Trail of Blessings

Our adoption journey has been filled with so many little confirmations along the way that if I wasn't living the story,  I might be prone to doubting it is true. The first confirmation was our immediate answer to prayer. When we finally sat down and asked the Lord for the specific desires of our heart, He answered, and quickly! To see such a specific answer only two days after we prayed was more than a coincidence. There were too many details to ignore the obvious, God was showing us the way.

The first time we met with L's immediate family, it was as if we had known each other for years. The conversation was natural and things just clicked. It was blessing enough to have a connection with L, but even bigger to have one with her entire family. I am so thankful that our little Joy will know her birth family. I am glad she will never have to wonder where she comes from or doubt that she is loved.

The next confirmation came when we began to discuss the name we would choose for our daughter. From the start, we knew we wanted to choose a name together with L and the birth father. Too many children have a different name from their original birth certificate. We didn't want that for or little Joy, so we decided to name her together. My husband and I had a few names we liked, but our favorite name was a rare name not even found on the baby lists. Its meaning was significant because it meant "open or opening to." Being that or adoption was going to be open, we loved the name. When we approached L with our name, she immediately said it was the one. I was shocked because it was such a unique and rare name. It turned out that L had chosen it as her daughter's name a few years before! The birth father like it too. We all agreed! The middle name, Joy, was also a name I liked before we knew it was L's middle name. Together or daughter's name means "opening to joy." We couldn't have picked a more fitting name for this sweet little bundle of pure Joy. From day three, she has been nothing but smiles.

L and I found we agreed on most everything: breastfeeding, inducing lactation, discipline, dating, and clothing styles for the baby, etc. We quickly figured out that we were on the same page and could discuss just about anything freely and without reservation. This developed a deep bond between us soon into our relationship. Our similarities were uncanny. For our joint baby shower we created a game to see how well or friends and family knew the two of us. We had a difficult time trying to find facts that were unique to each of us because we shared so many of the same interests, likes, dislikes, fears, etc. People have commented on our similar mannerisms and appearance. We have been asked more than once if we are related. We nearly share the same birthday, celebrating one day apart! Through all of this it is obvious that God played a part not only in crossing or paths, but in the smallest details that would make this blended family feel, well, just like family.

There are many more instances that confirmed that this was where the Lord has led us. I imagine we will continue to see those things as the years pass. I look forward to watching this wonderful story unfold, and am excited to go along for the ride!