More to Come

We thank and praise God for such an awesome trip.  I wish I had more time right now to tell you more about it, but homeschool and sick kiddos await me.  We are adjusting well.  Unfortunately all have the kids have been sick since we got home, but praying that comes to an end soon.  I have so many more photos to share, I promise they are coming soon.

 

May God continue to strengthen you in the things that lay ahead for you, stay steadfast in the journey he is taking you on.  He promises to always finish what he has started.  What he has called you to do, he will make happen.  Surrender it all to him and see what happens. 

 

 

Gotcha Day!

I do not know how to put into words the experience of today.  I expected our son to be full of emotion in leaving, but instead it was me who was barely containing her tears.  I have so much gratitude for the love Cathwel and the staff has shown to my son over the last 8 years.  I eagerly hugged the director Sister Rosa, who has a heart for both Jesus and the orphan.  She has such an opportunity to be salt and light to the staff and children.  Please pray that she embrace that chance with her whole heart not wasting even a minute to show them Jesus by her words and deeds.  Though the organization is Catholic we are told that religion is not pushed and I would dare say not encouraged either.  I believe this comes more from a cultural idea than anything.

The moment is finally here.  Staff members taking turns to hug "Walter" and get pictures all the while he has his eye on the door and our waiting car.  I wanted so badly for him to understand the finality of his good-bye, to take it serious and to be able to say thank you, but he just does not get it.  I wanted him to get it as much for the staff.  Imagine a child you have cared for since he was a baby is now leaving you.  I believe it would be so painful.  They are very happy for him, but so sad to see him go.  I cried for them today.  I cried for all that we have ahead of us.  I cried for the joy in my own heart.

God has been so good and so faithful and I know he will continue to bless us in the days ahead. 




Ps:  I am having problems downloading photos to blogger.  I promise to post as soon as we get home or you can message me and you can friend me on facebook.

Rough Start

Where to begin? Let's me start by saying that our first encounter was less than fantastic. He walked in the room, looked at us and proceeded to run around the room like a nut. Panic set in. He didn't seem to care we were there. Again panic. Doubt. Fear. It is going to be a daily struggle of reigning him in and setting boundaries. We did go out with the social worker to look for food and an... ATM and during that time he held on to Chris' hand. He is a little calmer now that we are settled in our apartment, but we can see he is going to push and push his limits. Please pray for our bonding and time with him. Pray for Chris and I to have patience and wisdom. We have to continue to trust God in all things.


Later that day..........................................

Thankfully the day DID get better! We took him out to the store to get some groceries and see a little more of the shops around. In the orphanage he still runs 'amuck, but he is proud to introduce us to the workers. The original plan was for him to interact with us a couple days and then maybe come and stay with us......well he is tucked in bed right across the hall from our bedroom with a suit...case full of his things! Several of his caregivers have given him gifts like toys, clothes and even the above mentioned suitcase.

It is frustrating see the transformation that happens in him when we leave here and then when those same inappropriate behaviors imeddiately return coming back in the doors. If tonight goes well we are going to see about heading to our hotel early. Please pray that the staff will be ok with this.

Nothing has gone as planned today and that is OK! God is good and his mercies are new every morning! From half way around the world we send our love!

A little bit closer...

The streets are busy with activity and the air is filled with the sound of cars and motor scooters.  I can even hear faint cries of a baby.  I wonder if it is a baby that lives here in the Jonah House orphanage?  Quickly the cries are stilled and I wonder about my son's life here, the people who have cared for him for 8 years.  I wonder how many times he woke up crying and was held.  I wonder how he will feel leaving this place.  He is part of a family here, not in the traditional sense, but cared for by a staff that loves him, this is the only family he has known.

As we came in the door to our apartment I saw his cars on the table.  He had been here.  The staff had shown him around and he was excited to see a tv that he hoped to watch and not have to share.  If our son adjusts to us well he will come and stay here too and then we will move to our hotel in the city after a few days.   

I just want to say thank you to all the freinds and family and blog readers who have been praying for us!  Leaving my children at home was such a huge challenge, even though I knew how well cared for they would be, it left an ache in my heart to say good-bye.  Each day we skype and I see their faces smiling bright and I know that God has changed my sadness to joy!  He brought peace in place of anxiety!

"You turned my wailing into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." 

Psalm 30: 11-12

 

Today I will meet my son.

Today I will hold him in my arms.

Today I rejoice in God my Savior.

Today is a day I will never forget!

Today is a gift.