About 10 months ago I bumped into Alyssa and her husband at Barnes & Noble. A quick look at the books in our arms revealed we were both anticipating babies… Her choice, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” and mine, “The Idiots Guide to Adoption.” This past Sunday we sat next to each other in church—she, bottle-feeding an 8 week old baby, and me… wait a minute! Where’s my baby???

Ah, adoption. Ah, the Hand of providence. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Do good things really come to those who wait? Or is that just a stupid saying?

At least the friends in my life share their adorable children with me. I’ve enjoyed some of the best company over the past several days… Chunky Dawson dreaming peacefully while I read a book in our study. Sweet Cadence drifting asleep in my arms to “Jesus Loves Me” and rhythmic back-thumping. Two year old Andrew gleefully yelling my name into the phone his mother was holding: Beba! Beba! Bye-bye Beba.

Some days the waiting is harder than others. But the cute little pookies in my life remind me that the hardships and joys of parenting are well-worth waiting for.