Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Moments of Gratitude

It may seem odd to feel such a strong sense of longing for a child you've never met or even seen, but strangely enough, its very real. I guess when God moves the heart to adopt, He also starts to build that bond from the very beginning. That being the case, the long months of waiting can really take a toll on a mommy-to-be. Ethiopia has a court closure for the months of August and September that results in two months of little to no movement in the adoption world -- and I am really feeling burdened for those who are so close to uniting with their child, but are stuck in limbo. A fellow AGCI blogger chose to create a lost of 25 things for which she is grateful, in the hopes that others would join in. (I really need to create a blogroll of all these wonderful families who have adopted or are adopting. It is such a blessing to have a way of connecting with them! Hmm...maybe I'll make that my #1!)


25 Things for Which I am Grateful Today (in no particular order)

1. Other adoptive families who encourage me, inspire me, and pray with me
2. My son's school
3. Time with my youngest son
4. The uncharacteristically beautiful weather we're having here in Washington State
5. My husband's job
6. My best friend and biggest fan -- my husband
7. The health of my family and extended family
8. My home
9. The luxuries of food and clothing
10. My parents and extended family
11. Our church and the friends I have made there
12. My mentor and Bible study partner
13. Our crazy pets
14. Living near the mountains AND the ocean
15. Our cars (and the money to fuel them)
16. The ability to read and write
17. Being spared the agony of limbo in the Vietnam program (we changed programs just months before the closure of adoptions in Vietnam -- in ignorance of what was about to happen)
18. How quickly we've moved up the waiting list! 11 spots in 2 months? Not bad!
19. My quirky brave eldest son
20. My goofy sweet youngest son
21. Our "baby sister" (as the boys call her) who we will meet someday soon
22. The burden of my son's autism (I stole this idea from Sunny too, because its soo true. It is quite simply amazing how the Lord refines us and draws us near in our suffering.)
23. The folks at Children's Therapy Center
24. Dr O and Dr K, who helped when nobody else could
25. My precious Jesus, Who is teaching me every day what it means to love Him

With that said, bring on October!


4 comments:

God Made Playdough said...

I am thankful for you, your friendship, and your family!

Our journey said...

Great to meet you today! Hope you has a safe trip back home.

Amy

Kristi J said...

just found your blog...we're #23...don't remember running into your blog before, but will love following your journey now...I love any kind of "gratitude" stuff...great 25 things...kristi

Unknown said...

I feel the same way about our daughter that we will have through the Korean adoption program. Adoption is such a gift from God. I enjoy reading your blog. Found it through a friend's blog.