Things are much different than they were in our last Christmas update, that's for sure. Last year during this time, we were sick at the news of our first placing agency closing. We were moving from #12 to #81 on the waiting list and we were absolutely devastated.

Yesterday, December 1st, marked our 3 year anniversary of starting the adoption process. Yes, it has been 3 whole, entire years. Many times people say that 3 years fly by, but not when it comes to adoption. Every single day that passes by is another tally marked, another day crossed off, and another day closer to bringing our kiddo(s) home. Even the three week wait for Brighten to be born was excruciating. There is so much that can happen in such little time, yet it all 100% out of our control.

This Christmas, we'll be celebrating so many wonderful things. The birth and adoption of our beautiful daughter, Brighten, is certainly at the top of the list. We also have seen some great movement on the Ethiopia waiting list over the last several months. We are hopeful to be matched in 2017 and travel in 2018 to meet and bring Judah home.

Adoption is the hardest thing I've ever done. But as we move farther into this journey, now officially as adoptive parents, I'm realizing that it's not really something that we're doing as much as it is our life now. We have been forever changed by adoption, and it's embedded into our story and our lives in a way that is so deep that it will never not be part of us (I apologize for the double negative).

For those of you who have not read Brighten's Storie Parts 1-5 (yes, I'm insane), please do so! There's a button that will link to each part below - and a picture!

Also, we are excited to announce that we are now #49 on the waiting list for our Ethiopian adoption!

We couldn't be more thankful for the work that God has done in our lives and in our family over the last 12 months. It certainly has been difficult, so so difficult, and emotional, and sometimes very terrible, but it has also been beautiful and so so worthwhile. I'm so thankful for the family that I could have never imagined in my wildest dreams - a daughter, and soon a son! We are abundantly blessed.

Merry Christmas to you and your family! We hope this season brings joy, even in the midst of hardship, and most of all, we hope you know that you are so very loved by our Creator and Savior.