OK party people, we are in the home stretch! Our baby girl is set to be born in just over a week (February 6th) in Georgia and we are beside ourselves in excitement and anticipation - although our levels of excitement and anticipation pale in comparison to our moms, Nana Bear and Gran Jan. Those two...wowsa. Somebody get them a baby!
We wanted to cover a few things as we go into the most crucial portion of this adoption process, some of which are sensitive things that we could use prayer on.
First, we will be heading to Georgia a few days early AND will be there for a couple of weeks after our baby's birth (more on this in a bit); that means, Gainesville and River Cross, we will be out of pocket for basically 3 weeks. If you need anything, the number one person to go to is Tyler Gibbens (gibbens.tyler@gmail.com). Tyler is a rock star and an all around incredible guy and will be the one running point on all things River Cross: Fort Clarke while we're away. If you don't hear from us for a few weeks, know that we love you and are appreciative for your love and support!
Second, we will be going to Georgia to welcome our first child into the world - and, the reality is, we are also embarking on a lengthy legal journey. We will be staying in Georgia for 7-10 business days AFTER our birth mom relinquishes her birth rights (48 hours after birth) while the lawyers file paper work. The prayer here is that we would keep our hearts and eyes focused on what's most important: God's lavish love being expressed by blessing us with a daughter!
Third, our birth mom can change her mind. A few of our braver friends have asked (and we are grateful!): what happens if she changes her mind? The harsh, practical answer: we grieve and start over. Until our birth mom signs the papers at the 48 hours (after birth) mark releasing our girl, we will be praying harder and more fervently than ever. We have friends who just adopted (their daughter was born 12/26/14) and they told us it's the hardest 2 days of your life. SO: if you want to pray for something uber specific, there you have it. We won't belabor this point any further, mostly because we are supremely confident that the Lord has appointed us to adopt and parent this baby girl and our birth mother has been consistently reminding us of how confident she feels in this choice ("I know this is my purpose", "I am so excited and happy for you two!", "I want Bethany to have first skin-to-skin contact, not me" are all things she has said). So, she won't change her mind. One bonus item on this: we can't post anything those first 48 hours so if you don't hear or see anything, don't panic.
Fourth, yes, there are still ways you can help: we have had some incredibly gracious donations come in since our last post (thank you!!) and we now have roughly $4300 of the $6000 that will be due a couple days after the birth. Also, in case you haven't seen it (we feel bad re-posting the same thing over and over, but so many of you have told us that people want to know how to help so...), we have a registry on amazon.com (Wayne and Bethany Patterson), AND we will always - seriously, always - accept formula, diapers and wipes! And, just in the off chance this is one of you: anyone want to sell us/give us a good condition mini van? I have told God I'm tired of mentioning that one but, well, He's God, so..
Fifth, and last: this is a story about adoption that we are in - it is not about us and we are not the author. This is a story about Jesus and His great love for the world and His relentless desire to see many sons and daughters be adopted into His forever Kingdom. We know our role to play in this story is essential and we are honored to be given so much freedom and grace as we walk in (or try to walk in..) obedience to our King. But, above all else, this is a story about Him.
Grace to you all!
Bethany and Wayne
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