(Dan writing)
Do you remember the first time you rode a roller coaster? I was thinking back to the first trip I ever made to my local amusement park, Cedar Point. The first time I saw those cars whipping around that track at breakneck speeds I was terrified. Eventually my fear moved to curiosity and like every young man, driven by the power of peer pressure, I just had to get on one. I started with a small coaster and was addicted. I quickly advanced to the more powerful and faster roller coasters. I loved the fear. I loved the ups and downs. There were times that I would raise my hands off the handles and scream and other times I would hold on so tight my knuckles would turn white. Sometimes I would cling to the person next to me thinking that I would be meeting Jesus soon. I faced those twists and turns, the ups and downs, the loops and spins, and wanted more...
I have found that I can identify with the feelings of those roller coasters as my wife, Emily, and I face adoption. There are ups and downs. There are times I want to throw my hands in the air and let the rush of air in my face carry me away. Other times I have felt so much anxiety and fear that I could feel my stomach rising into my chest.
Emily and I are in the waiting phase of adoption and are looking forward to what comes next. We could get a call to come receive a baby at any point. There is nothing to do but wait. While I was talking with a friend the other day, he suggested that Emily and I start a blog for people to follow our thoughts, feelings, process and actions through this crazy process. We have found that so many people want to know exactly what we are going through. Some people are just curious about the process, others are interested in adopting for themselves. This blog will be different because we will both take time to post, so you will see our process through both of our eyes. It has been an interesting journey so far, and we know that it will only get more exciting as we face these ups and downs on this roller coaster ride we call adoption. Thank you for reading about our journey and following with us.
I believe, that in life, there are points that God calls us to step up and be more. It takes faith. It is challenging and trying. Growing is sometimes painful. Right now He has led us to the decision of expanding our family through adoption...choosing to be more...
