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He will be called Ezekiel “Strength of God” {waiting on Zeke…}

His stocking is hung and embroidered with his new name…Ezekiel.

His old name…which means boy…doesn’t describe my little boy and all he will be. He is so much more than just a boy…so a new name Ezekiel “strength of God” will be one he will carry instead.

Just as God says in His Word that when we become His–adopted as his sons and daughters–we, too, are given a new name…one that we will hear when we finally meet Him face to face. Such a beautiful picture of adoption here on earth.

The rest of his name really means ‘Year of the Rabbit’…so part of that will go–but I love that if you break up that word–one of the Mandarin syllables can mean “spear” or “arrow” when it’s alone.

Another spear in our family. Frank also means “arrow”. Praying for each of my children to arrows for the gospel. (Psalm 127:3-5 “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

Richard went away for a weekend several weeks ago, and he returned sure he knew our son’s new name. Ezekiel.

When he said it–my eyes got big because I dated someone in college with this last name…this information is just extra to make you laugh:). Rico Suave laughed at my reason to reconsider–and then Rico looked at me and said, “But ya married me.” That name quickly faded away, and I sat to listen to my love tell me about his weekend. He had gone away for the weekend to have a guys weekend of prayer with some of his close friends. During the prayer time, someone came to pray over Rich and prayed for our son in China. We had been talking about names…Malachi–call him Kai (but Kai Young was just a little too choppy Asian sounding)…Ezekiel and call him Zeke (Rich LOVED this)…Elijah and call him Eli…our hearts wanted a STRONG name for our boy we were praying strength into. As Richard was prayed over, they prayed that our son would be a “watcher of men”.

The rest of the weekend Richard was pouring over the book of Ezekiel and he came to the part in chapter 3 when the Lord gives Ezekiel the task to be a watchmen over his people. Rich came home very excited to share this with me–and when I listened to him explain about Ezekiel and his life…I thought what a beautiful legacy to follow in praying this over our son as well. A watchmen protects–but more so than just protect–a watchman would shepherd those around them pointing them to Christ–no matter the risk. A watchmen is bold in sharing with someone when they have done something that isn’t right–but loves them through it and continues to point them to Christ. A watchmen is brave and courageous and puts others first…and this was Ezekiel’s calling from the Lord.

Daily this mom has been praying for my sweet boy to have strength…that the Lord would be His strength…so when I looked up to see what the name Ezekiel meant–“strength of God”–I felt like really…we had very little to do with renaming our son–but the Lord had really guided us and showed us what his new name would be. We are going to call him Zeke–and we are daily talking about him…and out of everyone–little Frank asks about him the most. Every day he asks WHEN he can come home…and every day we pray for him and talk about him more and more naturally…really like he SHOULD already be here. When I say his name I remind myself how much that I, too, need the strength of the Lord to guide me and carry me. I mess up every day…oh how I do need Him!

I want to thank you for those of you who are praying for us and praying for our journey to him. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to have his referral/pictures FIRST and then race through the paper chase and wait. Today this momma turned 36–and I confess after not getting the USCIS letter today–when Rich came home and the children were all in his care…I snuck upstairs, closed my closet door and just sat there…and let the tears pour. It’s been 3 months holding his pictures–with most likely at least 7 more holding the same pictures…but that day we finally get to hold him will be so sweet! In the mean time–oh how I need more strength from the Lord!

I’m so thankful I have dear friends to celebrate another year of my life with (thank you Kelly, Angie, Tammy and Tami for taking me out…cause you know I needed to get out!) I think I almost forgot how emotional this adoption journey is…it’s like labor pains you quickly forget when you hold your little love. I know my Ezekiel is so worth this journey…

As I sit here with the Christmas lights shining…his stocking among the others…I know next year will be so different–and while I can’t wait–I know there is beautiful in between too.

Lord I ask that you would help me miss the beautiful in between as I long for the rest of the journey to quickly unfold. I thank you for all you will do–and we trust You to be enough. Fill us with Your joy and Your strength. Be with our sweet Zeke as he sleeps and plays and goes about each of his days without us. You are enough. You are always enough.

Blessings to you this holiday…

andrea

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Sandi H - December 20, 2012 - 2:37 am

Praying for protection for your little one. Praying for peace for you & your hubby. I feel in my heart that this adoption will be faster than you expect. This may sound strange but with Isaac in my heart I saw him running at a time when he was weak to stand. This child I feel rushing, like there is a rush to get him to you & innocent joy like he will spread joy. If you have ever had the pleasure of being around a precious child with Down’s syndrome their joy is infectious. His joy will be such that others will not be able to help themselves but feel it. God is preparing your heart for this little one who will need so much more from you. Cherish the hours that you have with your littles, God is giving you that time to fill them up with love & one on one time before the newest birdie enters the nest. Nehemiah 8:10 Do not greive for the JOY of the Lord is your STRENGTH! Isaiah 5:26 He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, he whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily!

Amy - December 20, 2012 - 8:58 am

Glad to know I’m not the only one with an “extra” stocking hung. We had actually already begun the process, but hung the stocking as a way of telling the kids. It was quite funny for them to count the stockings, and recount, trying to figure out why there were 6 and not 5. LOL And yes, having their sweet picture and then doing the paper chase is hard, but I find it as motivation 🙂

Becca - December 20, 2012 - 9:01 am

This post brought tears to me last night – what a beautiful thing it is that our Father gives us new names and sets us in families — praying for yall!