To all the waiting mommies

I have been privileged enough this past year and a bit to follow the blogs of some amazing women who are adopting little girls from China. I didn't know much about the process but have learned a ton through their blogs. For those of you who don't know, over the past two years the process to get your daughter has slowed down to an agonizing wait. These moms don't know when their girls are finally coming home, but each month the wait seems to get a little longer. Once again, this month, it really wasn't good news.

So, for all of you waiting, Dawn, Catherine, Janet, and countless others whose blogs I do not read or I would never get anything done, this post is a thank-you from me to you.

Thank-you for educating me on the process of adoption and opening my eyes to a whole world I knew existed but knew nothing about. You guys have even got me reading rumour queen and I too hate this "time of the month". This education has come in handy because we had a new family in our church and she was telling me that they were adopting their second child from China. Apparently it is weird to have someone who is not adopting from China ask you when your LID is. I have been able to pray and converse more intelligently with Michelle so thank-you for that.

Thank-you for reminding me what a blessing my own kids are. You love someone who you haven't even met yet with such a deep steadfast love it helps me remember that my blessings are already here to hug and to hold. I have learned to be extra thankful for my kids due to your example.

Thank-you for reminding me to be joyful always. Even when you guys are hurting and you are truthful about it, there is such an optimism in your posts, it is quite contagious. You may not always feel joyful, but a sense of hope permeates your writing even at the end of every month.

Thank-you for being real. When you are hurt, you share and it helps those of us who are praying for you, (and we are) know what things to talk to the Father about when maybe you guys can't.

I know this month really stinks and I am certain that many of you are headed to DQ or the freezer as soon as possible, but can I make an alternate suggestion, kick a cat! (all you cat lovers may want to skip this paragraph.) Really, I think that is why God put them on earth to poop in my garden and then be a convenient outage for frustrated waiting momma's.

I know the road is long, but there are so many of us on the sidelines cheering for you! Don't give up, soon (and I mean this in light of eternity cause it doesn't look soon any other way) Hannah, Beth and Annaliese will be home with their mommies!