Last night, we finally made the decision to attend our first Gladney Family Association happy hour. We are SO happy we did! We met so many fabulous couples... some forever families and some approved and waiting. We also met a Gladney associate, which was a bonus, as we have not had the opportunity to visit Gladney or meet any of the wonderful folks we work with. All in all - a fabulous event!
Prior to last night, things have been moving along for us at a pretty good pace. Knowing we would not (most likely not) receive a referral call in the first several months, it has been somewhat easy to stay focused on the day-to-day, and here we are, about to reach our 4-month mark : ) Of course, meeting our little one(s) and bringing them into our family is always on our minds, but we have been able to keep the timing in perspective for the most part (I of course have the occasional "hurry up" moment : ) ).
Last night, however, things shifted for us, and now... we feel much more drawn to watch the clock... and the phone! Listening to all of the amazing stories really brought things front and center for us. It allowed us, I think for the first time, to feel genuine excitement... out-loud...openly...with others. Certainly, we were beyond excited about everything prior to last night, but I would say, perhaps a bit more reserved in what we expressed to others, and maybe even ourselves. But last night, it all just came together! We were able to share our story with couples who could relate to and appreciate all that is "our journey." It was awesome!!
Today alone my Internet searches, blog reading, and overall excitement is off the charts!! It's fun and exciting, and Dan and I are so thankful we took that step to join the other Gladney families last night!
Welcome to the wait! We're the family at the top of the list waiting for twins and we too are getting so excited! We have three kiddos and this will be our second adoption... We brought Charlotte home in May 2009 and it has been one of the most amazing faith experiences of our lives! I look forward to following along on your journey!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
j
www.beneaththeacaciatree.com
Hi Chrissy and Dan!
ReplyDeleteI was just blog-hopping, and happened upon yours! So glad I did! It sounds like you are one month further into the wait than we (my husband's name is Jeff) are, and we are going through America World (AWAA), but it is SO NICE to "meet" yet another couple that shares our path to Ethiopia! I look forward to watching your journey to parenthood unfold! :o)
Hi Debb and Jamie! Thanks for visiting our page : ) and for the warm wishes and blessings! We are so thankful we took the slightly intimidating leap into the blog world... and feel so blessed to be "meeting" so many incredible families! Looking forward to following your journeys as well!!
ReplyDeleteChrissy : )
Hi Chrissy! Thanks for your message! We live in Sinking Spring (Reading area) - about 30 miles from King of Prussia. My sisters-in-law both live in/near Philadelphia so we visit there often. I'm so sorry we did not get a chance to go to that happy hour - we would have met then!
ReplyDeleteThe blogging is intimidating isn't it? But I love it - not the best at it, but love it :)
It would be great to meet one day and I look forward to following your story!
Kathleen