I just woke up to the sounds of what sounds like 20 dogs howling outside my window. Is that the wind or dogs? I hope one of the two. I could hear doors slamming down the hall and life beginning outside these walls–so with all the noise as it was so quiet at night, I was sure I overslept. Jumped up to see what time it was as today isn’t a day I’d want to oversleep on–and it’s just 4am. Wow. Life here begins early I guess. And today–life will forever change for our family and for a precious little boy who doesn’t know or love me yet…but who I’d fly around the world for and for whom my heart is convinced it already deeply loves as much as a mommy could love a son.
We had hoped we would get to start paperwork at 9ish like past groups–but when we got our itinerary, it just said that it would be closer to 1pm, and it would be approximately 1 hour to complete before heading to Hannah’s Hope. We are 6 hours ahead–so I’m guessing 2pm here will be 8ish am back home (that is if my jet-lagged brain is doing the math correctly;). I can’t believe today is the day…and especially with Rich not being here—there isn’t a detail I want to forget…
After arriving we packed ourselves and tons of suitcases and donation bags in a small white hotel van. As we drove down the road–I felt such a sense of “this is home” in my veins. Third world countries stir something in my heart like no other places in the world. I believe–they do the same in our Savior’s heart as well. Sure countries and places we visit for vacations and leisure travel declare the glory of God and his handiwork–but so do third world countries. They also reveal our lack of loving as the Lord loves…as we deserve no more than they do.
We, Americans, live so differently. We are really good at being comfortable–and even expecting it. We like comfort. Air conditioning. Upgrades on appliances. We cook for pleasure more than need. Yet-while we live in comfort (and often FOR it as well)-all while the REST of the world…lives and breathes much, much differently. We get to a hotel or restaurant–and if everything isn’t perfect, we complain, threaten and expect to be reimbursed. Of course we do this politely and might not say we expect something back–but we really do, don’t we? And really–we just don’t know any better.
We also think it’s okay, and we deserve. Who am I to deserve? Do I really think that it’s possible to work for something and deserve something just because I “earned” it? We just don’t know any better. This is how we have been taught and raised…raised by our culture–and until we step outside our culture and ourselves it’s hard to see that really–we don’t deserve anything. And while we point fingers at poverty stricken cultures and come up with our brilliant solutions and say it is they that don’t know any better—really, we are just as guilty as we often forget that it may be the LORD’s brilliant solution– for us to give up some of our daily comforts to bless them. And just maybe it could be what the LORD has given THEM to bless US.
Bless us? Given them?
Yes. We have much to learn from the 3rd world countries that we often forget to visit. (James 1:27) How they give up a month’s wages to serve a guest and do without so another could be blessed…trying to make us feel special and to serve us no matter the cost it will mean to them. Stand back in small, dirty, hot church in one of these countries–and watch the people with what we consider to have nothing put their hope in God and dance before the Lord declaring their joy and trust in Him. Dance before the Lord? Oh Andrea-you are getting crazy on me. But really? Have you read the Bible? We go to church and get dressed up…or chose not to go because we don’t have anything to wear…yet–we often forget to go and dance before the Lord. So much we can learn. Seeing them sitting together in their huts–with no place to go…but having time for one another and developing relationships instead of busy agendas…barefoot children laughing and running about…playing with paper airplanes and their own invented toys. SIMPLE. There is so much to learn from 3rd world countries–and my heart often wishes it could be a place like this where we could raise a family.
But instead…we have been called to a city in the South–where soccer moms and tennis skirts abound…and to figure out how to live in this world but not of this world…to focus on relationships rather than putting my kids in the best of everything…to prepare them more for the kingdom of heaven rather than an ivy league school or future career on earth. Now–let me add–there is nothing wrong with soccer moms and tennis skirts…unless by doing them it keeps my focus off what life is really all about or if takes up more time than serving others.
And now…in this culture–our day here begins. I pray I can soak up every detail to share with Richard and one day with Isaac. I pray we can forget about our lack of comforts and rejoice in what really does matter in this world. I pray the Lord would build in me today and make me a mom who raises our children to live in this world but not of it. And I pray that my children’s hearts would also beat for countries like these. Yes, something about it does say “welcome home”…not sure if that’s because my son is from here or because the Lord loves these people so much and longs for us to love them like He does.
Off to prepare my heart for all that today brings. And to think the next time I share–there will be a baby sleeping in my room. It feels so surreal that he will REALLY be ours…truly he is a gift from the Lord! WE are the ones blessed getting to grow our family in this way. What a joy and privilege. May you each have a blessed Sunday spending time with Your Savior and your sweet family. May it be focused, intentional, peaceful and joyful.
Love,
Andrea
Oh My Word how am I in tears for a family and child I’ve never met……….because I have this same heart! I’m excited for your precious family. I’m excited for my precious family to meet our daughter although we have a wait ahead of us! It’s beautiful. It’s a picture of Christ’s love for us. It’s worship. That’s how I connect…..we serve the same God…..we worship along side on another as sisters in Christ through hearts for adoption! God Bless You and God Bless Isaac in the many days ahead! Praise God for the prayers being answered for a happy baby bonding better with mommy! Again……Congratulations!!!!
Isaac is BEAUTIFUL and PRECIOUS and he is answered prayer !
Ok you’ve got me tearing up! He is gorgeous and perfect!
I just can’t get over how beautiful he is!!!!!!! Praise God for answered prayers and a happy little boy!!! May that just INCREASE all week long!!
Oh–Love it!! Sooo cool to see that cute little outfit that you made last week ON your precious little guy. 🙂 Love watching these moments that in the waiting process we dream for, actually happening. 🙂
So, so very sweet. He is absolutely scrumptious. So nice to see a sweet smile on that precious little Ethiopian face. Rejoicing for your family!
OH MY STARS!!! I am so stinkin excited for you. Doesn’t the name Isaac mean “laughter”? Looking at the precious smile … he is indeed the picture of joy!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
He is so precious!! What a beautiful smile he has! So happy for you and your family!
SOOOOo HAPPY for you!!!!! He is beautiful!
OMIGOOOOODNESS!!!! He’s a SWEEEETIE! Congratulations! LOVE his little Smile!
Praise God for him!
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! An answer to prayers that he is feeling better.
Love,
Amy
yay! and he’s wearing his little onesie you made! so precious!
I’m in love with that smile!!! Can we go ahead and arrange a marriage for he and Evyn??
Hugs from Georgia!!
-EV
Congratulations, Andrea. He is beautiful! Your gotcha pictures are gorgeous and the emotion we witness each time one of these babies is placed in their new momma’s arms NEVER gets old. It is a miracle and a moment that truly stops time!
So glad Isaac has come to realize so quickly that you are there to care, love and protect him. Surely he senses that…enjoy this time with him! I can’t WAIT to see what Friday brings!!
What a cutie!!! Love Isaac in his shirt made proudly by his Mama! =)
I could just smother him in kisses straight through the computer screen. What a gorgeous boy!! So happy that he is feeling better and giving you those sweet smiles…LOVE HIM!!!
Jenn
I don’t think he could be any more adorable and cute! He is smiling … how beautiful. ENJOY!!
He is precious and so handsome! What a true treasure from God!
Great news! Beautiful picture. I too got a bit teary at our window. 🙂
.. that smile, those eyes. He is just scrumptious, Andrea. I couldn’t wait to check on you guys today, to see if there had been any change- and I’m SO happy to hear there has been. 🙂 God is at work, like He always is.
I can’t take it anymore! My heart is about to burst with joy and excitement for you! He is absolutely breathtaking. I’m so thankful that God answered our prayers and that you’ve had a good day. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with all of us. I can’t wait to do the same!
I know you already know this by now but he is precious!! Adorable!!! I wish I could snuggle him up! So happy for your family and for this sweet baby boy! He has no idea what he has been blessed with and I know your family feels even more blessed! Praying for safe travels!
i could eat both isaac and the story that is unfolding for you guys right up! 😀 beautiful little guy & unfolding story.
He is beautiful! Congratulations! 🙂
What a cutie pie! And the outfits are perfect!!
oh – we have been praying for that picture!!!! Praise the Lord!!! So excited for you guys – we will continue to pray you home!!
oh, he’s so cute..this made me cry too..I remember standing before the glass window at the Embassy appt….I love that smile, kj
And the tears keep flowing! Oh my he is beautiful and so well loved! God is using you miss Andrea!
What a sweetie!
Sooo happy for you! He’s a doll!
Yeah! We got our first smile on embassy day and even more the next!!! Love the picture! Praising the Lord with you for your precious son! 🙂
look at those eyes.. and that smile! wowzers he’s precious! So excited for you and your family!
Celine Dion’s song “beautiful boy” keeps playing in my head when i see the pictures. He knows his Momma’s love is mighty.
Praise the Lord!! I’m so happy that things are starting to turn around. And he is absolutely gorgeous!!
What a happy, happy boy! So glad things are going well, and I am just shocked that you have been blessed with so many opportunities for internet connection! Many of my friends have had spotty connection when they were in ET. I LOVE that you’ve been able to keep us all updated!
What a beautiful baby boy! Congrats to you and I am so thankful he is having a better day. I will be praying that he starts feeling better soon.
LOVE this picture!!!! Just so handsome!!! LOVE IT!
He is precious!!! I love that cute SMILE!!!
I’m getting choked up too! He’s so beautiful!
Glory be to God!! He’s beautiful!
So wonderful to see his smile! How great to actually see him wearing the t-shirt you made him. Andrea, thank you for sharing your heart on your previous post. May God continue to use you!
How fabulous to finally see his face. We have been out of internet touch for a week and as soon as we landed back in America… I checked on you! Hugs and love!!!!
I have been following your journey for a while and I just wanted to say Congratulations to your family. Baby Issac is absolutely
Beautiful!! God Bless You all as you travel home. Tara
Yeah! He is a little piece of Heaven! What an inheritance from the Lord. And what a labor of love for all involved. I pray for healing for him and his heart and for the heart of that special mother that gave to him until you could. They are truly a blessing. Many happy hours of getting-to-know-you with Isaac! the Smiths-waiting for our ethiopian in TN
Praise the Lord who is always faithful to bring about all of His promises! Isaac, you are a precious baby boy; my heart is full with rejoicing and thanksgiving for you and your family.
Isaac is absolutely gorgeous!!! What a special gift he has in you and Richard and your kiddos! I know that his life will be so blessed to be in your family, as well as he will bless you guys! Congratulations!! So happy for you!
Just catching up on your week, although we’ve been praying for you. I am in tears (of joy!) for you all right now. May God bless your travels home and your new life as a family of six!