Patience is a virtue.

On the outside, we are just about ready. Because of an outpouring of love and generosity, we were able to reach our goal (and then some) for our finances. Thank God for His provision and for moving in the hearts and lives of those who love us and who love Him. We are humbled beyond belief and overjoyed with thankfulness.
The baby's room is officially done (well, as done as I have decided today! I'm sure I'll think of something else to add in the days  to come.) We have a beautiful dresser that needs to be repainted--a project better suited for post-hurricane dampness; and thanks to Nana, we have a gorgeous crib and changing station, complete with bedding (which reminds me, I have to take that out of the washing machine!) A wonderful co-worker friend gave us an adorable rug, and Baby even has their first pair of shoes, thanks to a life-long friend.

Now, all we need is Baby.
Insert deep sigh here...

This is the downward dip of the roller coaster everyone swore would hit me like a truck. Although that hasn't been devastating, I'm getting that weird ache in my stomach and a little lump in my throat that won't go away. And I hate it.
My biggest battle right now is against myself--the battle between worrying that things won't happen quickly enough, that things won't happen at all and the knowledge and trust that I have in God and His perfect work and timing.
I think my biggest concern is actually not for Kory and me (although not invincible, he certainly is a rock in all of this), but for others who are routing for us, for those who are waiting, maybe even as excitedly as we are, for Baby to come. I don't want anyone to get discouraged, to get disappointed, or to lose faith in what God is doing. We just want God to be glorified in all of this and to be used for Him. I know God works all things together for good, and even this limbo time of waiting and hoping and praying will make us stronger, better, more faithful. And for that, I'm willing to be patient.

If I were pregnant, I would have to wait 9 months to see our little one's face. So far, we've only been waiting for about 6 weeks. Just more time to pray...and possible paint the nursery just a little bit more!

Baby's First Presents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't even know what to call this post...

I almost didn't do it.
A friend I've had since high school told me to check out a site for fundraising, and I almost didn't.
It was a great idea. I knew it as soon as I saw it.
(Plus, she's pretty smart.)
BUT...
I didn't know if the site was going to work, even though all signs pointed to yes.
I didn't know if anyone would see it.
I didn't know if it would be worth the hassle.
I almost didn't do it, honestly, because I thought no one would respond.
And I would have been heartbroken.

Well, I am broken. But in the most beautiful way imaginable.

My brother was the one who told me to man up; it's not about me; it's not about Kory. It's about our baby. And bringing them home.

So I created our site.
I posted it to facebook.
And I thought I sit back and wait.
I did.
For about 38 seconds.
And then the messages and the hits and the donations and the messages and the posts started...and they haven't stopped.
In less than 48 hours we have over $4800 in our adoption fund, a private account specifically and solely for adoption.
And I haven't stopped crying since.

Many of you have kept me updated on our site for the past two days, counting the dollars, reading the messages, refreshing the browser and watching with baited breath as the money climbs and soars and stretches.
God truly divides loaves and fishes. He's come through for us on this. And He's using you to do it.

I pulled the computer over to the dinner table tonight, planning to read through the messages left by all of you while Kory finished off his dinner.
I figured I could do it; I've read through each one about 50 times today.

Yeah, well, I couldn't get through the first one without tears streaming down my face and choking back half of the words.
Kory wasn't much better.
He actually told me to stop. He couldn't do it. The tears refused to subside.

What do you say in response to this outpouring of love?
What words will ever do justice to such kindness and generosity?
What do you do to honor those who show so much loyalty and sacrifice?

The only thing I know to do is to make sure our baby knows every word, every face, every name, every act of love shown to them before they were even born.
Your names will be written on their heart.
Your messages are going to be posted on their wall, so that every morning when they wake up they will be surrounded by your love.
You are helping bring our baby home.
We are so very grateful.


And to be honest, if this keeps up--we might be able to bring home two!!!!

Our Biggest Adventure

Daddy-to-be and I are embarking on our greatest journey to date, and believe me, that's saying something. Our almost-four-year-old marriage has produced some tall tale adventures (all true, I might add), but this one kinda takes the cake.  God had this one planned from the start, and we wake up each day knowing that He's got something pretty amazing set aside for us. Trust me, too, that we are not only looking forward to the end product, we're enjoying every minute of the ride. We live in constant expectation and surprise.
To be quite honest, our life together is pretty amazing: we're not perfect, but we are certainly perfect for each other. It's cheesy, I know, but it's true. We live the good life: a great home, family close by, a wonderful church, two of the ugliest dogs on the planet--a life of comfort and peace and lots and lots of love. And since we've been so blessed, how could we not want to add to our family?

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son..that we might receive the adoption as sons."

Galatians 4:4-6

Adoption was our best and first choice. For those of you that know us, you know why adotion is so near and dear to our hearts.  And for those just joining us, not only was Mr. adopted as an infant into the Kraft family, but we were both adopted as children of God. And we consider that the most beautiful way to start a family.

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families."

Psalms 68:5-6

We'd love to have you check back with us often and travel this road with us!

Love,
Daddy and Mama K