Advent

Advent
Meaning the "coming," or "arrival."  We Christians celebrate Advent for the coming of the Christ child.  As I look at my own life I can see the parallel symbolism here. We started our adoption journey on August 17th, 2010.  Many seasons have passed and as we wait during the season of Advent, we too are waiting the "arrival," or "coming" of a child.  Not the Christ child, but a child from Christ. 


However, this waiting is excruciating.  Not knowing when the TA will come.  Praying that it comes today.  When it doesn't.  Hoping that it comes tomorrow.  They say a watched pot doesn't boil.  I've discovered a watched email doesn't arrive.  But, I know it will come in God's time.  Not a minute too early, not a minute too late.  Like the birth of Christ....perfect timing.






   

Happy Thanksgiving

Today I am so thankful for:

God's grace

a husband who listens

healthy children

loving parents

 family 

friends

many blessings

We are still waiting for our TA (travel approval).  I think this is the hardest part of this entire adoption process.  Not knowing the date we will be leaving.  I have open suitcases ready to be filled up for a trip of a lifetime.  I feel like I'm nine years old again waiting for Christmas.  So not getting here any time soon.  Last week I requested new measurements for Li Qing.  What we have is from March of 2010.  The new updates may have new pictures and will come via email in 7-10 business days.  Seven days is up, so I check my email often.  Is every few hours often??  Can't help myself.  So excited.  

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Operation Christmas Child

109 Shoe Boxes Filled With Love

A simple box

delivering the word of Christ

to a child somewhere in the world.

 Butch and I dropped off 109 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  We collected these boxes for an organization called Samaritan's Purse.  Thank you St. John's Lutheran Church for helping us spread the word of Christ to 109 children. 

Thanks be to God!!

Advice from a Tree

I'm definitely not a photographer, but this is one of my favorite pictures.  I was laying down in the grass and took the shot straight up.   You can truly see the beauty of God through nature.  I found this poem in a journal from Your True Nature, Inc.  and thought it was the perfect match for my photo.


                                    Advice from a Tree
Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Earth, Fresh Air, Light
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
Reflect the Light of your true nature
Remember your place among all living beings
Go out on a Limb
Remember your Roots
Enjoy the View!
                     By: Ilan Shamir

Musings for Mia

 Sweet Mia,


Closeness
Every day that passes is one day closer to bringing you home.  When we sleep you are awake.  When you sleep we are awake.  At any given time the same sun, or moon is shining on either one of us.


Readiness
Your room is ready.  Our hearts are ready.  Not much longer now until we are joined together as a forever family.  We will meet for the first time and unlike most "birth days" you will remember our first moments together.  I hope you will not be too frightened.  This  will be a special day designed by a loving God.


Trust
We have been praying for God to prepare your heart to except us as your parents.  We can't make up for nine years of parenting in a short amount of time.  You will test us.  Go ahead we will love you no matter what.  It's okay to be scared.  We're scared too.  This is not a fairytale.  Difficult times are ahead, but we trust the Lord with a reckless faith and know His hand will guide us through the storms. 


A Promise
You have always been loved by God.  Now you will also be loved by a family.  We have sought after you...and we will delight in you.  Soon you are coming home.


Love, MaMa

Pumpkins

 Our Christian radio station 89.3 KSBJ had some stencils online so I downloaded them.  Thought this was a great way to light the night.