Blessed by 10...and then some....

Each time we have felt led to add to our family through adoption, it has been an unexpected surprise. Each time, I felt quite certain that the new child will be our last. So, too, with Maisy-- our latest addition to the family. After all, this blog is "blessedby10." And to our surprise, there seems to be a number "11." He is a little guy in Alabama that we have known about for quite some time. He is 10 months old and was born with challenges that has made him difficult to place by earthly standards.
After adopting Brennan, who is 11 now, we really felt that God was leading us to adopt another child who was significantly disabled. Our home is set up for a child with these kinds of needs. A child who would not walk or talk. This is a mission God has called us to...this is our heart's desire. When we heard about Kaden, we were told by the foster mom that she did not believe he would be able to walk. She was right. I think he can only run! From the minute he came to us, he has not stopped moving. He does have FASD, but he is in no way physically disabled! Then Elijah and Maisy came---both with very significant health needs and both very capable of ambulating and communicating verbally. We never looked back and have been so thankful for the amazing children the Lord has brought us.
And there is this little guy in Alabama. We have heard about him via the internet through many sources. The same way we learned about Brennan 11 years ago. He is being cared for by Brennan's former foster mom and a dear friend of ours.
Announcing that we are expecting another child should be a time of joy and excitement. When you are adopting number 11, this experience can be very different. To be honest, this is the only part of this adoption that I have had apprehension about...not the paperwork, the doctors visits, the expense of adoption, or the sleepless nights with a new little one...but sharing with the world that we are adopting again...that is what I have been so hesitant to face head on. For those who wonder if we have considered this fully--we are keenly aware that we are getting old, that we have very limited income, that our health or anything else in our lives is not guaranteed, and that we have a lot on our plates. Considering it all, we still come to the conclusion that if we truly believe that this life of ours is God's and not our own, we will simply take His hand and let him lead where He wills. And he is leading us to a little, medically fragile baby boy in Alabama who needs us as much as we need him.
I have resolved to look up and not around. This is far to important a decision to allow public opinion to weigh in on. We have such peace about this decision. And with joy and excitement, we want to share that, Lord willing, we will be adding one more to the Martindale clan.