Ethiopia: 11 days and counting!

Life as we know it is about to change. In just over a week and a half, on July 3, we will be on a plane to Ethiopia to go get our little boys! I can't believe we're finally almost there. I can't believe we actually get to bring them home now.

The process to get here has been so incredible. Looking back, I can see how God has been in control over everything, both the good and the hard stuff. We've seen him preparing us throughout this process mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Each time we would look at the mountain ahead of us and start to falter we would see him gently step in and redirect our focus back to him. Going through something that is completely out of your control may seem scary, but I think it is one of the best things you can possibly do to grow your faith because it is in that time, when you simply can't control things, that you see God moving mountains. And going through those kind of situations actually gives you courage, not because you are doing anything by yourself, but because you see God in a more intimate and close way. You see his character, his tenderness, and his faithfulness.

I'm certainly not saying that we should all just go do crazy impulsive things, but I am saying that we shouldn't be afraid to let God lead us to do things that are bigger than ourselves and out of our control. That is where you will experience him on a deeper level. That's what he has been showing us.

Many people think that the hard part is almost over. We're almost done with the adoption process, and now we get to start our new life together. While we are absolutely thrilled about this, we know that the hard part is just beginning. We are bringing home two little boys that have experienced more grief and loss than many of us have as adults. They are malnourished, frightened, and speaking a completely different language than us. No, the hard part is just beginning. We are ready, though. Ready to show these precious boys that they have a family that loves them deeply. Ready to show them, day in and day out, that we will not leave them. Ready to show them that whether they are on their best behavior or throwing a tantrum, it will not affect our love for them. And most importantly, we're ready to show them the love that God has for them, that he would give Jesus to be a Savior for them just as he did for us.

My birthday is coming up in a few days, and I'll be turning 26 years old. It feels strange to be a mom to four kids by the time I turn 26! haha It certainly isn't the "normal" thing to do, and believe me I've experienced my fair share of sneers and judgmental comments. However, I don't regret becoming a mom so young, not for a moment. I'm certainly not the type that needed to "experience freedom" before settling down which is a common perspective for people my age. There are so many joys of being married and being a parent! I feel so blessed that I have my family. :)

So here we are, on the verge of something that will change our lives forever. We are excited to finally be bringing them home and confident that just as the Lord provided for us throughout the adoption process, he will continue to be faithful as we start our new life together. God is so good!!