A different kind of Labor.

Well, we are knee deep into our home study and needless to say it is proving to be full of questions,twists,turns,and work.So many forms to have filled out....so many questions to answer. So many unknowns. I sit and wonder "will this be thing that makes me unfit to adopt?"
As most of you know, I have had some health issues over the years. I am so scared that these will keep me from being able to add to my family. I have never been in better health physically and emotionally....but the enemy wants me to believe that I just don't have what it takes.He sometimes convinces me that as soon as the respective agencies find out about about my past medical issues, they'll kindly tell us thanks but no thanks.
The other day I was very discouraged, and in the midst of my sadness I was reminded of my third pregnancy.While pregnant with Carter, I was faced with the most emotionally trying season of my life. I was being fed through a tube in my chest, and battled infection after infection.At 5 months I was told by my physician to abort my baby. She told me that due to my complications, she wasn't sure "what kind of baby" I would have. Ben and I both quickly explained to my Ob/Gyn that abortion was not an option, and we set about the business of waiting. We waited and prayed. We had hundreds of family members praying diligently, and although there were many unknowns, we never once believed that it was not worth it.We also never believed that our son, regardless of his physical makeup would be anything less than beautiful and perfect. We trusted God knew exactly what he was doing,and layed it quietly and confidently in his hands. Although born 8 weeks early after 53 hours of labor and weighing a tiny 3 lb 8 oz....our Carter (now 11 yrs old) is the picture of health and a star athelete. He is very smart, and is passionate about everything he does. God not only took care of the situation, he gave us a boy who has defied the doubters and proven God is capable of any and all things.
I must be ever mindful that he is capable of taking care of this as well. Ben and I know that this is a calling he has placed on our hearts. He will open any and all doors that need to be. We are waiting, and trusting, and praying. Just like we waited with the birth of our other three children. It is a different kind of labor....slower and longer and less predictable.....but it is labor just the same. I ask for your prayers as we continue this very scary and long journey.We can feel your prayers and they are lifting us up and keeping us encouraged.
We will keep you posted.
Love
Kasey and Ben