Colt's Dedication

One thing that is so special about our church is how much the congregation loves children. I mean, all churches do, I suppose. But so much of the curriculum and activities and classes are built around kids. John and I have been involved with the children's ministry for quite some time with Children's Bible Hour.

One of the things that happens every Sunday during Late Service is that one of our preachers, Kent, has "Children's Story Time". All the kids in the congregation run to the front of the auditorium and sit on the stage to sing kids Bible songs and hear a short story. And whenever there is a new baby, Kent incorporates the birth into this special time. Not sure what it's called exactly (no formal name) but I call it "baby dedication". The parents bring the baby up front, Kent holds him/her and shows him off to all the kids. He talks about the baby and asks the kids to be good examples to him/her as they grow up, and to help teach them about God.

He then says a special prayer for the new family.

I've watched so many families have this special time, and it's one of those things that often made infertility so much more painful. Along with pregnancy announcements, showers, Mother's Day, etc. But it was because I so longed to be able to stand up there and have our congregation shower blessings and prayers for us. I longed to introduce MY child to the other children. To see MY child's picture on the screen. To be a part of it all.

We knew we wanted to do this, but because of the long wait with the birth father's termination hearing we wanted to hold off until things were more "finalized". So the first Sunday in March was Colt's day. I could hardly hold back the tears. Kent told the kids about Colt, he named off ALL our family members that were there (which was pretty much everybody), and it was just wonderful.

I appreciated it especially because he didn't specifically say that Colt was adopted. Most of the congregation knows, and Kent has a special tie because his son is adopted, too. But I just appreciated being honored as a family...no qualifiers. I know that sounds strange, because I so love our story and honor his birthmother. But it was wonderful to just feel like a new mom. No qualifiers. He did mention in his prayer that it felt extra special that day because of the unique way our family was brought together. And I loved it.

It was such a wonderful moment. Our entire family (even Aunt Julia and her friend came!), our friends who loved and supported us for so long were watching. It was like the final piece to coming together as a family. I'm so thankful that we had this experience and that everyone was there. I couldn't say much or I would break down and cry.

Of course I didn't think to have anyone come and take pictures. Luckily a few people brought cameras and took pictures from our spot in the balcony. They didn't turn out very well, but at least it's something. I sent the picture of Colt on his first day home, in his "I was worth the wait" onesie for the screens. I think it was fitting.