Can't say that I'm almost caught up on my to-do list. I don't think I ever will be! I am of the persuasion that by the time I start to feel like I have things under control, I will simply acquire new ambitions to keep me on my toes! So.....when I think I might be taking on more than I can handle, I must simply stretch my abilities to accommodate! Ha! I can do all things through Him who gives me strength!
So that was just my own little pep talk.
We are getting ready to go to Abbotsford for our second and last education seminar for our home study. I won't pretend that it is effortless to make the arrangements necessary to take a trip like this. The kids will spend the time in Kamloops with family with the exception of Eden. She has a zone tournament for basketball and needs to have a sleepover with someone from her team Tuesday night. I ought to call a few of our city friends and find a spot to sleep while in Abbotsford. I will still need to find someone to stop by the house to check up on my farmy animals, though they will have adequate food and water for the duration. So glad my cow doesn't need to be milked yet! That would ad an unusual complication! Sigh.
Once we have finished this step, we can complete the rest of the home study from home, aside from a few trips to Prince George.
I think that I am a home body, for the most part. I could embrace a lifestyle of puttering around the yard/farm, playing with my children, cultivating our family, making cheese and cookies. At least that is, I like to stay home when we are not out chasing a family adventure or spending time with friends, or pursuing the kingdom of God in the ends of the earth! I guess that makes me a delinquent home body. I am one big contradiction, ha!
Never the less, I have peace. Life is not boring and I am blessed.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
In vitro?
What I can say today is that God is faithful to complete a good work in me! I am challenged every day with the question of God's will. Is it really God's will for us to adopt embryos? Is it just my will backed by determination and stubbornness? I know that sometimes the people close to us form an opinion on the answer. We obviously have a certain assurance, but sometimes I am discouraged by other peoples' opinions.
Having said that, I want to bring up an area that for some may also be a topic of opinion and judgement. In vitro means "in glass." It is the fertilization of an egg in a lab, the process of conception with the help of a specialist; performed in the event that conception cannot or has not taken place due to infertility. I have not experienced infertility in my lifetime and though I have recently read a lot about the physical and emotional causes and effects of infertility, I will never fully understand. For this reason, I do not feel qualified to have much of an opinion on the viability of choosing in vitro as an option to having a child. I do know that it is a big deal. I do know that if I were faced with infertility, I would be compelled to consider in vitro. I don't know what I would do, but I'd like to believe that I would make the right decision.
Let me talk about in vitro for a minute; and please, if you know someone considering it at this time, pray for them. Pray for wisdom, that God will help them to make the right choices along the way. Life begins at conception. Psalm 139:13-16. Every genetic detail is determined at conception. In the case of in vitro, conception takes place in a glass dish in the lab. At this time I do not advocate for or against in vitro, but let's be clear that we are talking about human beings at their unique moment of conception. When we think about families choosing in vitro, let's remember that they are facing infertility; Pray that they are strong enough to make the most ethical decisions possible.
My thoughts on in vitro are limited to my scope of understanding. I do know that God is love, that He created us in His image and that His grace is sufficient; sufficient for those facing infertility, for embryos conceived but not born, and for those of us who need to focus on God's love when we consider these situations.
For today, I have faith in God's workmanship. He is the potter and I am the clay. Today I may be a lump, but He is working on a masterpiece! May I also have eyes to see the masterpiece in you!
Having said that, I want to bring up an area that for some may also be a topic of opinion and judgement. In vitro means "in glass." It is the fertilization of an egg in a lab, the process of conception with the help of a specialist; performed in the event that conception cannot or has not taken place due to infertility. I have not experienced infertility in my lifetime and though I have recently read a lot about the physical and emotional causes and effects of infertility, I will never fully understand. For this reason, I do not feel qualified to have much of an opinion on the viability of choosing in vitro as an option to having a child. I do know that it is a big deal. I do know that if I were faced with infertility, I would be compelled to consider in vitro. I don't know what I would do, but I'd like to believe that I would make the right decision.
Let me talk about in vitro for a minute; and please, if you know someone considering it at this time, pray for them. Pray for wisdom, that God will help them to make the right choices along the way. Life begins at conception. Psalm 139:13-16. Every genetic detail is determined at conception. In the case of in vitro, conception takes place in a glass dish in the lab. At this time I do not advocate for or against in vitro, but let's be clear that we are talking about human beings at their unique moment of conception. When we think about families choosing in vitro, let's remember that they are facing infertility; Pray that they are strong enough to make the most ethical decisions possible.
My thoughts on in vitro are limited to my scope of understanding. I do know that God is love, that He created us in His image and that His grace is sufficient; sufficient for those facing infertility, for embryos conceived but not born, and for those of us who need to focus on God's love when we consider these situations.
For today, I have faith in God's workmanship. He is the potter and I am the clay. Today I may be a lump, but He is working on a masterpiece! May I also have eyes to see the masterpiece in you!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Just some thoughts
I am generally think of myself as a short term kinda person. I prefer projects that have quick results. I love the idea of quilting but I lack the dedication that it takes to complete the masterpiece. I prefer to start something that I can finish in one or two sittings before I loose interest or the inspiration fades to the point that it becomes a monotonous chore!
On the other hand, I have committed to a lifetime of marriage to my amazing husband and when I think about that time frame, I am happy and blessed to walk that out. I already have five great and quirky kids to whom I am fully committed to loving and nurturing as they grow into adults and beyond. I love developing relationships with people and growing into deeper and more meaningful friendships year after year.
Relationships take dedication and prayer. If I aproached adoption like a hobby, I would have given it up a long time ago! I know that God has planted this seed deep in our hearts because as we perservere, our committment to our future children is renewed as we move forward past each obstacle.
I remember when my sister, Rebekah, was adopting from Sierra Leone. The country wasn't even open to foreign adoption at the time but they moved forward in prayer. As they walked it out, God opened the door and they walked through it. She said to me that adopting was like an extremely long pregnancy. You have conceived a child in your heart, you fill out all the paperwork and do a homestudy in preparation and with expectation that you will hold that child in your arms. At the time I thought that I could never wait so long, but God is faithful to give us the strength we need to walk out what He asks of us.
So I will wait on the Lord and He will renew my strength.
On the other hand, I have committed to a lifetime of marriage to my amazing husband and when I think about that time frame, I am happy and blessed to walk that out. I already have five great and quirky kids to whom I am fully committed to loving and nurturing as they grow into adults and beyond. I love developing relationships with people and growing into deeper and more meaningful friendships year after year.
Relationships take dedication and prayer. If I aproached adoption like a hobby, I would have given it up a long time ago! I know that God has planted this seed deep in our hearts because as we perservere, our committment to our future children is renewed as we move forward past each obstacle.
I remember when my sister, Rebekah, was adopting from Sierra Leone. The country wasn't even open to foreign adoption at the time but they moved forward in prayer. As they walked it out, God opened the door and they walked through it. She said to me that adopting was like an extremely long pregnancy. You have conceived a child in your heart, you fill out all the paperwork and do a homestudy in preparation and with expectation that you will hold that child in your arms. At the time I thought that I could never wait so long, but God is faithful to give us the strength we need to walk out what He asks of us.
So I will wait on the Lord and He will renew my strength.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Paperwork!
So now it's time for the hardest part; miles and miles of paperwork!
Our trip to Hope Adoption Services in Abbotsford went well. We enjoyed meeting the staff, many of whom I have spoken to on the phone and communicated with via email for more than a year already. It was so nice to get to know them in person.
Everyone at Hope has a personal connection to the life changing experience of adopting. They are so real about the joys and challenges involved in the process. Steve and I both felt like we became part of an adoption family.
We were there for the Process Plus course, the first of two educational requirements for adoption. It was a one day course and it covered the 3 basic steps in adoption; the home study, the application to another country and the process of immigration to bring your child home. (For us, only the first step is relevant, then we will switch over to the embryo adoption agency and fertility clinic for the remaining process.) We also heard testimony and teaching about the grief and loss associated with adoption; sometimes for adoptive parents who are unable to have children and always for an adoptee who experiences some level of rejection, loss and questions about their identity. We were also given lots of articles on adoption related topics like grief and loss, appropriate adoption language and infertility. I will just say that my eyes have truly been open in areas that I did not expect.
We have couples in our lives who have been unable to conceive or unable to carry a baby to term; both in close relationships and those more distant. I have always felt that I am least able to relate or support them because I have always taken my own fertility for granted. I have been caught up in the dilemma of wondering what to say to people who have a personal struggle in the area of infertility. I have grieved for them in my own way, praying fervently and deeply on many occasions. It never occurred to me to learn about the things that they may be experiencing. I never thought that I could educate myself by reading other peoples stories, by learning about the emotional needs of a couple going through infertility. I only wish that I had done this sooner; though I will never fully understand, I have a new respect and deeper love. I would urge anyone who has friends or family experiencing infertility: read something, be committed to learning as much as you can, and never underestimate the significance that infertility may have in their daily lives! May this be a growing awareness in my life!
Now that we are home again, the mountain of paperwork looms above my head. I have many forms to fill out and checklists to monitor my progress. It is a blessing that the process is clearly laid out and can be completed one step at a time.
The next step for us is to attend the Parenting Plus course February 23-25. In the meantime, I am challenged personally to do everything as unto the Lord! Daily life has so many opportunities to grow as a wife and a mother. I must not get so caught up in adopting that I loose sight of the whole purpose and that is to serve God and my family from day to day.
If it is in your heart to adopt someday, start praying about it now! There are so many things to consider and God is faithful to work out the details!
Blessings!
Our trip to Hope Adoption Services in Abbotsford went well. We enjoyed meeting the staff, many of whom I have spoken to on the phone and communicated with via email for more than a year already. It was so nice to get to know them in person.
Everyone at Hope has a personal connection to the life changing experience of adopting. They are so real about the joys and challenges involved in the process. Steve and I both felt like we became part of an adoption family.
We were there for the Process Plus course, the first of two educational requirements for adoption. It was a one day course and it covered the 3 basic steps in adoption; the home study, the application to another country and the process of immigration to bring your child home. (For us, only the first step is relevant, then we will switch over to the embryo adoption agency and fertility clinic for the remaining process.) We also heard testimony and teaching about the grief and loss associated with adoption; sometimes for adoptive parents who are unable to have children and always for an adoptee who experiences some level of rejection, loss and questions about their identity. We were also given lots of articles on adoption related topics like grief and loss, appropriate adoption language and infertility. I will just say that my eyes have truly been open in areas that I did not expect.
We have couples in our lives who have been unable to conceive or unable to carry a baby to term; both in close relationships and those more distant. I have always felt that I am least able to relate or support them because I have always taken my own fertility for granted. I have been caught up in the dilemma of wondering what to say to people who have a personal struggle in the area of infertility. I have grieved for them in my own way, praying fervently and deeply on many occasions. It never occurred to me to learn about the things that they may be experiencing. I never thought that I could educate myself by reading other peoples stories, by learning about the emotional needs of a couple going through infertility. I only wish that I had done this sooner; though I will never fully understand, I have a new respect and deeper love. I would urge anyone who has friends or family experiencing infertility: read something, be committed to learning as much as you can, and never underestimate the significance that infertility may have in their daily lives! May this be a growing awareness in my life!
Now that we are home again, the mountain of paperwork looms above my head. I have many forms to fill out and checklists to monitor my progress. It is a blessing that the process is clearly laid out and can be completed one step at a time.
The next step for us is to attend the Parenting Plus course February 23-25. In the meantime, I am challenged personally to do everything as unto the Lord! Daily life has so many opportunities to grow as a wife and a mother. I must not get so caught up in adopting that I loose sight of the whole purpose and that is to serve God and my family from day to day.
If it is in your heart to adopt someday, start praying about it now! There are so many things to consider and God is faithful to work out the details!
Blessings!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Update
This last month has been a typical holiday season. Very busy and rich in family blessings! Though I haven't had anytime to record my thoughts, I have had many great conversations with friends and family. Thank you everyone for all of your support.
Tomorrow Steve and I are driving to Abbotsford to attend our first adoption course at Hope Addoption Services. We will have one more course to take and that will begin our homestudy. I am looking forward to setting things in motion! I am excited to meet the staff at Hope, I have spoken to many of them on the phone in the past year and it always nice to put a face with a name. Of course this is a very personal journey and it will be nice to get to know some new people along the way.
I am very excited to blog more in the next month! There are several topics stirring in my heart and I am looking forward to sharing!
For now I must go and prepare my family for the days ahead. Please pray for us as we travel.
Blessings.
Tomorrow Steve and I are driving to Abbotsford to attend our first adoption course at Hope Addoption Services. We will have one more course to take and that will begin our homestudy. I am looking forward to setting things in motion! I am excited to meet the staff at Hope, I have spoken to many of them on the phone in the past year and it always nice to put a face with a name. Of course this is a very personal journey and it will be nice to get to know some new people along the way.
I am very excited to blog more in the next month! There are several topics stirring in my heart and I am looking forward to sharing!
For now I must go and prepare my family for the days ahead. Please pray for us as we travel.
Blessings.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Time for Action
Today is our Anniversary; seven fantastic years. By fantastic, of course I mean that to include average ups and downs. The most valuable tool in keeping our marriage healthy and happy has been prayer. Steve and I pray together often. It is usually the first place we turn when we are having trouble and we pray about many decisions we make big and small. We often ask each other for prayer when we are facing trials whether they are physical, spiritual or emotional. I would confidently say that prayer has not only drawn us closer to God, but to each other as well.
Thank you, God for giving me such a wonderful husband.
If you are familiar that my blog is primarily about embryo adoption, you may wonder what this post has to do with the subject. Well, as our major decisions start with prayer, we have been in prayer about adopting embryos for many months now and we feel that is is time to take the next step in our journey to adopt embryos. Early in the New Year, Steve and I will be travelling to Abbotsford to take two courses on adoption through Hope Adoption Services. These courses are the educational component of our home study and the first step in the process.
I am very excited about this news! God has been teaching me a lot these past years about waiting on Him, but those of you who know me well, know that I prefer action! It is time for us to take action! *happy sigh*
We welcome your prayers for the discipline to budget our money for the courses and for safe travels as we go.
I'd like to thank those of you who have stood by us on this journey. I will keep you up to date on our plans as they develop.
On this day, my anniversary, I wish you all happiness in your marriages and I encourage you to pray together and for each other!
Thank you, God for giving me such a wonderful husband.
If you are familiar that my blog is primarily about embryo adoption, you may wonder what this post has to do with the subject. Well, as our major decisions start with prayer, we have been in prayer about adopting embryos for many months now and we feel that is is time to take the next step in our journey to adopt embryos. Early in the New Year, Steve and I will be travelling to Abbotsford to take two courses on adoption through Hope Adoption Services. These courses are the educational component of our home study and the first step in the process.
I am very excited about this news! God has been teaching me a lot these past years about waiting on Him, but those of you who know me well, know that I prefer action! It is time for us to take action! *happy sigh*
We welcome your prayers for the discipline to budget our money for the courses and for safe travels as we go.
I'd like to thank those of you who have stood by us on this journey. I will keep you up to date on our plans as they develop.
On this day, my anniversary, I wish you all happiness in your marriages and I encourage you to pray together and for each other!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Moving Forward
It can be overwhelming to think about 200,000 frozen embryos in Canada with determination to help bring them to life. I will continue to talk about it, blog about it, write emails, make phone calls and pray that God moves in the hearts of his people to get involved.
I hope to see Christian adoption agencies including embryo adoption in their services. I pray that Christian families will consider adopting embryos not only in situations of infertility, but also in consideration of the forgotten orphans of Canada. My prayer for Canada is for unborn babies to have rights as human beings, both to end abortion and to make policies to protect embryos in cryopreservation.
I hope to see Christian adoption agencies including embryo adoption in their services. I pray that Christian families will consider adopting embryos not only in situations of infertility, but also in consideration of the forgotten orphans of Canada. My prayer for Canada is for unborn babies to have rights as human beings, both to end abortion and to make policies to protect embryos in cryopreservation.
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