The day we have been waiting for has arrived. We are leaving in 7 days!!!!!!!! Our CA (Consulate Appointment) has been set for February 13th, which means we will leave the 1st. Am I overwhelmed? Slightly!!! Not really knowing what to expect, I feel like I am over packing. My whole dining room table is covered in clothing, over the counter medicines, bottles, diapers, etc. It will be interesting to see how I manage to get everything packed in three suitcases. I am so excited and finding it hard to calm down. I am sure one of these days my adrenaline will wither away and I will flop from exhaustion. When people ask how I am doing, I find I am having a hard time describing how I am feeling. Explaining the sheer amount of craziness that is before me is almost pointless because they just won’t get it. Unless someone has actually gone through this process, there really are no words to describe how busy life becomes. I am a bit fuzzy minded right now (my friends can attest to that) but I do it all with gladness and excitement because I know we are so close to seeing her sweet face. So, if you are just starting this journey, there are many who have gone through all these steps and came out on the other end. I would be more than happy to encourage you and pray for you…don’t give up! It will all get done and you will be on a plane to see your child before you know it!
So many thoughts are running through my mind. What will it feel like to finally have Nellie in my arms? How will she respond to us? Will I get a blood clot from traveling that far (yes…really had that thought)? What happens if my baggage gets lost? What if we get sick? What if my little ones at home have a meltdown because we are gone? Then I realize something. FEAR…that is all that it is. FEAR is not of the Lord. He has brought us this far along through some pretty crazy trials. He has shown HIS Glory and Faithfulness through it all. Therefore, I have NOTHING to fear! Even if I do lose my luggage…He is with me. If Nellie cries for hours upon hours…He is with me. I am sure I will have to remind myself this from time to time, but what great assurance knowing that He has brought this to pass in His perfect timing. If I can remember to keep my eyes on Him I know everything, no matter how weary or tired I may get, will be okay. What He has started He will finish. That means so much more than completing this adoption. I myself am a work in progress!
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6
