I know its been awhile since I have updated our blog. I update our families Facebook page multiples times a week, because it is very convenient, but I don't get on here as often. I apologize. I know there are a handful of you that do not use Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/Swaggertysaregrowingbytwofeet/
We are in this space of being totally and completely ready for her, but God has not allowed us yet to have found one another. He knows something that we do not. I have to choose daily to remind myself that His plans are best. His way of bringing us our daughter is the best, and that is what I want. It is the hardest wait I have ever experienced though. I think about her so many times each day its painful. Its this great love that is expanding in my heart that I cant share yet with her, I feel like my heart might explode.
Since December we have had the opportunity to present to seven expectant moms. This means that we see her information and decide if we want to show her our family profile. We have prayed each time and felt led to move forward and present. Each and every situation has been extremely unique and stretched us differently each time to move forward and trust God with the outcome. It is a bit of a emotional high when you move forward. The waiting to hear back is intense. Its all I think about. I find myself being so thankful for sleep, its usually the only time I'm free from thoughts of the unknown future. Hearing back the dreaded no is quite intense as well. A few times we have been thankful as we truly felt the situation may stretch us too far, and we knew it was Gods way of protecting her and our future. The other times we've heard a no has left me flat our devastated and depressed for a few days following. I have learned so much about myself that I did not know existed before this sacred journey. Some good and some bad. Ways to lean on God and ways that Mike and I have come together emotionally like we never have before. It's isolating at times and other times its deeply connecting to other woman walking the same path.
We have decided to add two more agencies to our list that we apply for. So I have begun paperwork for applications again. This has been stressful and hard as I am still working on grant applications as well. Our home study expires in October so I want to give it are all before then. If we are not matched by then, we have to spend more money to update it. I figured I'd rather spend the money now and give us more opportunity. We will have our applications out to 5 agencies and 2 attorneys in FL and TX after I get these last two packets sent in. We are hoping that the special expectant mom that God has us to connect with will walk into one of these places soon,
We feel that God has put us in a incredible situation over the last month! We have seen His hand as provider more recently than I have ever experienced in my entire life. We had a incredible Pancake Fundraiser thanks to so many volunteers, attenders and all the people who donated food, items and the facility for that day! We ended up being able to raise 4,218 the day of the pancake breakfast to God be all the glory!! That was definitely a mountain top day for our family! We were surrounded by our parents and treasured friends. Our sisters and brothers in Christ, and we tangibly felt the hand of God in a very real way loving on us! A few weeks prior to this event some of my closest girlfriends surprised me really good and honored our future daughter by showering us with beautiful and practical gifts! We received a brand new beautiful stroller system and play yard/bassinet. We also received some beautiful girly outfits that I just treasure and some very sentimental pieces that I cherish! One thing that I have been talking to the Lord about was desiring to feed our baby with breast milk, wouldn't you know the Lord touched a dear friend and adoptive momma and she called and said she has a woman who wants to donate her supply of breast milk so that we can use it! I almost fell off of my chair!! God is in all the details, big and small!! We have her nursery ready, with diapers, wipes, bassinet, crib, sleepers/onesies & blankets. We have food for her. We have a car seat and stroller and we are over half way to our adoption budget goal!! When we are matched with a expectant mom, we now have the first payment plus some!!! This gives us serious peace about saying yes!!! We are ready, our hearts are wide open. We just cant explain the amazing blessing of being in Gods will. No matter if what were are going through is heard at times, God doesn't waste even one tear I shed. Everything is for a purpose. Walking this road of adoption has truly grown our family in ways that would never have been possible, and I know we have so much more to experience and learn as we continue. This is just the beginning!! I want to let you all know that relying on people is not my strength or a comfortable thing for me, but in being in a vulnerable place, in need of the help from others, I am experiencing a side of God that is beautiful, that I believe I was missing out on before being Miss Self sufficient! It takes the whole Body of Christ to bring a child into a adoptive family. We are so extremely grateful for each prayer said, every dollar given, card sent, gift given, hug, word of encouragement, help lent, and on and on. It spurs us on as we wait! Here are some pictures from the Pancake Breakfast and the Shower.
Meredith and I setting up for the breakfast.
The donations from the Brightmoor Moms Bible Study!
One of the signs for the fundraiser.
Papa and Ethan cooking away.
The surprise shower for Baby Girl Swaggs!
Can you believe I am surrounded by pink!!
I was so emotional, it took me almost a month to fully soak in all the love and emotions from this evening!
Last but not least I want to give you a financial update!! We have 674 puzzle pieces sponsored out of 1,000!!! This is just incredible!! This is a beautiful picture of generosity and shared vision for God's heart for children!!
Your name can be on the back of a puzzle piece as a tangible visual for her to always see who was behind bringing her home! Would you like your name there? We have suggested a donation of $20 a piece. When all the pieces are sponsored we will put the puzzle together and frame it with glass on both sides and it will hang in her bedroom always for her to see who was a piece of her puzzle!
You can donate to sponsor a puzzle piece online through our Adopt a Love Story page or our You Caring giving page. You can also PayPal via Friends & Family or send a check as well. We appreciate you partnering with us so much as we prepare to reach our end goal!
We are currently at 18,715.63 total saved. We are told that our budget will be between 30-40K. We wont know exacts until we are matched.
Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy update! We covet your prayers through this process!! Please pray for the Expectant Mom, our growing baby, and us as we prepare to have our lives connect soon!
All our love!!
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