If you are familiar with adoption in any way you are probably aware that there is a lot of waiting involved. Many of those who have started the adoption process have already spent time waiting through the infertility process.
This is tough enough, but then they start the adoption journey only to be waiting again.
Roller coasters
My wife and I have waited many months through our two infant adoptions. The waiting during our second adoption journey wasn’t easier than the first time. There are a lot of roller coaster rides – some big and some small.
For example, there are times when the phone rings and the thought will come “could that be the call we are waiting for?” It is disappointing when it isn’t the call. But we keep going, hoping and praying for the call to come soon.
Blessings and disappointments
During the wait, a lot of couples know that their profiles are getting looked at by expectant mothers and often talk to several of them before being matched. This can be a blessing and a disappointment.
You get your hopes up knowing that your profile is getting looked at, so excitement grows because you feel your chances increasing that your match will come soon. But what happens when you still don’t get picked?
You start to doubt yourself, your profile, your ability to show expectant mothers that you will be the best parents. When you don’t get picked right away (or after many months), you can get down on yourself.
Don’t fall for it. You have to remember that God made you who you are and that is good enough. Just like on a real roller coaster, there are ups and downs but the ride will come to an end. You will adopt if you stick with it.
What can we do?
So what can you do to get through this difficult waiting time? Are there some things you can do to make it easier to deal with? I’d love to tell you there is a proven formula to follow so you won’t have pain during the wait…but I can’t.
There is no such formula. What I do have for you are some things that have worked for my wife and I during the waiting time.
Check out this article I wrote about how to not lose hope during the adoption wait. Also, go download 10 Things To Do While You Wait, a FREE page of tips you can use to help you get through this difficult time. Keep praying and know that God has the perfect baby for you.
