Homecoming

I've been wanting to blog about some thoughts for quite awhile -- but I really have no idea where to go with these thoughts.  And so instead of re-thinking and starting over again and again, I'm just going to go with it.


Some time ago, I received two beautiful cards from two ladies that are very precious to me.  One is family, one I love like family.  Both are mothers on very challenging journeys.  And interestingly enough, neither mother knows the other, but I am their common thread, and I see such parallels in their walks.  Their walks are of love and loss and faith and heartache and desperation... and so many things I really have no business trying to understand or write about; but my heart feels for them in new ways since receiving these cards.

For me, this yearning of "coming home" has been for our Little Opia -- this child we do not yet know, have not yet met, but so desperately long for.  This wanting to have our child here physically, to care for and love.  To add on to our family and give Johnathan and Tenleigh a sibling...  It's a strange sort of investment to make; on something/someone we do not yet know.  But I remember that instantaneous love for Johnathan and Tenleigh.  So different than falling in love and growing to know someone.  With my children, I loved them the moment I knew about them.

But for my sweet ladies, C & C (& R) -- they long for a different kind of Homecoming.  For their children are already theirs -- they know them, they have raised them, they love them unconditionally -- but they are waiting for them to come home in a different sort of way.

I am so thankful for the perspectives of these other moms in waiting.  C, C,  and R -- you have been on my heart and mind every day.  Now as I anticipate our family's growth, I cannot help but think of your hearts and longings too.  I am very blessed to witness and be mentored by your strength, courage and faith.  I love you each so much.

As for our Homecoming, I almost hate to put it in writing, but I'm starting to wonder if maybe it won't happen sooner than we had anticipated?!! (We're not complaining though!)  Seems as though we're in a season of moving referrals, and we've been moving up the waiting list at a good rate!  As of 6/21/13 our wait list numbers are: IG 25, IB 12, TG 18, TB 10.  These numbers are our official numbers.  We also have unofficial numbers, because there are a number of families on hold in each category.  Families may choose to go on hold if they're pregnant or need to gather more funds for example.  When a family goes on hold, they're not able to accept a referral.  So for us, this means that we "hop over" these families on the wait list.  So... our unofficial numbers are: 14, 4, 9, and 4!!!!!  I'm trying SO HARD not to be too hopeful, because as we know -- things in the international adoption world are very unpredictable.

But, as I'm also learning from C, C, & R -- we can not lose hope.

XOXO

We Have Movement! :)

Just a quick little update on where things are at in our process!  We have moved on the wait list again (see side bar), which is always a good feeling! Even though we have a ways to go, it does feel so good to know that things are moving along.  Maybe, just MAYBE we'll have our referral before a year's time!? That is my hope & prayer!

So strange to think that last month, May, was the month we were originally thinking we would receive our referral, prior to everything happening with our former agency's bankruptcy.  Also so strange to think that we embarked on this journey a year and a half ago!  And all the unexpected changes along the way:  thinking we'd adopt domestically, then leaving the meeting ready to adopt from Haiti -- and 6 months later having to switch countries and choosing Ethiopia!  Now our 2nd leg into Ethiopia!  A friend and I were just discussing how really, truly scary international adoption can be at times.  And anyone going into any type of adoption needs to understand that there are risks involved.  Adoption really leaves one feeling very vulnerable to the elements unknown.

But we rejoice in any little progress that we have!  We also rejoice in special celebrations on the home front!  Tenleigh has completed her first year of preschool and just loved it.  My heart feels so proud when we hear her teachers share that "she is a friend to all the kids in her class."  Tenleigh just loves life and sprinkles joy with everyone.  I am so blessed to be her momma.

Johnathan has completed Kindergarten! I can't even believe it! My quieter observer, that loves to learn and ask questions.  I am proud of his academic skills, but especially the kind-hearted boy that he is too. I love his gentle spirit.

We're looking forward to the summer together! I am SO blessed that my summers get to be spent with my children. I do not take them for granted! We have lots of fun things planned: T-Ball (for both kids), Johnny will continue with Karate and both kids will enjoy some free art activities that our city plans a few times a month.  And of course let's not forget "Grandpa's Lake" (as the kids call it!), which will ensue lots of fishing, play in the water, watering flowers, and playing ball.  Our family is also going on our second ever family vacation!  We have planned a special camping trip in an RV for a week this summer! :) Fun memories!

So glad to have lots of fun packed into these months as we watch our wait list numbers tick down!