I thought that hitting the one year mark of being on IHNFA's wait list would be a difficult anniversary for me, but I'm feeling good, feeling positive, and am not feeling sad. That is to say, I REALLY REALLY want to hear about our referral RIGHT AWAY, and I want our family all together AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, but I am feeling confident that God has this (and everything) under control, and I don't need to remind Him, and I don't need to give Him suggestions, and I don't need to stress on it. He's got it. And that is a really freeing feeling. And I'm feeling joyful about it. I can hardly believe I am typing this. I am actually feeling the joy! If I get that very special phone call today, I will be thrilled, completely and utterly estatic, and more than likely completely and utterly incoherent. And if I don't get it, I will still be happy and peaceful and joyful. I am thinking of that beautiful song, "It is Well In My Soul."
Besides, November is a very special time for our family. On November 7, 2005, we got our pink slip for Mario's adoption, which meant that everything on his file was complete, and we could travel to Guatemala for his pick-up trip. We almost didn't need a plane in order to fly there. On November 14, 2005, we saw his beautiful face and cuddled with him for the very first time. On November 18, 2005, we pulled into our driveway with him strapped in the carseat for the very first time and brought him home. On November 27, 2005, Mario was baptized at our parish church surrounded by his family and friends.
Strangely, Erik has no anniversaries in November at all. Back in 2006, we were waiting and waiting to hear that his file was out of PGN (which is the attorney general's office in Guatemala). The PGN review for Erik was completed on December 4, 2006, after three months (!!!!), whereas Mario's had taken only five weeks. Anyway, eventually it happened, and we were able to go get our wonderful Erik and bring him home.
And back in 2009, on November 9th to be exact, we mailed our part 1 application to Dillon for this most recent adoption. Which means that we have had this one underway for two years now. So indeed, November is a very meaningful month for us.
Happy National Adoption Month!