Connections . . .

Derek and I had a great experience today. We were able to connect with other couples who are on the same path to grow their families as we are.
Our agency, Hope's Promise, hosts an "almost annual" picnic for all of the adoptive families including those who have just applied all the way to those who adopted through their agency twenty years ago. It was amazing to see all of the families knowing that they are all like us, taking the voyage of adoption.
As Derek and I talked with other couples and families I had this feeling of how awesome it was to finally put a personality to all of the pictures and conversations that have taken place over Facebook and emails over the last year. We even shared those things that we have been meaning to say, but waiting until we were in person. As I reflect on this afternoon I find myself thankful for having the connections in adoption that we do.
Outside of the agency a group for waiting families was started about six months ago. The goal was to connect with other couples in the same place that we were. About five to six couples gather on a monthly basis to share their month, their lives and their stories as they continue in the adoption process. The group is eclectic because all are invited at any point of the process. Some couples are still waiting for a match while others are matched, but waiting for birth and some are coming up to their six month finalization date.
When Derek and I heard about the group we weren't sure that we wanted to be a part of it. It seemed like such an awkward time to gather with other couples with the same goal in mind, a baby because there is an inhering feeling of competition!
I attended the first group by myself because Derek was skiing. I shared our story and listened to the others.  There was a couple there who had just matched the week before with the due date of their baby in a couple of weeks. It was a neat experience to hear their journey the week before the meeting because it was a glimpse into our future. I left their feeling a lot of different emotions. I knew that this was something that I needed even though it felt odd.
Being a part of this group has become a part of the month that we look forward to. Through the group we have many new friends that we are taking our voyage with. It is always enjoyable to gather and hear about the events that are taking place, the opinions of others and joys when the dreams are finally realized. It is a place of support that others outside of the world of adoption cannot understand.
When Derek and I started our voyage we did not realize how important these connections would be to us. We have spent our married life relishing in each other and loving every minute of it. Through our voyage with these other people we have found life long friends and supports that we have grown to love. We are so thankful to have their support through this and love that we can support them on their journey.