Tuesday, February 20, 2018

3 DAYS!

Our trip is 3 days away and we are pinching ourselves that this is real. Since we had a month to prepare it felt like it would be a long time to anticipate leaving. If we didn't have three kids at home, it probably would've been real tough but those three made the time go fast. It was good to not have to rush to pack and get all the details together frantically. I had time to clean up projects around the house, host some gatherings and work on the many things we had to do to get ready. Since we are here now, the time was good to balance preparations and quality time with our kids. My emotions are very mixed when it comes to excitement about travelling and finally meeting Semira and on the other hand leaving our three at home for so long.

So many have expressed their congratulations to us and excitement over us going and we are so honored people think and pray for us. We are beyond excited to introduce her to our family and friends when we return. If you think of us while in country, here is a list of prayer requests we have for our trip:

-travelling-flights go well/no issues or hiccups especially since our return flight will be booked quickly and last minute when we are cleared to leave
-safety for our whole family
-our kids at home-being separated from us and from each other some of the time
-Lawson especially-lesser comprehension of why we are gone
-ability to communicate with family while there (internet working)
-prepare Semira's heart to meet us-that she would feel safe, no fear (first meeting Sunday)
-Semira grieving--that we'll know how best to comfort her and build her trust
-political situation in ET-that it would have no effect on our case
-wisdom for us in the first few days learning about our child and how to meet her needs (1-2 days after our court date on Tuesday Feb 27)
-quick bonding to both parents
-smooth transition out of the only home (orphanage) she's known for the last year
-all court, embassy, medical appointments to go smoothly
-quality bonding time in country before we come home and introduce her to her siblings
-long flight home with a one year old! (need I say more?)
-Lawson wouldn't view her as competition and transition well to having another sibling
-all the things we don't know we should be praying for---that we'd feel God's hand on every part of this trip and feel His peace and presence through whatever comes our way

God continues to work in us as we prepare and we continue to praise Him for His work in our lives to bring us to this point. We are humbled that we get to raise this precious child. While we go, we would covet your prayers especially for her during this life changing phase for her. Thank you, thank you!

*We aren't sure if we'll be updating our blog while we travel but we will certainly email family and close friends while in country when we have wi-fi. They're the ones to ask for updates!