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Adoption Swap Box News:

I have been contemplating whether or not to host Adoption Swap Box again.

Honest truth is that it was a TON of work but was worth it since it was a huge success!

However, over time as I looked back on it all I could only see negative results.

Some people didn’t receive a box from their partner and it frustrated me to see people joining up just to take advantage of others.

Feeling discouraged & overwhelmed I tucked it out of my mind for a while.

I received a message from an Instagram friend. She wanted me to read her blog as she had a story to share with me, so I found a quiet moment.

I read it. I cried.

Reading Stevie’s story reminded me of the pain & sadness that I had felt over the years as we had waited to adopt our first child. It reminded me of all the work that goes into an adoption.

I guess in someways I had forgotten the pain I had felt before holding our first son in our arms – similar to how a mother forgets the pains of her labor once she holds her child in her arms.

That pain that I had felt so long ago, THAT is what made me start Adoption Swap Box. So others could feel connected through their Journey instead of so alone.

To connect us all. To bless us with a way to connect with others that also have an adoption story and to be encouraged through prayer & friendship.

An Adoption Swap Box inspiration story:

I HIGHLY encourage you to read Stevie’s blog – especially the Adoption “story” timeline.

You see God used a silly little idea called Adoption Swap Box, and he connected two strangers who were going along their own personal Adoption Journeys to bring a child to their forever homes.

An excerpt from Stevie’s Blog:

That night, she called me, and I told her how I had met her and this young birth mom named Crystal in the same week. (Now, weeks ago) I went on to tell her how I felt…how I loved this young BM and I loved her baby, but I knew deep within my heart this baby wasn’t mine. I asked her to begin praying about this situation, and we spoke about how Great our God is. A God who can use Instagram, an adopt swap box idea, a desire to adopt rooted in the heart of a NC woman and the heart to adopt rooted in the heart of a ND woman, and a young scared pregnant teenage girl to weave together this beautiful story.

Genesis 18:14: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

But WAIT! There is more!! The other half to this beautiful match made in heaven – really truly God matched these two women together for his grand plan.

All I did was sit on my floor with a pen & stack of paper with all those who signed up for ASB. I tried my best to match people…but before and after matching everyone up I prayed. A prayer that people were being matched with the right partners.

God is Good!

After reading the above linked blog post I highly encourage you to read this next post  “bringing home baby B” as it is the other half of the story.

An excerpt from the Blotsky’s Blog:

This summer I participated in an ‘Adoption PenPal’ project via Instagram…….I was paired up with a sweet girl named Stevie…….On August 11, I got a phone call from Stevie. She had been in contact with a birth mother ‘C’ who found Stevie’s adoption profile and was interested in their family. Stevie met with this sweet birthmomma, but felt God tugging on her heart that it was in fact someone’s baby.. but that the baby wasn’t met to be Stevie’s. Stevie felt God leading her to tell Z and I about this sweet birthmomma named ‘C’ and about her baby. Stevie told ‘C’ all about us and that she felt that her baby was meant to be ours and that we were meant to be the parents to her child.

Amazing right!?!?!

When is the next Adoption Swap Box?

After reading that story you would think my Inspiration was restored right?

It was, for a short while. But then reality hit.

I just can not host a swap properly right now. It does take up a LOT of time and energy. Both of which I don’t have right now.

My kids need my focus, I am in the midst of planning a Silent Auction Fundraiser for my Adoption Agency and my husband wouldn’t mind seeing me too

So I guess the short answer right now is NO, I will not be hosting a swap in the near future.

Someday I may have the energy to host again….lets say I will probably revisit the idea in March. Why so far away?

Because the Fundraiser will be over

Thank you so much for your excitement about Adoption Swap Box.

It was a true JOY to have been able to host it.

A NEW WAY TO CONNECT IS HERE!

I am happy to end this post with some exciting news!

I have been informed of an AMAZING online bible study that is set up for Adoptive and Foster Mothers as well as Pre-adoptive mothers.

The First study will be on Gratitude it will really minister to the waiting mom’s heart, because that tends to be the HARDEST time to be thankful in this adoption journey. But will be a wonderful study as well for those of us who have already been blessed through adoption or fostering.

It sounds like a fantastic way to connect, become a part of a community & feel encouraged through God’s Word. Please Click Here to find out more

Want to take over Adoption Swap Box?

If any of you reading are fellow bloggers and would love to take on the responsibility of ASB I would love to share with you what I have learned and would be thrilled to pass along experience.

Feel free to contact me

May God Bless You in whatever journey you are on….and remember:

Will you join in this new Bible Study Adoption & Foster Mom Community? I am excited to see you there!

An Adoption Swap Box Inspirational Story Shared. at ADOPTION MAMA.