What's Happening ...???

For those of you who have been following along our family growth efforts, it has been like crickets for a little while. While we haven't much to share, along the family growing lines, we want to let you know the latest.

Nearly a year ago, we learned we could be traveling to Africa and wanted to take some time to enjoy that process and see what God had for us in that journey. When we came back we dived into ministry and life once again and started the conversations with our doctor of what to do next. In late summer we talked with our doctor about next steps and seriously considered moving through a process of embryo adoption. We carefully weighed the pros, cons, fears, hopes and everything else involved in this option. Ultimately in October 2016 we made the hard decision to conclude our medical efforts. There is a slight possibility we could consider trying again but at the same time we both feel a freedom and peace with ending a 10 year quest to naturally have children. During the past 6 years, we have tried 7 different procedures, including many IUIs and one IVF.

So what  is next? We are still considering and exploring what it would look like to grow our family through the adoption process, either domestic or international. We also have wondered what life and ministry would look like if we could go anywhere and do anything because of the freedom and flexibility of not having kids. Right now we are deep in the midst of that process of asking God, "where do you want us to go next." We are in a season of transition as we look to move.

With each day, month, and year we have leaned into whatever God had for us. We have trusted in his ability to create life and give us wisdom in all kinds of possible options. We don't know what 2017 has in store for us but if it means we will gain more clarify for our future family, great - and if it just means that we continue to wait for what God has, that is great too. Of course, this journey is still a challenge and still creates heartache in expected and unexpected ways. We often question, "why" l and are learning more and more each day to be okay with the unknown.