Tender Mercies

I was talking to my sister Caitlin the other day about adoption. 

Jordan and I had gone to a Ward BBQ and Swimming party this past weekend.  We ate, talked with friends from the ward and were having a really fun time.  We were watching all the parents playing with their kids in the pool, taking them down the slides, splashing and laughing.  After an hour or so I turned to Jordan and told him that I didn't really want to swim and was ready to go home.  Without question he said ok and we left.  As we were walking to the car Jordan asked if it was because it was hard seeing all the kids with their parents.  It was.  He just knew and I love that he just knew.

Sometimes out of nowhere it just hits me.  I feel an overwhelming sense of longing, sadness and frustration.  It is in those moments that I turn to my husband, my family and The Lord.        

I feel so blessed that Caitlin has already gone through the adoption process and she is such a huge help for me. She is the one person that I can always turn to when I have adoption questions, frustrations or need some inspiration and hope. She is not only my sister but is one of my best friends!  She has been through the adoption process, she gets it and understands. 

She told me to read a conference talk called 'The Tender Mercies of the Lord' by Elder Bednar.  She told me that when her and Ryan were waiting to find Maya that they often turned to this talk.  It wasn't about adoption but was very comforting to them. 

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng

It was just what I was needing to hear.

"The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

Waiting for our baby is at times difficult but knowing that through the Savior's tender mercies we will be comforted and strengthened it gives me hope and renews my faith.