5 For Hope

Premature Singing

We had such a tremendous sermon at church today that I thought I'd better come memorialize it lest anyone who googles something to do with Ethiopian adoption, delay, frustration, etc. would land on my last post and wonder if I'd lost sight of what's what.  I think I am more prone to become clouded in my view of where we are headed because of all the other emotional things going on in the house on any given day--especially as we are within a week of Christmas.  It's very hard to be by myself for this holiday--again.  The first time turned out quite lovely, but it doesn't make me less apprehensive about my abilities to handle things alone this time.

Anyway, about church.

Our pastor talked about how heralding the birth of Jesus, even while he was still being carried by Mary (as in the instance where she visited Elizabeth and John leaped in Elizabeth's womb), was a testament to people that we should rest in the knowledge and rely on our faith.  We may not actually know how the story turns out, but we know.

He went on to say that when we worry we are not trusting in that truth.  We are questioning the very nature of what God says he will do.  In other words, if I believe this adoption is God's will (which I do) then my worrying over it and questioning if it will ever take place chips away and questions whatever else I know to be true based on faith.

The pastor also quoted an article he read that said, "Blessings come when you trust that the will of God will be fulfilled."

I needed to hear it today and if you are in the same spot we are in, you do too.

Well, Well...

Remember in April when I told you our family had joined "Team Ethiopia" and contributed toward a well building project?

Lori, who coordinated the project, posted an update to her blog to let us know that Team Ethiopia has raised enough money in the past three months ($10,000) to build not one, but TWO wells.

With all that has been happening (and not happening) for us on our own road to Ethiopia, this news comes as a wonderful reminder of the mission.  One step at a time, taking a hand or two along the way, and we will bring about good things for those who need it most.

Thank you, Lori, for your hard work and for allowing our team to become a part of Team Ethiopia!

Been Saving My Pennies...

I've been "ignoring" a set amount from each paycheck ever since I read about this project on a fellow adoptive mom's blog.  I have found so many wonderful links via this blog, I cannot even begin to tell you. 

One day, I was linked to yet another adoptive family's blog and I was inspired and enthralled with such a simple, yet lifesaving idea.  Joining Lori in her quest to build a well in Ethiopia to bring clean water to people in desperate need of it filled my heart with purpose.  I wanted to do this, but I knew I needed to do this even more.  I have so many tenuous little connections with M3 right now that being part of a greater group working toward a goal that would make a permanent difference in her country became very important.

So, I watched that 'ignored' amount of money grow and decided today was the day for our family to join Team Ethiopia.  Our family's name is now featured with so many others along the sidebar at Lori's blog.

I thought I'd tell you about it in case you wanted to toss your hat in the ring there as well.  Every little bit counts and, with the response she has received, it looks like Team Ethiopia may be responsible for TWO wells through Charity Water.  By using that link and the red donate button, our funds went directly to Lori's Team Ethiopia.  We are so excited!

You've been very supportive of our adoption journey and, most of all, we appreciate your positive thoughts, prayers and encouragement.  We'd appreciate it if you'd dedicate some of those to Team Ethiopia as the project winds into its 'big announcement' of just how big this team actually is!

Go on over and visit Lori's blog.  Post some encouraging words and see what a few determined families will be able to do in Ethiopia.  Yea!!

Dear M3...

When I was expecting M1 and M2, I used to write them letters either literally or mentally and I found it to be a wonderful thing to pass the time.  I never had a blog during those months, though, and because I do now, I thought this might be a good place to record the thoughts relating to our expectation of M3's arrival.

Dear M3,
I realized the other day that on Good Friday, you will have known about us for two months.  I wonder what you think about as you wait for those people in those photos to come find you.  I'd like to think you are anxiously awaiting that day even if you have happy feelings mixed with sadness and fear.  All those things are understandable and we have our own weird jumble of feelings over it all too.

We are so close to another major milestone in our journey to you.  Our homestudy report will be finalized soon and once it is, and once it receives approval, we will be ready to learn all there is to know about you from your referral folder.  When I imagine that folder in my mind, it actually glows.  Silly, isn't it?  But I see that folder, then the golden haze around it and the music "ta-da!"  I wish they were able to give you a full folder about us, but they can't.  So many unknowns about you and yet, there are so many more for you to contemplate when you think about us.  I'm sorry for that.  I cannot imagine how scary this entire prospect is for you.

Here is what I do know, though.  We could not be more excited about your joining our family.  We cannot wait to hold you in our arms.  We want nothing more than to take your hand and accompany you through the front door of your new home.  We want you to feel safe.  And valued.  And treasured.  And loved.  We want all those things for you and we feel so honored that we may be the ones to provide you with that.

We are hurrying as fast as we can.  I have lost as much, if not more sleep, working on your behalf than I did growing M1 and M2 combined!  I will continue to be tireless in my push for the process to move along quickly.  We already know we will have a wait once our paperwork arrives in your city.  The wheels of government turn slowly as those in charge make sure everything is correct--they care about you too, M3, and want to be sure we are worthy of having you join us in the States.  We will bide our time.  However, for our part, we are MOVING fast so we can make the wait as short as possible.

We love you and miss you.  Your room is waiting as are our open arms.  We're coming.  Hang in there!

Love,
Mommy

Cannot Wait To Hear the Backstory

I always love when the kids bring home artwork and tell me all about what they were thinking when they created their masterpiece.

Today, I had to stop by the girls' school and as I walked down the hallway by M2's classroom, I noticed some new artwork on the wall that she had not talked about yet at home...at least I don't think so.

We had a conversation the night before last about how much she loves her soft blanket emblazoned with a brightly colored picture of Dora. 

She asked me if when M3 comes home and is in need of a soft blanket if she (M2) could keep the Dora one and M3 could pick one for herself.  I told her that was a good idea. 

M2 then launched into a monologue about which characters she thought M3 would most want on her blanket.  I tried to explain to her that it was doubtful M3 knew any of the characters M2 mentioned because she would likely not have the same books we have. 

M2 said, "Well, maybe she saw it on television."

Again, I reminded M2 that M3 does not have access where she is to a television.

::silence::  ::blink, blink::

"No television?!"  (This coming from a child who does not watch much TV at all on any given day).

Now that I have seen M2's artwork, I wonder when she made it in relation to the discussion?  I'll also be interested to see if there is any significance to her choice of colors for the dress or the hue of the paper doll. 

M2 usually does things for a good reason.  If this is a case in point, I'll be sure to update you as I'm sure it will be interesting!