Beyond Words

There really aren't words that can correctly describe our time in ET with our little guy. I will attempt..... Our time with IBP was priceless. From the moment we saw him, he smiled, laughed, hugged, and smooched us. We were overwhelmed with such an affectionate welcoming from our little man. We were able to visit him three times that week. We treasured every minute of the visits. ( FYI...his cheeks are irresistible, I could not stop kissing them.) We filled our hours with play time (he loves little piggies), snuggles, feeding, and more snuggles. Our final visit, on Friday, was more than difficult. As Scott prayed over our son, the tears started flowing for both of us. As I looked up, his Special Mothers were completely touched by our emotion and love for this little guy. They did not comfort us with words but with a sincere embrace and a compassionate demeanor. I was reminded once again that the universal language that all understands is LOVE. Without a doubt, I know he is loved deeply by his Special Mothers. They kiss his hands and cheeks, calling him by a special nick name. It did my heart good to see this first hand. It gave me peace as I walked out of his room on Friday. I look forward to the day that we can hold that chubby hand again. I'm praying without ceasing that it will be much sooner than later.

And We're Off!

In just a few hours, we will board a plane that will take us across the world to meet our son for the first time. It's finally hit...I'm a bundle of nervous energy. Physically I am totally exhausted but emotionally I am completely energized. Bags have been strategically packed, including humanitarian aid, weighing a little under 50 pounds each (that was a tricky). Documents have been notarized and passports are in place. The kids are taken care of (thanks to my sweet sister, grandparents and friends), the camera is charged. Yep, I think we're ready! I can't wait to snuggle him, kiss his sweet cheeks, and hold his chubby hands. Our court date is August 2nd. I'm really hoping that MOWA will issue a positive opinion on our case and many others before August 2nd. How great would that be? Regardless, the Lord continues to show me that He's got this. I am forever grateful.

Birthday Gift

Have I ever mentioned what precious friends I have? Well, they are amazing! They each know how crazy my life has gotten since the news of the court date. (2 days until take off! Woohoo!) At 10:00 pm they came to my house, cake in hand, in hopes of celebrating my day in such a special way. You see while it's 10:00 pm in Arkansas, it's the start of a new day in ET. The morning of 7/27, which is my birthday. This is an important day in ET. Today our file will be submitted to MOWA. Today IBP's birth mom is scheduled to appear before a judge and relinquish her rights to her son. My heart hurts for her. When I begin to think of all the details that actually have to fall into place, I start to get anxious. My friends know this. So after cake and coffee, we got on our knees and prayed for what's to come. We prayed boldly, with faith and confidence that the Lord will hear our prayers and answer them accordingly. We know He is faithful and will do this! Thanks to my sweet friends for such a special gift. Love ya'll!

COURT DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God moved the mountain alright! We got word this afternoon that we have a court date for August 2nd. Yipee!!!!!! We have to be in ET by July 31st. Talk about craziness! Less than two weeks until we meet our son. My heart is so full, PRAISE THE LORD!

"Mountain Mover"

" I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain , 'Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Jesus Christ

*Matt 21:21-22

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!