Not Alone

Today our family had the privilege of finally meeting our agency liaison Cathi. Cathi is our contact person here in Florida. We have been speaking with her for over a year now and she has walked us through every step so far. She has answered every question and listened to every fear. She is amazing. Cathi and her husband have adopted 4 girls from China so she has plenty of hands on experience. Sadly, Cathi will be leaving at the end of the year to pursue other things and even though this is the beginning for us, we will really miss her. Every year they host a picnic for all the families who have adopted or are in the process of adopting with Children's Hope International (Florida). It's a great time to meet others who have been there done that and those who are waiting like us. Its awesome to be able to ask questions and its also really inspiring to be around these precious little ones who have finally found forever families. One couple we spent quite a while with are Paul and Karen. They are 19 months in and waiting patiently just like all of us. They are aware the time could be as long as 3 years before they receive their referral. That said, they are so positive and were such a joy to get to know. They are making a difference in their church and their community as they wait to bring their daughter home. I was inspired. It was a great time and it really helps to know there are others in this process and we can all be an encouragement to each other.