Keeping Busy......

Post referral.....I'm trying to remain busy. I have updated all my CIS documents, applied for passports for the girls, printed and framed pictures of our little man, signed referral documents and checked them twice, and am now starting on IBP's (initials) room. This week I sent off a small care package by way of a fellow adoptive Mom, that will be traveling to ET next week. Rosie picked out the clothes for "Bubba." I had to convince her that blue was a better option than pink. I printed off pictures of the family and placed them in an soft infant photo book, in hopes that IBP will become familiar with our faces. Of course, we had to include something soft to snuggle. Buying "boy stuff" was really fun and a new experience for me. I look forward to the days he will be riding in the cart, shopping with me. Until then......I will continue to pray and keep busy.

"Hands and Feet"

It's been three weeks since the referral. Three crazy busy weeks! School is now out for the summer and we are in full swing. The ending of the school year was bitter sweet. I tend to always get "reflective" at the end of each year. It's fun to see how each child has grown and matured within the year, thinking back over the highlights of the year.... the ups the downs. I always wonder how a school year can be gone in the blink of an eye. It truly makes me want to make the most of every opportunity. At the starting of the school year, we all were thinking that we would have our little man home for the summer. Boy, did we miss that one! We were told that when you are dealing with adoption, especially international, delays and set backs could occur. Well, they did! So here we are today continuing in the wait. Waiting for a court date. Preparing to hit the "rainy season", which could delay us 6 or more weeks. I relish in the fact that I have a sweet face that I can call by name. I find myself pouring over the pictures and studying all his features, getting to know him from afar. Praying like I have never prayed before; trusting God and releasing all expectations and control. To be honest, I'm not really sure how I would score if I were to be graded, but I am continuing in the process of trusting and releasing. Throughout the year, my prayers have changed. I am focusing less our timeline and more on God's. Sure, I pray like crazy to get him home sooner than later, but I have been more focused on HIS will and not my own. Has it been hard? You bet it has! It has been a daily reminder to release the control. One of my prayers has been that God would PLEASE bring people (ANYONE) that would be the "hands and feet" to hold him, love him, calm him, and tell him that he is precious. Something so sweet happened over the last two weeks. We have a family friend, Matt, who traveled to ET to do a documentary regarding orphan care. He was able to go and hang out with our little guy- to be the "hands and feet." He took lots of beautiful pics and even recorded a video. It was great to be able to ask him questions like: Does he have teeth yet? Is he happy? Does he sit up? You can only imagine my questions! ( As a side note, he couldn't say enough about the care that Gladney gives to the children. Absolute wonderful care! ) Our friend gave us a play by play of our little man..recalling every detail he could remember. It was such a sweet gift to us. Once again, I am amazed and reminded that God has got this!