This week we got an email stating that our home study is being pushed back to sometime this summer. As you can imagine, we are a bit disappointed by this news. Originally, our home study was estimated to happen in April, with a potential for it being slightly sooner or slightly later.

When we got this week’s email, we were surprised to see it delayed so far out. This will put us at about 9-10 months, rather than the originally estimated 6 months. And, while the count of months doesn’t really matter in the grand story God is working on in this process, it does give perspective as to how long these waiting periods can be.

Throughout this entire process, we have had immense peace. Patience has come pretty easily, and we have been able to just be present in the waiting period. However, with this update, we are experiencing some impatience and a lot of wondering as to why there is a delay. We keep praying, and spending time reminding ourselves that this is all a part of God’s plan- His timing, His Will, His plan.

This leaves us in a place where, mentally, we know and agree that God has got this. We know that things are working out just as they need to, but our hearts and emotions are full of longing and a desire for forward movement. It’s starting to feel really tough, and we know there is nothing within our control that we can do about it. That makes it even harder.

Our desire with this blog is to be entirely transparent through this process because it won’t be all rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes that includes being honest about how you can love us well during it. So if we may…

We’d love your help in holding our emotions gently! If you’re curious about our process, consider asking us questions that spark hope, or that are about the adoption process in general. While we have appreciated the “how is it going?” question, and the conversations it has sparked, it’s been hard not having anything new to share. Your hope-filled questions and/or questions about the general process adoption will spark more joy in us than asking about our specific process right now while we wait a bit longer.

We’ve appreciated the outpouring of support, care, prayer, and love as we’ve walked this journey so far. This is just the first of what could be many little bumps in the road, and it is extremely comforting knowing that we aren’t doing it all alone.

Here are our prayers:

  • For an increase in patience and peace.
  • For continued connectedness in our marriage as we both feel our own emotions and care for each other’s.
  • For expectant parents deciding between an adoption or parenting plan.
  • For New Life as they walk with expectant parents and their families.

We appreciate you, and love you greatly! -Bethany and Phil