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