund: www.giftofadoption.org
Help Us Adopt: www.helpusadopt.org

Adoption Blog: Every Bitter Thing is Sweet: www.everybitterthingissweet.com

As we make our way out of the month of November, there are so many things to be grateful for.  The blessings, the joys, and the sweet spots in our lives.  But we should also be thankful for those bitter, sour, struggles, because without them we would not be able to see the beauty made from ashes.