Jeremiah 1:5

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
-Jeremiah 1:5

I love this verse, knowing that my God knew me before I was ever conceived and has always had a plan for my life. Although I may not understand His plan, and try to make my own plans, my faith tells me that His plan is more glorious than mine.

Soowan and I were talking last night and discussing plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Should we stay here in Dallas, go to California again to spend time with family, etc. Then it dawned on me that during this time we should be receiving our referral. Once our home study is accepted, then we wait for a referral of a child. Currently the agency is stating that the referral time is taking somewhere between 6-9 months from the acceptance of the home study. We are hoping our home study will be approved by the end of April. So with this said, we are anticipating our referral sometime between October-December of 2006.

With the Korea program, generally the baby is 1-2 months old at time of referral.... Meaning our child has already been conceived. He or she is now growing in the womb of a mother who is about to make a huge decision for her child's life. First off she's already chosen life for a child she knows she cannot care for. Most likely she is an unwed mother, and she knows the pressure that will fall upon her from her family and society. In Korea it is unacceptable to be an unwed mother. A woman is considered a shame to her family, and is shunned from her family when they find out she is pregnant. Most women turn to abortion in Korea, usually forced by parents who are pride-full and are more concerned about their family honor than the life of a child.

Soowan and I prayed for her last night. We can't imagine all that is going through her mind at this moment. She already knows she's pregnant, and most likely will not be able to hide her secret much longer. Knowing all the judgment that will fall upon her, and her unborn child. It's hard for me to put myself in her shoes. I could never grow a child inside me, and give it to someone else to raise. It's hard for us to fathom.

That's where our faith begins in this adoption process. I may not understand God's plan, but I know he has a plan for each and everyone of our lives. He knew this child would become part of our family, before he/she was conceived. I also believe he has a plan for the life of this child's mother. And from this day forward I will lift her up in prayer and be forever grateful that she chose life for her child.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.
-Hebrews 11:1