Adoption is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

A dear friend reminded me tonight that our adoption journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Tonight reminds me a lot of mile 16 of when I ran the full marathon at Cowtown. I was devastated because nothing was going my way that day. At that point I was crying so hard I could barely see through my salty tears. Yet I kept moving. It was slow. It was hard. It was painful. But it wasn't the end. It was also one of the most memorable,and in an odd way, cherished moments of that race.

So today didn't go as planned, but this not the end - it is just a little rain delay. And led to an unplanned date night with Mr. Martin. Choose joy always!

Miles for our Future Birth Mom

Snuggled up on the couch with Gulliver, the last thing I wanted to do today was run. Yet the Cowtown Half Marathon is inching closer and snuggling on the couch won't get my butt up and over the Main Street bridge. Today's miles were dedicated to our future Birth Mom. If she can make the most selfless decisions any woman could ever be faced with - I can run in the cold, wet mist. That might sound dramatic, but it pushed me. I spent over 6 miles thinking about about her and praying for her. And in turn it was the fastest pace I have run in almost a year. Good prayers and fast miles - I'll take it!

Blown Away

Stepping out in faith and being so open about our journey to parenthood has been really scary at times. But God and our village never fail to show up and wrap us in love and support. Today was no exception. In the first 24 hours our adoption profile has been shared over 100 times!

Thank you for loving us. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for praying for our future birth mother and us. And thank you for helping spread the word. My heart is bursting with joy and thanksgiving!
Keep sharing and keep praying that the right birth Momma see our profile at just the right time.

www.adoptionjourneytobabymartin.com

Dear Baby Martin: Aunts and Uncles

Dear Baby Martin:

We have no idea when we will meet you. We have no idea if you are already growing in your Mommy's tummy or not. One thing we do know, without a doubt, is that you are going hit the jackpot in the Aunt and Uncle department.

We think they are almost as excited as we are for the day they finally get to meet you. They have supported us in so many ways from hosting a fundraiser, to surprising your Momma with your crib for her birthday, to praying alongside us since we told them our plans to adopt. Just today your Aunt Amy W. surprised us with this sweet rocking unicorn for your room.

We can't wait till you are here and old enough to ride it. Your cousin, Bryn, is all ready to show you how to ride your own magical unicorn among many other things. (We are pretty sure she has running list of things she wants to teach you!) But until the day we meet your Mommy and ultimately get to meet you, we will all keep praying for you both.

All our love,

Momma and Daddy Martin

Waiting During Christmas

{Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay. Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.} 

As I sat in the nursery re-reading part of The Purpose of Christmas, the last verse of Away in a Manger popped into my head. As joyous and magical as this Christmas season has been, it is evident to both Kipper and I that a piece of the puzzle is missing. 

It is sometimes hard not to allow those moments of longing not to steal our joy. But in those moments when I quiet my mind and let God speak to my heart, I have so much peace. Peace that He is guiding each step of this adoption journey and that each experience is important for what is to come. 

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I pray for all the young pregnant women who are scared, overwhelmed and facing one the greatest decisions of their lives. I pray that they can quiet their mind and let God speak to their hearts. And I pray that when God does speak to them they experience strength and peace (much like Mary) to follow through on the plans He has for them.

All I Want For Christmas - Guest Post From Kipper

Because today his words are far better than mine I had to share these words from my sweet husband. 

I have not wanted for anything in a very long time. My wife and I are exceptionally fortunate to live in a safe environment with reliable transportation and fantastic careers. We do not think in terms of what we want as much as what God wants and try to make those two things line up. 

This year, however, all I truly want for Christmas is a child. I know that for many of you, children are a given and on some days a pain in the rear end you wish you could take a break from. I hope that some day I will want to take a break from the little pain in the tail too. 

Allie and I have said and maintain that God will bring us the right baby in His time. Patience is a virtue I have lacked most of my life and I am finding patience even more elusive now. While we appreciate all of the prayers and support we have received, we ask for you to pray for all of the lonely and scared expecting mothers who have no idea what the right decision is or how they will raise a child. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.

Prayers for My Heart

From the moment we started telling people about our plans to adopt we have felt loved and supported. And while it is sometimes easy to get caught up in the fun details and daydreaming of the future, we knew going into this journey that it wasn't for the faint at heart. This journey would test our faith in ways it has never been tested before. 

For several months I have asked for friends to join us in praying for our future birth mother and I am thankful for those prayer warriors who faithfully stand by our sides as we continue to pray for her. 

Tonight I have a different prayer request, one for me and my heart.

Over the last few days I have learned that as much as I thought I had prepared my heart for how emotional this would be, there is no way to fully prepare yourself for the twists and turns that take us by surprise. I am learning that guarding your heart in this process is easier said than done. And when I have been so focused on prayer for our future birth mother, I might have underestimated the spiritual support I would need. Tonight I am overwhelmed and confused, praying for the peace I felt just a few days ago. Praying that I can get out of my own way and let God's plan for our family be done.