Expecting Evan!

Sorry for the delay....it's been busy since we got back from our trip to meet the birth-parents.

Evan Michael Godwin is expected to arrive on October 5th!!!

What a wonderful trip we had! We had a magnificent meeting with Rachel (the birthmother), Jake (the birthfather), and Rachel's family. They welcomed us like we were their own family. The meeting began at 7pm and we forced ourselves to leave just after 10pm. Becca, the maternity case-worker was there from 7 to about 9:30...we hardly knew she was there (that's how well things went!).

Of course, the basic get-to-know-you questions that occupied the first part of the meeting. Then, as the meeting wore on, we got into the deeper questions surrounding the "match" and the rest of the adoption process. It was encouraging to hear the family's support of Rachel's decision to place this baby boy up for adoption. From what we heard Thursday evening, this decision was something Rachel knew she wanted to do from the very beginning. I thanked her for choosing life for this child!

It is awesomely evident that this process has been bathed in prayers from both sides of the fence! God allowed a unanimous decision to be made by all members of Rachel's family when selecting us as the adoptive parents! And each person had their own unique reasons for the selection. The week that Rachel contacted Christian Homes (back in February) was the week that Mandy and I decided to no longer pursue medical assistance to have children and seriously began considering adoption. It is all just too cool to see God's fingerprints all over this journey!

Here is an excerpt from an email I received from Rachel's dad the next day:

[We] talked after everyone left last night and we both feel great about the two of you being the baby's parents. I know that Rachel is very relieved and excited about this as well. I really appreciate the two of you being willing to open up to all of us and share some of your personal stories. Like I said last night, a lot of prayers were answered when the two of you walked into our living room. Thank you so much for sharing your faith with us. It was really a top priority for all of us to make sure that the baby was placed in a loving and Christian environment.

From her step-mother:

It was so good to be able to meet you both. I just want you to know that I can rest easier knowing that the decision that Rachel made is one that he(Evan) will be completely loved and cared for and that you will make terrific parents. When we read your profiles I knew that you were the family God had in mind and now that we got to spend a little time with you both, I am completely convinced that this is a "God Thing" Thank you for opening up with us and sharing your life with us.

From her mother:

My heart feels peaceful for the first time in a long time.

Praise the Lord for answering all our prayers in a better way than we could have ever imagined and for such a wonderful meeting and connection with these great people! Please continue to pray for Rachel and Evan as the countdown reaches the final month...she begins her weekly doctor visits this week. Pray for us all as we continue to work out the post-placement "details" of the adoption. This thing is shaping up to be an incredibly beautiful picture!

Evan, we will see you soon, little buddy!

As a side note, Mandy is almost 10 weeks along and still doing very well...and growing (maternity clothes have become a good friend!). We have a doctor's appointment next week. Please continue to keep mother and Baby Godwin #2 in your prayers!