As we wait...

We have learned that the adoption process involves a lot of waiting (and praying during that wait).  We continue to wait for the letter with the I-800a approval.

Yesterday and today there has been a heightened level of excitement in our house.  Not only is it Christmas, we all get a break from school which is much appreciated.  Our kids exchange names with each other and share their gifts to each other on Christmas Eve, and we usually give them one from us to unwrap.

We were making up cookie dough yesterday morning, and I got to thinking about what next year's Christmas will be like with S and V in our home.  My mind started to wonder about what they were doing at that time--at dinner time on Christmas Eve in their country.  Do they go to church?  Have they heard about the amazing gift God gave us in Christ and the reason for Christmas celebration?  Do they have any idea of the story of Jesus' birth?  Do they have anything special happen at the orphanage to celebrate Christ's birth?  My heart longs to be with them, to have them a part of the excitement, a part of the celebration of Jesus' birthday, to have them included in the anticipation of the day and the joy of spending time with family---eating too much, playing lots of games, and laughing often.  We were listening to a Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas CD while working in the kitchen and a song titled "All I Really Want For Christmas is a Family" came on---we both thought about how deep of a longing that must be for so many this year (and every year)---not the things that our other kids or other American kids want--but the deep-seated, God-given need for a family.  God didn't design any child to live in an orphanage.

At church yesterday, we ended up in the narthex area (it was impossible to find seven seats together).  A little 18 month old girl kept hopping past us---sweet as could be.  Bill and I talked after service and both had the same things running through our heads---what did our girls do at Christmas at that age?  What did they do every day at that age?  So many thoughts about what their lives were like pre-orphanage and in the orphanage.  We know we will find out more when we travel---all pieces of who they are.

During the songs we sang, my mind wandered to so many memories of Christmases growing up--and Dad.  How I miss him this year!  He always made our Christmases so special, spending so much time thinking about what each of us would like and also taking time to take us to Christmas concerts and activities.  Rejoicing that he is with Jesus this year but missing his presence here.  Grateful that we can spend time today with Mom!

So thankful for God's gift to us---His precious Son Jesus.  And that through Jesus, God has adopted us as His children.

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world 

to be holy and blameless in His sight.  

In love He predestined us for adoption 

to sonship through Jesus Christ, 

in accordance with His pleasure and will--

to the praise of His glorious grace, 

which He has freely given us in the One He loves.  

Ephesians 1:4-6

May we truly understand "Immanuel"---God with us.