The Climb

As I sit down to write again, I marvel at the amazing journey we have walked so far. In just a little over 5 months we have applied for adoption, attended 24 hours of training, had our home inspected 3 times, completed 4 interviews, completed a stack of paperwork, and completed our home visit. It all seems to have gone pretty quickly and we have emerged from the mound of paperwork and procedures relatively unscathed. As a type-A personality, I have enjoyed the challenge of completing the requirements. This process gave me a goal to reach and achieve. I think now is the hardest part of the trip. It is almost like reaching base camp. This stage of the climb is a challenge in itself, but the most arduous part of the journey lies ahead. Unlike those climbers, we cannot rely on our own strength and skill to reach the summit. We know where we are going, but we don't know how long it will take to get there. God has been so faithful to see us through to this point. Along the way, I have learned that I can't control much about this process. His timing is perfect. Now that my efforts are exhausted and Shane and I have met the requirements, we must wait.
Wait. What does it mean to wait? It means that we must trust that God and His plans for us are good, no matter the frustration and anticipation. It means that we learn the lessons He is teaching us along the way. At some point we will reach the top and view the beauty of the path we have traveled, but it may not be this side of heaven. Pray for Shane and I as we lace up our boots!