Hank and I have been blessed twice with blessings from a far away land. Little did we know those years ago how blessed we would be when we received our first picture of Madeline. We had no idea of the places God would take us over the next years. Mostly places in our hearts that are so affected by adopting our girls. We have to dig deep to give them what the need and deserve and that is exactly where God would have us. I can’t say enough that I am thankful for the fullness of life God has given us; yes it is chaotic but it is so full. I would never have known the contentment of knowing we are doing exactly what God asked us to do.
All that to say that I am full tonight as I anticipate my trip back to China with Pearl River Outreach. I have no idea exactly what God is up to in taking me back again but I am willing and able……mostly because Hank is letting me go. I could not go without him here with the crew (with MUCH help from Gardner and Lauren!). A part of me knows the kids need this time with their Dad, to depend on him instead of me. I am that Mom who just does it herself so it gets done and doesn’t require enough of my kids to do for themselves. Dad will take care of that while I’m gone. I’m thinking a little boot camp will be going on. Can I hear an amen!!!! 🙂
I truly can’t believe I am going with these sweet friends of mine and that God will use me in ways I cannot even imagine as I sit here and type tonight. Most of all I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I will meet Janie’s foster mother. Really…..what will that feel like???? To meet a woman that gave of herself to a child she is not allowed to keep, yet love and care for…….whom she obviously gave much of herself to. Janie shows us daily that she was loved and nurtured. She lives out loud and is so happy. Tonight as I put her to bed she said ” tell my Mommy yaya and my Daddy yaya I said hi”. You bet I will sweet girl. I am not sure exactly what words I can say to thank her but I will give it my best shot. I am so grateful that God is giving me this opportunity. I also get to love on 22 or so kiddos that don’t know the love of a Mom or Dad yet! I know I don’t even have a concept of what this will feel like but I am so very ready for this experience. As I said before, I have no idea what God is up to but I’m willing and able and will embrace this with all my heart. Can you tell I’m thankful??:)
Please pray for my kiddos as I am gone. I have never left them for more than a few days willingly:). Also for my sweet husband who is slightly freaked out about holding this fort down…. He even mentioned that he only has 2 (HUGE) jars of peanut butter in the pantry. If you remember that is crisis mode for Hank. Maybe Lauren will take pity on him and get him some…..:)
Janie with her foster mother seeing our family for the first time…..
Ms. Meng giving our care package to Janie with her foster parents…..
I’ll try to keep posting while we are in China….:)
Praying for your journey! I can't wait to see what God has for you ladies … I just know it will be amazing!
You're going on a mission of the best kind… to love on needy children. What a blessing for you and for them. So glad you will meet Janie's foster parents. It sounds like Janie is being very grown up about it all. Best of luck to Hank; what a supportive husband he is! I know you will have a wonderful time.
"tell my Mommy yaya and my Daddy yaya I said hi"–be still my heart!! enjoy yourself and love on those people! and btw, i had to make a quick trip to the store this evening, after reading this post. and i got jif. it will be at your house monday 🙂
I am so ridiculously excited for you ladies!!! There's a couple PRO sweeties I would love to bring home right along w Ben!!! Can't wait to see pics of all our cuties and hear stories from the trip!! Have fun!!!
Love the picture of Janie looking at the family picture! Don't you wonder what was going through her little mind? She didn't know how much those people were going to love her! So sweet. Blessings on your trip. You know, I have probably got a little "lax" in my surrender since adopting….so you all are setting an example for me that I need to remember!
Praying for you girls on your trip! Excited I get to follow along on FB too! Love the photo of Janie seeing your family.