It was a snowy November day, two years ago—much like today. We invited our friends and photographers, Drew and Alyssa, to come and capture the special occasion.

For months and months we anticipated this moment, when Strong One would officially become part of our family. In our eyes and hearts he was already a part of our family but the court deemed it official on November 26th.

We celebrated.

I felt like I’d been holding my breath for years and I could finally fully exhale.

 

Adoption has stretched and shaped us in surprising, wonderful and challenging ways. It is not easy but it is worth it. Strong One is worth it.

Every waiting moment, every cost, every heartbreak was worth it.

Today, we give thanks. We give gratitude to God for answering our prayers. We honor Strong One’s birthmother who carried him to term (and then some) and made the hardest decision of her life by placing him in our arms. We celebrate our family of six today and know that we are here only by His Grace.

Extending Thanks

Out of our gratitude for God’s miracle in bringing Strong One to us and us to him, we started Extension 26. We want to keep giving thanks by investing in others who are adopting, extending, and uplifting others for His glory.

That is why once a month we showcase a different minister to pray for, give to and encourage.

Here are this year’s recipients:

2015
January: Support for the Sick
February: Global Orphan Care Fund
March: Work of Worth
April: Open Air Campaigners
May: Coming Alive Ministries (Nepal)
June: Mullen Family Adoption
July: Pregnancy Support Center (Taiwan)
August: Hopewell Ranch
September: Refugees
October: REACH trip to Cambodia
November: Mercy House & Fair Trade Friday Club
December: Fashion & Compassion 

Would you take a moment to prayer for these organizations as they extend themselves on behalf of Christ and others?

In case you missed it, on Tuesday, we highlighted Mercy House and Fair Trade Friday. I loved this quote from Mercy House Founder, Kristen Welch:

We had no idea what God was going to do, we just stepped out and said yes.” -Kristen Welch

• Is God asking you to take a leap of faith this season?
• Will you say “yes” even when you don’t know how the next chapter will end?
• Will you follow the steps of Jesus and do the will of the Father as He leads?

Being a child of God is not always easy but it is a privilege that He extends to all those who are willing to receive Him. As we give thanks, and then look expectantly to Christmas, let’s get ready to receive our King with a willing heart and a grateful attitude.

Let’s extend ourselves on behalf of Someone much greater than ourselves this season.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Adopting Hope

To read more adoption reflections from this mama’s heart, see the following posts:

The 28th Day

Going There With Him

Happy Father’s Day (To A Father I Do Not Know)

Hope Deferred (via Lifelines Magazine)

More Than Just a Face in the Crowd

Mourning Turns To Songs of Praise

My Son Has Two Mothers

When Your “No” is Someone Else’s “Yes”

You Belong Here