Adoption Journal #10

Well, things are moving along. In the past couple of weeks since we have submitted our application, the process has been rolling. In reflection on this process we have grown more thankful (not that we weren't prior) for our friends and family who are supporting us through this endeavor.One of the requirements on the application is the inclusion of potential references (3 non-family and 1 family member). Having friends who are willing to talk well of you to others is important. Our friends have been excited to be part of this process with us and we are excited to have them. This idea of "references" has made me more aware that I should be living my life among my friends so that they never have to lie when asked for a character reference. I'm hoping they haven't had to. Mandy and I are thankful for our friends that have been encouraging as we move through this process. Friends here near our homes, friends in such diverse places as Keizer, Oregon; Redlands, California; San Fernando Valley, California and friends in California's San Joaquin Valley. It is great to know that we are welcoming our son or daughter into a community that includes such diverse people of character.Family is usually a great reference. My mother was chosen as our family reference. It is expected that mother's are going to speak well of their son or daughter, but that is not always the case. We are grateful, not just for my parents, but also all of our family that has shown an interest in our plans and the process. We are thankful for the ones who have lifted our journey up to God in their own prayers. We had a family brunch the other day at my parents' home with both of my sisters' families. It is nice to know the type of family we are welcoming our son or daughter into.Even though we did not get the chance to ask the rest of our family for a reference we are certain that they would have come through for us as well. And, hopefully, they wouldn't have had to lie either. After all of this "reference" stuff I've been wondering a few things. Am I a good reference for Jesus? To I let people know His good qualities. Am I intimate enough with Him to be able to tell specific stories of how He can work in someone else's life? A reference is someone who gives an endorsement of a potential candidate for a particular post. What kind of endorsement do I give to people whom Christ is looking to fill the post of "Lord" for?This week has made me think of relationships in regard to our adoption. Knowing that we have family who are supportive and friends who are supportive is important. However, we are also becoming aware of many others. Both Mandy and I were asked to sign a release so that our employer could provide a reference. Both of our employers have been so supportive and encouraging. After the positive response we received from our employers we began to wonder why we hadn't told them sooner. Are we limiting the amount of support we receive by the amount of information we provide?I think so. Mandy and I play softball on our Church's team. We have played for nearly three months and only last week did we discover that one of our teammates, and his wife, are also in the process of adoption. It is nice to have the support of friends and to connect with new people through this process. We have yet to meet our son or daughter, but we have already began to see their impact in our lives.This week Mandy and I will get our fingerprint clearance and hopefully move on to the next stage in this journey.