After a good nights rest, we spent the morning enjoying a couple cups of coffee before heading to the orphanage for our daughter! I was feeling gitty, nervous, and so much stress from the anticipation of picking up our E. It was a mix of emotions!
I prepared myself for the worst:
What if she doesn't remember us?
Or doesn't like us?
Kicks and screams?
When we arrived, she had a couple minutes of uncertainty, but instantly warmed up. The special mothers dressed E in the cutest, colorful dress and gave her a headband to wear. She looked absolutely adorable.
She let Nate scoop her up, and she was back to fun and games riding on his shoulders. Before long, it was time for us to head back to the hotel. E was likely unsure of what was happening, but she made no fuss.
At the hotel we read books, ate lunch, and played. She loved letting me carry her in the Ergo Carrier and before long she was acting sleepy.
The three of us tried resting together, but she was having too much fun poking at our noses and laughing. I finally ended up swaying and singing to her. Before long she was fast asleep.
I wondered when the last time someone sang and rocked her was.
Every now and then she would gaze up at me, then snuggle in close and drift off to sleep.
I look forward to loving and cuddling her the rest of my life.
Yes, we have given E the gift of a family, and future. But what has E given us? She has shown us more of HIM. She will teach me daily what it means to know God's love.
I also wanted to share from Nate's perspective:
So this morning I find that my fears and anxieties about the challenges and questions that lie ahead are stilled by a peace. I find my heart in a state of rejoice and thanks this morning. Thanks that through all of the waiting, pain, and improbability, God has chosen us for one another. To think, we would have never known E had God not stirred our hearts for adoption and had she not been in her particular circumstance. Its like golfing in the wind and getting a hole in one on a par 5 except the hole is 8500 miles away and God is your Caddy. Ultimately we took the swing, but He controlled the winds and the ball went in. Undoubtedly E is our daughter and our focus will now turn to her.
God, just give us the strength to be parents to this incredible girl. You are the author of her incredible journey and we know that through You we can do all things because You give us strength. Give E strength as her life changes. Be with her as she goes through life and help her to seek comfort in You as she wrestles with the questions that she will undoubtedly have. Lord I am humbled by the blessings that You have rained on our family. Even in the most difficult times You drew us closer to You and gave us strength. You also gave us an incredible family, and friends who You have brought to our aid. They have given words to sooth our hearts, they have given of their time, resources and energy to lift up our family in payer. Lord bless each one of these people and help them to see you as the Author of this incredible story. But most of all Lord thank you for your care and concern for those who have no families, no one to care for them. There are many people in this world who need to experience Your love and the love of a family. Today there is one less and we thank You for this.
There may be some who have followed our story and whose eyes have been opened to adoption. Give them the strength to take the steps and be a family for that next little E. Help them to put their faith in You, to trust Your word. Help them find the encouragement they need to take the swing. Change their hearts and help them to change the life of just one more child. This is my prayer.
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