"it"

"It" all began for me about 35 years ago (mind you I was about 8 at the time). I was intrigued by "it" and knew that I wanted to explore and learn more.

Fast forward into adulthood when things became complicated and "it" didn't seem so exciting anymore. I was married with two children when I was once again confronted with "it". I was a new, young teacher with aspirations of motivating and saving all of the children. I taught in a poor area where parental involvement meant nothing, and education was not valued. It was in that setting that I met *Frankie. His parents were divorced, and he lived with his mom in the projects. He was not well taken care of. I wanted to help, so I did what I could which wasn't much. Steve tempered my enthusiasm with realism, and the dream of "it" died again.

Fast forward many years later when, after turning 35, I decided maybe I could finally explore the possibility of "it". I did explore, but that was as far as I got since Steve, once again, was not interested. No matter what argument I made, he was not for "it" and wouldn't change his mind. I finally gave up and let go of my dream.

Fast forward one more time to the Fall of 2009. I began to sense that God was asking me to do something, but I didn't know what. I was driven crazy by this since (as I have discussed before), I am not too keen on the waiting plan of God! I really need a sky writer when it comes to Him telling me what I should do. I explored some possibilities, but nothing came of those. I was confused since I really felt like the path I was to take was totally different that the path that I was on. What did this mean?? I didn't know, but just decided that like ONE other time before (when we were called to our current church) I would actually WAIT on God to simply let me in on His plan. I wouldn't seek it out other than praying and reading the Word. I kept this up for months......and I got NOTHING!! My biggest prayer was that whatever the plan was, that He would allow the confirmation to come from Steve. I had shared my concerns with Steve, and knew that he was praying for God's will as well. When it comes to the Leighs, God's will could be anything (as those of you who know us well can attest!), so we were very, very open. We didn't want to put God in a box, so we simply waited.

God did something amazing! On Feb 19, 2010, we took our youth group to Winterjam. Tony Nolan gave his testimony, and when he concluded, my husband turned to me and said something amazing to which I simply replied, "Have you lost your MIND?????" Little did I know that God was using that moment to allow "it" to actually happen.

I'm sure that you've guessed by now that "it" is adoption. I can hardly contain the tears as I type this. I want to share with you the rest of the story.....................

Steve looked at me that night and said, "I think we should adopt a baby from China." uhh, NO. is what I said back!! I am 44 years old, and I am NOT adopting a baby when I plan to go back to work next year. AND where would you like this money to do this to come from??????? I thought he had seriously HIT.HIS.HEAD.

He hadn't! God instead had popped him upside the head. We aren't adopting a baby from China, however. We began to research options and decided that for us, the best option was to adopt an older child through DSS, and that's what we're doing. God has sent confirmation to us EVERY SINGLE DAY since Feb. 19! So far, we have filled out paperwork, researched, attended an orientation meeting, researched, been fingerprinted, researched, and on and on it goes. I want to share with you the road along the way. I know it is going to be amazing. I also covet your prayers for not only us, but for the child that God has picked out for us. We can only hope that he/she is being well cared for and shown love in the foster home. All of us in this home are anxiously awaiting the homecoming of a new Leigh family member.

*name changed to protect privacy