On his way...

He has only been gone a few hours and I already miss him MUCHO!! 

Chris is on his way right now to Ethiopia to meet our boys!  The plan was for me to be his travel companion so we could meet our big boys together, this is not how things have worked out.  You see, it was really important for us to meet them together as they are older and sure can understand a whole so much.  Also, when we adopted Ezekiel and Nehemiah almost two years ago, we were not able to meet them at the same time, it was pretty disappointing.    I am already beginning to pray that he will be there when baby #5 is born.  There is a chance he could be back in Ethiopia picking up our boys at that time. I have chosen not to worry about this and place this request at the feet of my gracious Father.

I am not traveling this time due to the recommendation from our doctors because I am only barely in my second trimester and my placenta is in the wrong place  Honestly, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but as a mother there are many times when the protection and good of your child must come before your plans.  I had big plans.  I was going to visit all four of our boys hometowns and make any connections possible...I was going to spend a significant amount of time loving on some orphans and seeing with my own eyes Ethiopia and a ministry that is so dear to our hearts.  Of course the most meaningful aspect of the trip would have been meeting our sons  after ELEVEN months of hard waiting.  The Lord's ways are sovereign and good...so in this we must trust as we walk through this stretching season.

So this week it will be my little boys and me enjoying some quality time...and waiting for an email from Chris, hopefully with pictures, telling us about his first moments with T & Y.  I am so excited! Yes, I am jumping for joy...praying earnestly for my husband who will be meeting his 7 and 5 year old sons for the first time. His suitcase was packed with balls and lots of other activities that should help begin the bonding process.  I am also praying for T & Y who have been through so so much these past few years.  How thankful I am that the Lord is the one who heals the brokenhearted and pours out His unfailing love on all His children.

Yesterday, we found out that my family's hometown was devastated by a horrible tornado.  I want to be there helping...serving those who are living with such grief and loss.  Instead, I am here in Asia with my prayers and a heart of sadness for so many.  My heart is so overwhelmed with thankfulness that my granddad and many other loved ones are safe. 

I am pretty sure our little Avocado (that's the baby's size this week :) knows this is an important week as I have experienced a wide range of emotions.  I went to the doctor last week and the doctor checked the heartbeat and said our little one is a mover. We are so blessed!!

We would so appreciate your prayers this week especially for Chris and T & Y.