Last night, right before Sam went to bed, he came back to our room because he wanted to share that on Monday night he really prayed really hard for TA and then, the next day, it came...which of course, Philip and I said, "Why didn't you pray real hard sooner??" We had a good laugh, but after he left the room I sat there thankful for our precious children.
I cannot believe how each day progresses with Jacob & Sam becoming more and more like young men and not my little boys. Jacob keeps assuring me that Anna will be fine because he will take care of her...and he will. He is very much the "oldest" child with wisdom and caring beyond his age. He is also gracious and excited that his part of the adoption will be to stay home with Anna so Sam can experience personally Asher's adoption.
Sam amazes me more everyday. Gone is the clingy three year old who did not want to be left at preschool. Gone is the child that used to start every sentence with "I want" God used Sam's heart to begin the journey to Asher. He stayed the course of his conviction until all of us agreed to see ifAsher's adoption was the plan for our family. It taught me to never discount the heart of a child in very big matters.
Anna is precious. We continually talk about Asher's adoption and the fact that Mommy, Daddy & Sam all will travel to China so we can complete his adoption and bring him home. We go to the map and talk about how far of a trip it is. We talk about Zhuzhou and how we all traveled to adopt Anna. She will repeat bits and pieces of her story, mixing in Asher's, too. Then, with an understanding that tears through my heart, she'll say, "Thank you, Mom." To which my tear choked voice will add, "No, thank you for letting me be your mommy."
So, this morning, before I begin working on cleaning and packing lists, p.o.a and medicine lists, I must pray. Thank you, God, for the awesome privilege to be Jacob, Sam, Anna and soon Asher's mom. I know you chose me to be their mom and I want to be the best one possible. I am humbled and honor that you would answer our prayer to add Asher to our family. Be with us over the next few weeks as we prepare for this journey and separation. Give us your peace, comfort and grace. Use us to show Jesus to everyone we meet. Amen.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Day 107 - TA TA FOR NOW!
Yes, praise the Lord, it's official! We received our travel approval on Tuesday, August 29th, 107 days after logging in our paperwork and 14 months after starting our adoption journey! How awesome is that!
Now we wait to hear more news of when we'll actually travel...but just knowing that we have the big piece of the adoption puzzle in our hands is a wonderful relief! And, Mr. Asher will be home in time for Thanksgiving...and what a Thanksgiving it will be!! Thank you, God, for the miracle of our children!
Now we wait to hear more news of when we'll actually travel...but just knowing that we have the big piece of the adoption puzzle in our hands is a wonderful relief! And, Mr. Asher will be home in time for Thanksgiving...and what a Thanksgiving it will be!! Thank you, God, for the miracle of our children!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Day 105
We're still waiting and it looks like in may be October before we travel because of holidays and trade shows. Below is the prayer I've been praying every morning.
Hebrews 11:1 = Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not yet see. We trust you Lord, that you will complete that which you started, that which we hope and long for.
Psalm 37:4 = Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Because we understand that you greatly love us, we can trust you. In the security of your love we feel safe to delight ourselves in you because we know you give us the desires of our hearts and you know that desire is to bring our children home.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded, declares the Lord. They [your children] will return from the land...so there is hope for your future, delcares the Lord. Your children will return to their own land! Therefore we do not fret, worry, frustrate or grow impatient, for we know you work all things together for our good.
Philippians 4:6 = Be worried for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. We believe that you have heard our prayers, and there is nothing left to do but give thanks and praise to the one who makes our dreams come true!!!!
AMEN!
Hebrews 11:1 = Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not yet see. We trust you Lord, that you will complete that which you started, that which we hope and long for.
Psalm 37:4 = Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Because we understand that you greatly love us, we can trust you. In the security of your love we feel safe to delight ourselves in you because we know you give us the desires of our hearts and you know that desire is to bring our children home.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded, declares the Lord. They [your children] will return from the land...so there is hope for your future, delcares the Lord. Your children will return to their own land! Therefore we do not fret, worry, frustrate or grow impatient, for we know you work all things together for our good.
Philippians 4:6 = Be worried for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. We believe that you have heard our prayers, and there is nothing left to do but give thanks and praise to the one who makes our dreams come true!!!!
AMEN!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
101 Days
Ugh. That's the only word to describe the current number of days we've waited for TA. Ugh. UGh. UGH! I actually have to create a new "Countdown to Asher" calendar because back on day 70 I refused to put any number larger than 100 as a possible waiting time. Guess I was wrong.
In other news, Jacob and Sam are back to school. Poor things. They are exhausted and grumpy. Can't say that I blame them. 6:15 is early...too early for people who not morning people. This would include Sam and myself.
In other news, Jacob and Sam are back to school. Poor things. They are exhausted and grumpy. Can't say that I blame them. 6:15 is early...too early for people who not morning people. This would include Sam and myself.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Day 94
Last night during my dreams Asher was calling MaMa. It was a very distinct, madarin voice gently calling for his MaMa. Every room I entered his voice would come from a different place. He was just out of reach. I never saw his face, but know it was his voice.
So, this morning I'm thinking about how all my children have very distinctive ways for calling for me. Jacob's been MOM! forever. Sam prefers a quieter Mom, sometimes with dramatic emphasis Mo-Om. Anna uses Mom-Mom a lot, and can do a rapid fire "mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom!" Mommy is out the window with her since her brothers rarely use it and she wants to be just like them. And, by the tone of their voice and the way they call, I can tell if they will be asking, complaining or upset by something and need to talk.
I'm so proud of my title, Mom. Nothing could ever compare to being Jacob, Sam, Asher & Anna's MOM! Mo-OM, MaMa & Mom-Mom. I am so blessed!!
So, this morning I'm thinking about how all my children have very distinctive ways for calling for me. Jacob's been MOM! forever. Sam prefers a quieter Mom, sometimes with dramatic emphasis Mo-Om. Anna uses Mom-Mom a lot, and can do a rapid fire "mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom!" Mommy is out the window with her since her brothers rarely use it and she wants to be just like them. And, by the tone of their voice and the way they call, I can tell if they will be asking, complaining or upset by something and need to talk.
I'm so proud of my title, Mom. Nothing could ever compare to being Jacob, Sam, Asher & Anna's MOM! Mo-OM, MaMa & Mom-Mom. I am so blessed!!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
With Six You Get Eggroll
Day 93
It does not look like there will be news this week. All the boards are quiet regarding TA. It's okay, I'm busy thinking of all the things that need to be done for school.
We will be busy with cross country & school events for the next several weeks, plus it's time to return to choir (yea!) and start Bible studies. This will be good for all of us.
Philip and I have decided to schedule breakfast & devotions with Jacob & Sam every morning. That means I will actually get up at 5:45...oh my! But, it's hard getting time to be with just them...and they are growing up so fast. We need to keep intentional about spending time with them and finding out how they are, really. I've been guilty of letting our TA wait consume me this summer...I hope to change that.
Oh, parenting is such a tough balancing act! Am I doing enough? Am I smothering? Do I need to do more? Memories of my high school years have been back in full force recently and I never want my children in the position I was as a teenager. Lord, please help me guide our children through this time.
It does not look like there will be news this week. All the boards are quiet regarding TA. It's okay, I'm busy thinking of all the things that need to be done for school.
We will be busy with cross country & school events for the next several weeks, plus it's time to return to choir (yea!) and start Bible studies. This will be good for all of us.
Philip and I have decided to schedule breakfast & devotions with Jacob & Sam every morning. That means I will actually get up at 5:45...oh my! But, it's hard getting time to be with just them...and they are growing up so fast. We need to keep intentional about spending time with them and finding out how they are, really. I've been guilty of letting our TA wait consume me this summer...I hope to change that.
Oh, parenting is such a tough balancing act! Am I doing enough? Am I smothering? Do I need to do more? Memories of my high school years have been back in full force recently and I never want my children in the position I was as a teenager. Lord, please help me guide our children through this time.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Day 90
Here we are at 90 days. Can you believe it? But, I remain strangely calm. This is good news for the family! I think I have finally found out that I am not in control *gasp* and that's okay! Here's to remaining calm for the rest of our wait!
