Joli making eyes at Dada ;)
We had day two which began with a meeting and paperwork for days, and the best birthday party ever. A new member of one of the families turned 14! She's so fabulous and full of life, I can't wait to hear how her homecoming goes. Then we headed off for Passport pics for Joli. There was a whole gang of us so it was a little taxing. When we left one office, I asked are we finished...another Dad chuckled- seriously if only it were that simple. The whole process wasn't terrible for sure, but it was way better then the smells- oh dear!
Today's a lazy day. We headed to Starbucks. Trying to maintain our sanity with our new little one, Kai adjusting to this life altering New thing, and Gunnar...my middle SON God love him...the wrestling has yet to end. All that to say because we aren't perfect parents, up for admiring or any such thing. We just are willing, weak people who believe in a God who is bigger then us and who fills in all the gaps. Thankful for Grace and new mercies every morning.
Derek made the hike over to a restaurant we loved when we were here with Kai. Being at a different hotel, it's a trek from here. All 3 are napping currently. It's a beautiful thing. Remember me mentioning sanity. And say a prayer for Gunnar. He and I will be visiting the orphanage tomorrow. It will be hard. But, I think necessary...for both of us.
About turning 14- in China this in when a child ages out of the system! I'm not an expert but had there been a glitch before her birthday yesterday she wouldn't have been available to adopt any longer. We are surrounded by all kinds of families...young, older, new parents, party of 12, party of 10, wow...and each child is so different. This process is so hard and begins with such loss. All that to say...if you've ever had an inkling to adopt, or passing thought of fostering or maybe there's room for 1 more. Revisit it! Seriously, it will cost you, financially, emotionally, creature comforts, you fill in the blank...but that's all worth the difference you can make in the life of a child. I don't care where...local, international, familial, whatever God lays before you...be willing to say Yes- Yes!
I can sense all the doubts and questions before you. I've asked them. Let your faith be bigger than your fear! Thank you Christine Caine. Earlier in this process I was asked several times what's your biggest fear? And a friend said well what if...what if she doesn't ever walk, talk, you fill in the blank, what if? Does that make you turn away? You'll care for a child this side of heaven for a breath- than there's eternity! That gave me new perspective. I'll add I'm not saying jump in where you will drowned...we all are equipped for what we can handle...but we forget about all the blessing on the other side of saying Yes Lord!
What if this child brings more joy then you've ever know. What if they teach you volumes and chapters about love and Gods goodness and redemption. I don't know what it may be for you! But I know it's waiting for you!
What if you said yes?...sleep tight!
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