Signed, Sealed, and Delivered....

Two days ago was one of my favorite holidays....Christmas.  Shawn and I decided that for the first time in six years we would not buy presents for each other, but instead save and buy for the babies.  We came across two really cute onesies..one of them said Mommys Helper and the other said Daddys Sweetheart.  I thought it would fit our two blessings perfectly.

This adoption thing is something else.  I don't really know who our babies are yet, never seen a picture, spoken to their birth mother, but yet and still we love them as though they have been here all along.  We spoke with someone yesterday and he was sharing with us that in his experience, children love unconditionally and so do most mothers. I thought about my mother.  Which let me start off by saying I have the best mom in the world.  I wouldn't trade her for anything. 

Growing up I always thought she and my father were some type of super heroes.  They always seemed to be there when I needed them and also many times when I thought I could handle life on my own.  I can recall the late gymnastics practices, meets, cheerleading games and one constant in all of that was my mom.  She was ALWAYS there supporting me. Through all of the ups and downs my mommy never changed and she showed me unconditional love.  Her love showed me how powerful love can be.  I took that into my marriage and I think that is how my marriage is even better five years later.

Love.  Not just any kind of love but a mother's love.  A mother's love speaks of being faithful.  Mommy is always there no matter the season, day or time of the day she is always there ready to pick up the pieces, share encouragement or even just listen.  To be faithful is to have unconditional love towards others. I thank the Lord that he gave me the family that he gave me.  My two sisters are the best, My dad (aka Frog) is exceptional, my mom is out of this world, and then he gave me a husband who serves God and tries to be better each day.  I couldn't have asked for too much more.

I know this process is long.  Sometimes this process may not make any sense.  Sometimes this process may be disappointing, but the love I have for the babies will not change.  I can not wait to have them signed, sealed, and delivered.  God is so tight to me because the Bible says that he chose us before the foundation of the world and that our names appear in the Lamb's book of life. (signed)  He also said that no good thing would he with hold from those that walk upright before him. (sealed)  Lastly, the word says that if he has given a promise is he not able to perform it. (delivered)  I don't know the actual delivery date quite yet but the fact that God has signed, sealed, and delivered a promise is all I need to fight for it.

Shutting the Door of Unbelief





Photo by Clever Cupcakes





Our babies have footprints

That is part of God's design

Unique and individual

Created for this time

Mountains, hills, and valleys

And oceans span our way

Though many steps are between us

God will bring you home to stay

Our babies have footprints

God's plan will lead them home

And one day you'll be in our arms

A gift, children, our very own

  -Author unknown

 

As I sat in a homegoing ceremony today, the Bishop asked the grand children and the great grand children of the deceased to stand.  I sat in amazement of the lineage that was shown and how God had remained faithful throughout every generation of their family.  My thoughts began to wander to our journey that we are taking to bring home our children. 

As more and more people are hearing about our new conquest, some seem to be excited, others anxious with many questions and of course some are doubtful.  After talking to someone, I can tell what category they fall in a matter of seconds.  What I have came to realize is that not everyone can understand or has a heart to adopt.  That is why God only calls certain people to take on this journey.

I thought about the individuals who have unknowingly made it to the last category....the doubting category.  It is kind of like "Doubting Thomas" as some would call him.  Thomas doubted the disciples and what they had told him and he requested that he see the testimony for his self.  It was only then that Thomas believed.  These same people are faced with the "Doubting Thomas" scenario.  It almost seems like they don't believe until our babies are home safe in our arms. 

I sometimes get angry when I think about it because I feel like they are challenging what God has already said He would do.  But then I realize it is not for me to justify what He has says.  He is God and that says enough.  He is able to do whatever He chooses when He chooses to move.  God is tight like that. So I have made it up in my mind to shut the door to unbelief.  After all it is the opposite of faith.  

Sausage, Egg, Cheese and Prayers

I woke up this morning with thoughts of my babies on my mind. I started the day off with my normal routine and actually arrived at work on time. Although I was on time to work I felt a little down today. Definitely not my normal bubbly, encouraging, fun spirited self. I am not quite sure why but as soon as I began to think about how long this day was going to be the most amazing thing happened.

One of my second graders thought about me this morning. As soon as he saw me he said, "I woke up and wanted you to eat breakfast with me. So my mom made us sausage sandwiches with prayers mixed in our eggs."

I was almost speechless. And this small act of kindness got me thinking about so many things. I began to think about how faith strengthens you when you feel like you can't go on a step further. My husband and I just started our journey to adopting twins from Ethiopia. I have to admit that the price alone is quite scary but also not knowing when the process will end is even scarier to me.

I prayed and asked that I be strengthened everyday throughout this process and I am grateful that my prayer is being answered. I know that I love the babies already and I feel like a piece of me is missing. I know that as each day continues I will love them more and more. So watch out Ethiopia, Here we come to make our family complete!