one year

Today marks one year officially waiting for our Henry. I honestly never dreamed we'd be here. With paremeters a bit wider than most on the waitlist, and given that we were told 8-12 months, I was sure our little man would be home by now. Or at the very least we'd be preparing to travel to meet him. I am without a doubt confident in the Lord's timing. I know He is control and when we finally see his sweet little face it will be worth every minute and tear in this wait. But I'd be lying if I told you this was easy, or that I haven't had angry words or even questioned the path we're on. We've put a lot on hold in the past two years in preparation for our son. We've done lots of planning and re-arranging of our home and our lives in anticipation of the next Poulin. And yes, at times it's been all consuming. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. In fact, there's proably not an hour that passes without at least a fleeting thought. But here's the good stuff that comes with the hard stuff and the wait....I've had the privledge to pray for so many families as they wait, travel and meet their precious new additions. We've welcomed new little ones home at the airport with families that will be our friends for life. We've celebrated at baby showers and referral parties and over doughnuts and lots of coffee for the lives that have been united in this process. It is good. God is GOOD!! Time after time I see how He orchestrates the details so perfectly. Maybe not as we would, but so much better. Isn't that always how He works? We have watched our children grow and mature in their faith as they daily bring their requests before the Lord, always including their brother. But not just their brother, other brothers and sisters that are waiting and for all little ones out there longing and hurting for a family. God has grown a deep desire in my heart to help and advocate for the orphan. I am prayerful about how He wants to lead knowing I will be obedient to however He calls me and our family.

We have hearts filled with gratitude for the blessings and miracles we've experienced along this journey. We are so thankful for our friends, family and those who have sacrificed to help us. I've decided the hardest part about the wait isn't the length of time, it's the not knowing when that time will be up. We are hopeful that next year on this anniversary we'll be sending out our 2012 Christmas card with a very loved and very special little addition on the front smiling back at ya!