The Significance of Memorial Day

American flag
Originally uploaded by yerffej9.

As I think back over the past two Memorial Day weekends, I am amazed at how significant they have been in our decision to adopt. Let me share our story:

Two years ago , Memorial Day weekend, Dan and I were camping in Flagstaff. We had been trying to start our family since February of that year with no result. Dan had often said, "Don't worry if we can't have our own, we will adopt." I shrugged this off and figured we hadn't tried very long and that we would get pregnant, it was just a matter of time. However, his words echoed in my mind more than once.

On the way home from that Flagstaff camping trip I was struggling with this idea of possibly adopting. I was talking with God and kind of wrestling with Him in my mind regarding this issue. At that very moment Steven Curtis Chapman's voice came over the radio and was telling his story of adoption and encouraging people to adopt. Dan looked at me and said, "See adoption's good!". I looked over to him, as my jaw dropped, and told him about how I had just been arguing with God about this very issue! After this day, I began to seriously pray about whether adoption was part of God's plan for our family.

You see, it's not that adoption is anything new in my life, all 4 of my siblings are adopted. But, I just never saw myself adopting. Because of a few experiences my mom has had to endure, frankly, I was scared to adopt. "Oh, ye of little faith".

Well, Dan and I continued to try to start our family to no avail and occasionally prayed regarding adoption and whether this was God's will for us.

One year ago, Memorial Day weekend, Dan and I headed for San Diego. As we drove through the middle of nowhere, between Yuma and San Diego, we talked and listened to our CD's. I remember it was night and the only light around was coming from our headlights. Keep in mind we were listening to CD's because there was no reception on the radio. As I switched CD's and the CD popped out, immediately James Dobson's voice was heard over the radio. He was just introducing a lady who was to tell her story of ...yes, adoption. Dan and I looked at each other in amazement. I did not touch the next CD. I simply sat still and listened. I felt numb as I listened to the lady talk about her apprehension at first to adopt and how the miracle of adoption has changed her life. She adopted 2 boys from Russia.

Well, needless to say, Dan and I took this as a clear sign and answer to our prayers. When we arrived home from last Memorial Day Weekend we started the "paper chase" toward our little girl Lauren.

This Memorial Day Weekend, Dan and I are not going out of town as we normally would. We are saving for our trip to China instead! Wow, how God has molded my heart over the past 2 years. Who knows, maybe Memorial Day next year we will be in China getting our Lauren!