Month Five Update: Joy in the Waiting
It is hard to believe that we are now five months into our adoption journey. When we first began, we knew there would be seasons of paperwork, fundraising, and waiting, but what we did not fully grasp was how deeply we would see God’s hand at work every step of the way.
Be the Village Fundraiser
This summer, we hosted our Be the Village fundraiser, and we are still overwhelmed with gratitude. Seeing our family and friends proudly wearing their Be the Village t-shirts has been one of the sweetest reminders that we are not walking this path alone.
Matching Grants and God’s Provision
In June, we applied for two matching grants. By July and August, we learned that we had received both.
With the first grant, God moved so quickly. Within just a few days, thanks to the generosity of family members, the grant was fully funded.
Later, with the second grant, which was a smaller one, we did not even publicly announce it, yet friends, co-workers, and loved ones stepped in. Within weeks, it too was fully funded.
We could not be more thankful for everyone who gave to make sure we could maximize those matching gifts.
The Third Grant — An Answered Prayer
Last week brought one of the sweetest surprises. As I pulled into the driveway after picking up the boys from school, I checked the mail and almost tossed what looked like junk. Instead, I opened it, and inside was the decision letter from the third grant we had applied for back in June. It truly felt like an answered prayer and a gentle reminder that God continues to provide exactly what we need, when we need it.
We applied for three grants, never expecting to receive any, and here we stand today, humbled and in awe of how God has provided so faithfully.
Expanding Our Journey
We also have a small but exciting update to share. We recently decided to add Evermore Adoption Consultants to our journey. We are still joyfully working with Covenant Care Services and are so thankful for their continued partnership and support. Covenant has walked alongside us with such care and guidance, and we love everything they represent.
By adding Evermore, we are simply expanding our reach and creating more opportunities to connect with potential adoption situations across the country. As we open this new chapter, it also means we will continue to save and prepare for the next stages of this process. Adoption can look different when connecting beyond your home state, but we are fully trusting God to continue to provide just as He has every step so far.
For those who are not in Georgia and cannot work directly with Covenant Care, or for those exploring the idea of working with a consultant, Evermore Adoption Consultants has already been such a blessing. The resources, education, and encouragement they provide have been an incredible addition to this process, and we are thankful for how God continues to guide our steps.
The Waiting Season
As we enter our sixth month of waiting, I will be honest. The planner in me sometimes wrestles with questions. I find myself praying, “Lord, if this is still Your will, please confirm it for us.” And without fail, He has. That letter last week was just one more reminder that He is faithful and that this journey is firmly in His hands.
Josh has been steady and encouraging throughout, always reminding me that this is God’s timing, not ours.
Life in the Meantime
One of our favorite things to do over the last few months has been thrift shopping for baby. Whether it is a random onesie the boys pick out and proudly declare, “This is for the future baby,” or a marketplace find like a car seat or stroller, these small things have become little happies that we can collect over time. They not only help us prepare for the day we bring a baby home, but they also bring joy into the waiting. The boys especially have enjoyed helping pick out these items, and it has been a sweet way for them to feel connected to this journey.
This season has also brought a few special adventures. We were able to take a trip to California to visit my brother, and the boys and my parents tagged along on a work trip for the very first time. It was their first time on the West Coast, and it was such a fun and memorable experience. Getting to blend a bit of work and family time, while visiting loved ones, made it an extra special trip that we will all remember for years to come.
Soccer season is also in full swing at the Dale house. Josh is coaching Ezra’s team, and Zeke is thriving on a new team he absolutely loves. Watching both boys’ confidence grow has been incredible, especially remembering those early days when we had to beg them onto the field. Now they beg to play daily.
On the home front, we are knee-deep in spelling words, enjoying our church family, and balancing work and side jobs. God has provided through those means as well, for which we are deeply grateful.
Encouragement from Our Village
What has meant so much in this season are the unexpected encouragements, whether a random text, a phone call, or a co-worker in a meeting sharing that they are praying for us. Whether you bought a t-shirt, gave toward a grant, or simply prayed, please know that we feel it, and it has carried us.
Our Prayer Request
As we continue, we ask that you join us in prayer not just for us, but for our birth mom and birth family. Whether our future child is already created or not yet, we pray God’s peace, comfort, and provision over them daily.
We know this journey is not just about welcoming a child into our home, but also about welcoming and honoring the birth family. If they are open, we want to be a part of their village too.
Closing Thoughts
Five months in, we are humbled, thankful, and hopeful. God has provided beyond what we imagined, and we continue to trust Him with the timing of the rest of the story.
If you are walking an adoption journey yourself, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would love to share more about the grants and organizations that have blessed us so greatly. And if adoption is simply close to your heart, we encourage you to consider supporting these organizations as well. They are truly life-changing.
We are so grateful you are part of our story.