The thing about infertility is that it's so very common, but every story looks different. Our story was one of seven years marked by belief that our God could, but not always knowing if he would bless us with our heart's desire. I eventually learned to be content in the waiting, trusting that God was using this time to shape our story into just what he wanted it to be.
Then we began fertility treatments in Spring 2016, and with renewed hope came surprising disappointment with our first failed IUI. After three more unsuccessful attempts, the realness of a barren womb became a reality that I knew I had to come to terms with and learn how to live a full, joyful life despite of.
The community of friends that God surrounded us with over the past few years made an unbearable journey bearable. They prayed over us, wrote our names in their Bibles, encouraged us to pray big prayers and not hold back out of fear. They desired a baby for us, acknowledged us on the hard holidays--such as Mother's Day and Father's Day--and dreamed with us.
When we decided we would set up a GoFundMe account to help us afford IVF, they showed up again, making financial sacrifices on our behalf.
I'm more thankful than I could ever put into words for these wonderful friends God blessed us with. They were pillars of faith and stood firm on our behalf when we were too weary to even talk to God.
I've learned that God's timing is both mysterious and wonderful. We are often ready for something long before He's ready for us to receive it. It's in the waiting period that we can choose joy, choose to trust, and allow our faith to be molded into the dynamic testimony He desires it to be.
Praise be to the Giver of Life. All praises to His Holy Name for this long-awaited miracle.
"Sing, barren woman,
you who never bore a child;
burst into song, shout for joy,
you were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
