It’s hard to put into words the ups and downs of the adoption process. I had an Instagram post all typed up to ask for prayer (which we still need, but more on that in a sec), but then we got a phone call with some wonderful news! So, now, I’ve got a prayer request AND a praise for ya, and all of this is a little too long for an Instagram post, so here we are on the blog!
First, please pray we receive CARA approval (initial approval from India) soon. The average wait time is 12 weeks, & we hit the 12 week mark on Monday. It’s such a strange feeling knowing we have a daughter on the other side of the world whom we don’t know yet, but the Father does. One thing that’s been so obvious to me in this time of silence is how much we must depend on God’s timing in all of this. In my pregnancies with the boys, Hunter came right on his due date, and Isaac was a scheduled c-section. This adoption timeline is much more “up in the air”. God is using this unknown timeline to remind me HE is the one in control of all things, not me! We know and trust his timing is perfect. However, there are times when I check the time in Delhi and wonder if they’re reviewing our file. At different moments in my day, I wonder if that’ll be when my phone will ring with the exciting news. We aren’t anxious about the approval in regards that we won’t get it; we’re more just excited and ready. We need this approval before moving on to the next step, which is the matching phase where we’ll be matched with our daughter! So, friends, we’d be so grateful if you’d pray CARA approval will come quickly. Also, please pray we’ll glorify the Lord in this time of waiting. We want to have hearts and attitudes that please him. Our agency has encouraged us to use this time as intentional preparation for our hearts and homes for our growing family, so we intend to do just that! We know God’s timing is perfect, and I can’t wait to be able to look back on this story he’s writing.
Now, for the PRAISE! After spending an awesome day at the zoo with friends, my phone rang with some exciting news. We spent countless hours filling out grant paperwork, and on Wednesday, Lifesong for Orphans called to tell us received one! They’re blessing us with a matching grant of $3000 funded through Josiah’s adoption fund! Yall!! I was floored. I had to repeat that number back to the wonderful lady on the phone to be sure I wasn’t hearing things. The timing of this grant was such a reminder of God’s faithfulness and perfect timing. We’re right in the middle of our Egg My Yard fundraiser, so we can put every dollar raised through that toward our matching grant! We feel so undeserving, but this is going to help us so much. God is reminding us over and over again the cost of adoption is not too big for him!
Every dollar given to our adoption up to $3000 will be matched. If you feel led, here’s how you can get involved:
- Participate in our Egg My Yard fundraiser. Every dollar we raise through this can go toward our matching grant. The last day to order is 4/11! Click here to order.
- Donate through our MyStory page.
- Write a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo, please note “Family Account #- 8326” and “Family Name, Pattillo” to ensure it goes to the correct account. Checks can be mailed to Lifesong for Orphans PO Box 40 Gridley, IL 61744.
Lifesong for Orphans is a non-profit organization, so donations (not including fundraising proceeds) are tax deductible. For individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more, Lifesong will send a tax-deductible receipt. For donations of $50 or less, Lifesong will happily send a receipt upon request.
What a week it’s been! It’s been a wonderful, restful spring break. I’ve ditched my to-do lists, and the boys and I spent our days at the library, zoo, and making fun snacks. God knows just what his children need, doesn’t he? Friends, we’re forever grateful you’re journeying with us through this. We literally cannot say “thank you” enough. The Lord’s faithfulness is great!
diariesofadaughter.com 
I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you so much!