God is Good

I was trying to come up with a witty title for this post, but it always came back to how good God is. Many of you have been on this journey with Amanda and I for four years. We have gone through our adoption story, many have seen our hearts, and have seen the struggle to go through the process and wait. We have waited and waited and waited. Through it, we have prayed that God would connect us with our child meant to be a part of this Pauko Party of Five. After awhile though, the initial excitement can turn to angst and worry. You keep hoping for when that day comes, but you prepare yourself for the worst as well. Not knowing, just being part of a process, trying to be obedient to our calling, while not being able to see the end goal has been difficult.

Amanda and I got a phone call on Tuesday, January 22 from the adoption agency. We had a scheduled call later that week, so we were not sure of this call’s purpose. We both thought it was more negative news- that the issues in Haiti were increasing or that the new immigration restrictions in the US would have an impact on our adoption. What we didn’t expect was the news we had been waiting for- “we have a match for you.” To say we were unprepared would be an understatement. We were floored. Throughout the call, both our daughters at different times came to check to make sure we were ok, because we were both crying and were so joyful. They had no idea phone calls could do that to us. The defenses we had built in our minds and hearts to protect ourselves against disappointment came crushing down in a few moments- We finally have a child with a name who we know God has planned to be a part of our family. In moments where we felt like we were just forced to wait in inactivity, God has been at work.

The following couple of weeks after, we had to move quickly. We had to read through referral materials several times, get in touch with a doctor to get his medical history approved, sign off on a bunch of documents, and put together a transition plan for our child. It was a whirlwind, and we’re not sure how we made it through, but we did.

The sad part is now once again we just wait. We got ramped up and ready to go, only to wait as the governmental process will take 12-20 months to finalize our adoption. We have done everything we possibly can do to make the process go by as quickly as possible, but there are no shortcuts when you deal with two different governments. Nevertheless, we know that while we sit with patience, God is at work. We are hopeful and excited that we have a child. We have a son. Please keep praying as we work and wait to bring him home.

*For his safety, we are not sharing details publicly but feel free to connect with us in person to learn more.

“We finally have a child with a name who we know God has planned to be a part of our family. In moments where we felt like we were just forced to wait in inactivity, God has been at work.”