Are you hopefully waiting to adopt? Do you sometimes feel sad, frustrated or discouraged with the adoption process? You’re not alone. Waiting to adopt can be a long and grueling experience. I remember those tearful days when it seemed like I would never become a parent. During those times, it’s especially important to stay positive and keep the faith. Here are 19 encouraging quotes for adoptive parents to help lift your spirits while you wait for your precious child to finally come home.

“Adoption was a bumpy ride — very bumpy. But, God, was it worth the fight.” — Mariska Hargitay

“You are allowed to scream. You are allowed to cry, but do not give up.” — Unknown

“Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. Just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best.” — Robert Tew

“Little souls find their way to you, whether they’re from your womb or someone else’s.” — Sheryl Crow

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

“There are times when the adoption process is exhausting and painful and makes you want to scream. But, I am told, so does childbirth.” — Scott Simon

“Adoption is a beautiful, burdensome blessing.” ― Jody Cantrell Dyer

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” — John Quincy Adams

“However motherhood comes to you, it’s a miracle.” — Valerie Harper

“Sometimes when life doesn’t work out as you planned, there is a greater force at work.” ― Deanna Kahler

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe

“The adoption was challenging — the love arrived instantly.” — Unknown

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you end up with them. It’s something quite magical.” — Nicole Kidman

“Adoption is complicated, but it is also rich with narratives of strength.” — Jillian Lauren

“A lot of people have their big dreams and get knocked down and don’t have things go their way. And you never give up hope, and you really just hold on to it. Hard work and perseverance. You just keep getting up and getting up, and then you get that breakthrough.” — Robert Kraft

“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” — Carol Burnett

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” — CC Scott

“Adoption is a journey of faith, from beginning to end.” — Johnny Carr

Do you have a favorite adoption quote or some words of wisdom to help you get through the tough times? Please share them in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!