Check. Check. 1..2..3... Is this thing on? Okay! So this is my first blog post through this adventure and I feel like I should begin with a disclaimer.
*Disclaimer* - In no way shape or form, should you expect my writing to be anywhere near as beautiful or as eloquent as my dear, sweet, articulate wife/best friend.
There, now that we got that out of the way, hello sweet family and friends! Out of the 28 years of my life, I must say that this is by far the most exciting year of them all (however, 1993 was a close second with the release of Power Rangers. It was pretty epic). This year, I was able to see a group of people come together for one purpose and one purpose alone: to give a little boy who was abandoned right at birth a forever home and a forever family to love on him forever. To be honest with you, when Maggie and I first began this process, I was quite nervous about it. What if we can't raise enough money for this in time? What if we get really attatched to him and they take him away? What if I'm just too good of a dad and I make all other dads jealous of my dad skills? #dadisinthehouse! Okay, so maybe that last one wasn't a real one but it could happen! Anyways, it didn't take long for Jesus to teach me that I can't live in fear and anxiety. For me, it is easier to give into fear and anxiety than it is to trust and surrender it all to the Lord above. Even with my shortcomings, I was shown time and time again who is truly in charge. I'm not in charge. The individuals dealing with our adoption are not in charge. God is truly in charge. It is almost comical how much in charge He is than what we give him credit for in our daily lives.
Throughout this process, my faith has been worn down and built back up much stronger than what it was before I laid eyes on Rhett's picture. God is good people and if He places a dream or a vision on your heart, go for it! Since Maggie and I have seen first hand the power of prayer, it makes us want to live a riskier life. I guess I should have done my pre-writing first before I started writing like I always tell my students because I'm wanting to just ramble on now but I will slow myself down. God has been placing this post on my heart for the past couple of days and I believe the purpose of this is to let you know that Jesus loves you and wants you to trust Him. He wants you to trust Him with the little things and the big things. I'm not saying I'm great at this but stepping out in faith to adopt Rhett was not only life changing for him but more so for Maggie and me.
As many of you know, on December 3rd we received word that we would be picking up our beautiful son on December 14th and bringing him home on December 23rd. Maggie and I were told time and time again that the likelihood of us bringing Rhett home before Christmas was impossible. Well ladies and gentleman, like I said, God is in control and still answers prayers. What's your dream? What has God laid on your heart to accomplish for Him? Please ask yourself that question and wait for a response. I promise you, it will be worth more than you know
Michael (aka the dad)
P.S. Words cannot express how thankful I am for all of you and the support and prayers you have give us. I am overcome with thankfulness for our family and friends, loving coworkers, and a multitude of others who have stepped out in faith with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
