You might want to sit down for this... BIG NEWS

This past few weeks we have been processing some crazy, bittersweet (mostly sweet) news... it's a real game changer. God has always had the reigns in our adoption processes and He just steered us a whole new direction and we feel obligated to keep everyone in the loop who have been following our adoption journey.

Here it is: we just found out that I'm pregnant with our 3rd child! I'm only about 6 weeks along (due Feb 20, 2014).

I know there's a lot of questions that come with this news so I'll try my best to answer them:

Yes, we were consistently and correctly using birth control and it failed. Our hearts were deeply invested into this adoption and we wanted to grow our family in that way. Afterall, one of the things that voids our adoption is becoming pregnant. No refunds. No holding your spot. When/if you want to start back up you start back at square one (once your youngest child is 1+ years old). They will, however, freeze our statues until 12 weeks gestation (the "danger zone" for miscarriage) and if at that point your pregnancy is considered "high risk" by a doctor then they can continue to freeze your status.

We value this precious life that has been given to us and yet we have shed many tears grieving what feels like a great loss with regards to our plans for adoption. Our hearts were all in and we were happily envisioning our future with our adopted child. But we feel great contentment and joy in knowing that God has a plan for our family. We know that while this pregnancy has taken US by suprise that this new life is no accident. All life has been given with intention and purpose by our Creator and we certainly see this life as a blessing to our family. 

¹³ "For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:13-16)

As you know, we have received many donations... $11,520 to be exact.  We've also spent a little over $3,330 on the adoption thus far. Still, we have decided to return all donations (other than a few who have already let us know that they refuse repayment) after I reach 12 weeks gestation. We don't want anyone to feel taken advantage of. We are so thankful for the generous giving of funds and we want those who gave to know that just because the adoption didn't "succeed" that their giving was not in vain. When God stirred their hearts to give they were obedient and became participants in caring for orphans regardless of the ultimate outcome. The deed was done and what was done was good. We are honored to have received these donations. Again, a big "thank you" to all of you who stepped out in faith with your resources. You've blessed our hearts.

We still feel a strong pull on our heart for orphans. While we can't move towards adoption right now we are still weighing and considering it for our future. We also know there are many ways to act on behalf of the parentless, vulnerable children of the world. We will be praying about what our role will be in responding to these children's great need. We hope you all do the same. After all the call to care for orphans is a command (not a suggestion) from God:

"...look after the orphans (and widows) in their distress" (James 1:27). 

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute" (Proverbs 31:8). 

"...'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:40).

We've loved sharing our journey with you. We're excited about what our future holds and love being reminded that God (not us) is in control... He's a more qualified driver anyway :)

With love, the Meyer Family