Friday, May 23, 2008

Roller Coaster

Well, everybody always says how hard adoption is. Mike and I really didn't think it was that hard, until this past week. We received a call from our agency (AGCI) saying that they thought one of the children we were adopting was older than the age we were given. You are probably thinking "no big deal" but for our family it is. We are open to two children under the age of our oldest child and the agency thinks that this child could be older than our daughter. Mike and I just feel like it is important to keep our oldest child the oldest. So, we are not moving forward with this referral and are back on the "wait list." I know that birth order is not a big deal to some families and that is great.....I wish we were more like that, but we aren't. This was a very hard week for us. We had started getting our home ready for these beautiful children. We love them and they will be on our hearts for a long time. We just feel like we need to stick to the parameters we prayed about in the the beginning of this journey. I know that the children will be placed easily. They will be a great blessing to whoever is referred them!!!

26 comments:

Unknown said...

Michelle,

Your strength and commitment to follow God's will is a sacrifice that will result in another family being blessed beyond measure. I am so weak that I would have caved and kept the referral. I am still praying that your children will be referred to you before we travel so I can take lots of beautiful photos.

Melissa said...

Michelle,

Doing what you think is best for your family is the best decision. Take heart in your choice to stay true to what is important for this step to be the right one. You have my unconditional support and appreciation for such a difficult decision.

I WOULD GATHER CHILDREN said...

I too learned that obeying God's "no" is still obeying.
But it is really hard.
lv,
jen in mi

Jana said...

Michelle,
I do believe you ultimately made the best choice...for your family personally and for those children. And that is how love is demonstrated, you make a hard decision that is difficult for your emotions but ultimately better for all those involved.

Shelly Roberts said...

Thanks for the update!! Praying for you guys as you continue to wait on the Lord to reveal who your children are. Each experience He allows us to go through stretches us and refines us. He will use even this down the road. Will be anxious to keep following your wonderful journey!! Blessings~ Shelly

A Team said...

Michelle...
I am so sorry. I know it has to be so hard! I am proud of you for sticking to what you felt you were suppose to do. God is a BIG GOD and has a plan for your family and for those precious KIDS! HE WILL PROVIDE! and HE ALREADY KNOWS!
Praying for you and waiting with you!
Tracie

Our journey said...

You are following God's will for your family and although it can be very difficult, you are showing a great amount of courage and sacrifice in your obedience to him.

Love and prayers,
Amy

Unknown said...

I am sure this was a very hard decision for you guys. I will be praying for you and for a referral very soon.

Toni W said...

Michelle,
What a difficult decision. We too said we wanted to stay younger than our 2 oldest. You have to do what best for everyone involved. Praying for a new referrel soon.
Toni

nell ann said...

My heart goes out to you during this time of tough decisions and more waiting. Your family is in my prayers!

C said...

YOu have to do whats best for your family, and your children all your children. I agree with sticking with what you prayed about!

I WOULD GATHER CHILDREN said...

Michelle, I also wanted to encourage you and whoever it was that said no to the referral of Aleena's brothers. They were in Washington State. Because they did the hard thing and said no and all because they followed God's Will the boys will now live three miles from our home instead of 35 hours away. Isn't God so cool!
Smiles,
jen in MI

Brian and Autumn said...

Hey Michelle,
Sometimes God brings circumstances to us that we don't understand. In this case, you guys have followed the Lord's leading in the most difficult way - maybe this was a test of your strength to continue on with what you felt God was planning for your family despite the heartache is causes in the present. Your child(ren) will be united with you soon enough and I have no doubt that in that moment you will experience God's perfect plan for your family.
Autumn

The Gresham Clan said...

Michelle,

It really was so wonderful talking to you the other day - thank you for trusting me enough to talk about all of this. I have been continually praying for your family and 100% support your decision! These children will be placed with the family that God has called and your children will be with you in God's perfect timing!! I am proud of you both for truly seeking God in this decision and obeying Him even though it was probably one of the hardest decisions you had to make. He is big and good and will do everything for His good works for those who love Him and I know you love Him. Soooo... I know amazing things will come about from this! Praying for you still...

Kristin

PS I think you're an amazing woman too!

Our Princess said...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. What a tough decision! We looked very seriously into accepting the referral for the infant girl with special needs that came to HH this week. It was THE toughtest decision we've ever faced, but God is the God of peace & is so good to guide us on this journey. My prayers are with you. I'm sure your heart is broken right now.
Karey

Anonymous said...

Oh Michelle!! I am so sorry!! What a rollercoaster!! I know it is so hard! I am a huge believer in birth order. God could have blinded you to this, but He did not. I pray that you have full confidence in your decision and can move forward. Thinking of you!!!

Unknown said...

I just want to let you know that I was thinking about you all day. You are on my prayers and I support your decision 100% .

jules said...

Mike and Michelle,

We know that you prayerfully considered these parameters before you started this process. We are soo proud of you and of course support you in all you do. We can't wait to enjoy the child or children that God will bless you with. Remember He has those which are to be yours and no one elses. We will just wait upon Him for the next step.

We love you guys,
Brian and Julissa

Cindy said...

What a tough call. I hope get good news soon and I hope those sweet children bring another family great joy.
Good Luck!

A Team said...

Thanks for your sweet comment (or was it an e-mail)... my brain is mush.

Thinking of you OH SO OFTEN!

Tracie

Anonymous said...

Michelle,
I was just wondering, what is next for you? Are you back at #1? or how does this work? i hope AGCI was understanding and gracious.

you can e-mail me (only if you want): karen_yates@ca.rr.com

I am praying for you.

Dawn said...

I completely understand the whole birth order thing, I would do the exact same thing. But I can't imagine how hard it is to make that decision. I'll be praying for you and your family!

~Dawn

John and Heather said...

Michelle,
I'm sorry that I haven't touched base with you before now, but I have been praying for your family. I'm sure it has been a let down, but isn't it awesome that we have the Holy Spirit to guide us! God is SO AWESOME and I can't wait to see what He has planned for your family. You will be rewarded for listening to your Maker!! God Bless!

Brian and Autumn said...

YES, new numbers next week. Christy e-mailed her peeps to tell us that she would do monthly phone calls next week. They were just waiting on a couple official acceptances of referrals before making the calls! After 7 weeks of officially being #12 I am really looking forward to something new!

Michelle Riggs said...

I am sorry that your road has been rocky. That would be so tough. I will be praying for your family.

cb4swife said...

I am a little behind in my blog reading...I am sorry to hear about this...I will be praying for you...God Bless Michelle...Luv Shannon