I have heard many comments and been asked similar questions since being home with our newest son.

“You must have a lot more patience than me!”

“So, what’s it like being a mother of four?”

“How are your other kids reacting?”

“How do you do it?”

I recently read this quote:

I’m convinced that such questions and concerns will ultimately prove to be opportunities for God to show His faithfulness in ways you never could have imagined. Our Father is committed to providing for the fatherless, and I trust that He will grant you grace to follow Him if He is leading you to become a part of His plan to care for one of these precious children in need.

Grace has been our mantra, not only throughout the adoption process, but through life in general. When it’s getting chaotic at home, Mark & I often look at one another and just say, “Grace.”

God’s grace is abundant . . . more than enough . . . never-ending.

10 years ago when we brought Madeline Hope home from the hospital and didn’t have a clue what we were doing as new parents? Grace.

Losing 5 babies and dealing with the heartache of miscarriage after miscarriage? Grace.

Beginning the adoption process for Lily and following God’s plan for our family? Grace.

Reeling from the shock of discovering Lily’s medical needs? Grace.

In the middle of all these changes, the blessing of Baby Jude? Grace.

Stepping out in faith, obeying God’s voice and walking down the path of adoption again? Grace.

Bringing Jaidin home and changing the world once again for Maddie, Lily and Jude? Grace.

Are our days always easy? Nope.

Do I struggle and feel overwhelmed at times? Yep.

I am a very ordinary girl serving a super extraordinary God. He blesses me in ways I never imagined (hello? 4 kids!) and is guiding me every step of the way.

So, how do I do it? I don’t. God does.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
-Romans 5:1-2

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Rachel, along with her husband, Mark, parent four wonderful children, 2 biological and 2 adopted from China. Along with her heart for adoption, she is also passionate about her faith and serves as the Worship Pastor at her local church. Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and getting the occasional break to go shopping and get a nice coffee. She blogs about her faith, family, and adoption.