It is finished!

They are officially Kashuba's! The adoption part is finished, but the parenting part will continue for the rest of our lives. I will never be able to fully explain what it felt like to walk out of that courtroom today and complete this crazy journey. From the first conversation I had with my friend Ashley over 4 years ago to going to court today...we had no idea what we were getting into. When I spoke with my friend Ashley 4 years ago, she and her husband were in the final stages of becoming licensed to get their kids. I remember thinking how amazing she was and how happy I was for her new family. Little did I know that just 4 years later I would be following in her foot steps. God planted a seed that day, a tiny speck of a seed and then he continued to water it, tend to it, pull out the weeds and see that it was grown into what is now our beautiful family. Ashley and her husband were there today at court. I thought that was fitting considering they were the ones who started it all!

I am reminded today of so many prayers...pouring my heart out to the Lord. I remember the first time I prayed for my kids. I did not know their names or ages or how many of them there would be, but I prayed for them right where they were and sobbed at the thought that they needed their momma and for some reason God knew it would be better for them to take the long route getting to us. I struggle to find the words to explain what I know to be true about God. Some things don't make sense...or at least I can't explain them. All I know is how I feel and what God has revealed to me. I do feel sad that I did not get to have my kids from day 1, but I know that God's amazing plan is being revealed all the time in my life and in the life of my kids. I am honored to know Him just a little. I am honored to be the mother of my 3 precious little ones. None of us our perfect, not one, and this world is a scary place, but our God is beautiful and just and holy and perfect. He takes risks. He does not fit in our minds or in any box. He is adventurous and life with Him is a wild ride...one that I am glad to be on.

Oh God, you are my God and I will ever praise you! We ask for your wisdom this day and every day after to be the kind of parents you want us to be. This is all in service to you. Help us to keep the faith.

amanda