Learning to be Patient

Through this journey, God is teaching us, probably me more so than Dean, an important lesson in patience.  The Monday before Thanksgiving we met with our Social Worker to review the write up of her assessment for our home study.  We reviewed the home study assessment and now it will be sent to the State for approval.  We are learning that we need to change or rather not have any expectations as to time frames.  The reason being, the home study we thought would take about 4 weeks for completion took over 3 months and counting.   I keep questioning why this piece has taken so long and what could have been done differently to speed the process up, but then I feel God whispering that I need to have patience.  I am finding that patience is not one of my strong points. I struggle with this. I am a person who likes to be in control of situations and God is teaching me that HE is in control not ME.  I need to understand that He has a reason why things take longer than expected.  That it could be our child isn’t born yet or that he is using this time to prepare us for all the patience we will need with children!   The next process we are about to start is gathering all of our paperwork and documentation for our dossier.  I had a meeting with our dossier specialist this past week so now we will start the paperwork hunt.  I am positive I will have a chance to exercise patience with this process as well.

Thanksgiving Day this year was a gorgeous day; it was close to 70 degrees!  Given the weather it felt more like Labor Day than Thanksgiving.  Since both of our families are in town we had 2 turkey dinners to attend…the second one I think we rolled to!  Both dinners were delicious and it was great to spend time with family.  We were able to see my nieces who we hadn’t seen since June and of course they are still adorable and growing so fast. 

I am so THANKFUL for my Savior who was sacrificed for my sins and who loves me and has forgiven me.  I am so THANKFUL that I live in a country that allows us to worship freely. 

I am so THANKFUL for my parents who love me unconditionally, provided for me and are always there for me when I need them. 

I am so THANKFUL for my best friend and husband who loves me when I may be unlovable, keeps me grounded and shares the same passions in life. 

I am so THANKFUL for all my other family members who love and support me and who make me laugh. 

I am so THANKFUL for all the friends God has blessed me with that each of them are true friends who would do anything for you. 

I am so THANKFUL for my job (although it can make me want to pull my hair out every day).  I so THANKFUL for my home, that it is warm, homey, provides a place to eat and sleep.  I am so THANKFUL for so much, God has richly blessed our lives and totally don’t deserve it.  I am so THANKFUL that God has broken our hearts for the orphans of the world and I am HOPEFUL that maybe at this time next year (God willing) we might be united with our child.