A Sweet, Timely...and Pink Surprise :)

As the pace continues during this season, we all feel the increasing pressures and our family is certainly no exception. Our daughter is wrapping up the university's fall semester this week with her final exams. Our son is anticipating one more week of high school before a much deserved break. My husband is working hard at his job and trying to help me get projects completed. I am trying to keep the household running while running everywhere except at home...and feeling a bit overwhelmed. So it's a busy time but the blessings continue...and my, how they appear at just the right moment!

Yesterday I took a little break and had lunch with my friend, Judy. She is so supportive of our journey to our baby girl and she's one of those people that you just can't be around without smiling! This week had been a bit stressful and our lunch was such good medicine! What I had not shared with anyone at that point was that we received word just yesterday that some of the adoption expenses in China will greatly increase at the beginning of 2009 so our "walk of faith" has become more of an enormous "leap of faith" when I read that news. I had been holding this information inside until I could tell Tim and my heart was quite heavy about it. Like everyone else, we are experiencing the economy's effects and hearing about even more expenses just put a knot in my throat when I needed it the least.

At just the right time, though, a blessing was shared and I was reminded that we are not alone in this journey of life...adoption...economy...concerns...holiday stress...etc. As soon as Judy and I met, she handed me a beautiful pink gift bag and her smile illuminated the entire town! No kidding! :) I opened up the gift and there was the most adorable outfit for our little JennaBeth! It is an OshKosh pink "bib overall" set with a beautiful white shirt and I just hugged her...and it! For in that moment, I was reminded that we are not alone in the journey's challenges, mountains and valleys as we travel toward our baby girl/s. There are dear, dear people who are loving, praying, caring and encouraging us just when we need it most. Oh how my heart aches daily for our little girl/s. Oh how we miss her/them. Oh how we wish we could spend Christmas with our sweeties. But oh what a joy to know that as we wait, work, wonder and wish...we are given such dear blessings of true friends/family who love and pray us through! Thank you, Judy! I know that you don't do the things you do so that I will mention it on our blog. I know that your heart is one who praises God and glorifies Him in all that you do! Bless you, our dear friend! But I just had to share this perfect example of how God works things in His perfect timing, plan and people to help us keep moving toward our sweet baby girl/s!

I always strive to write positive thoughts and words on our blog. Yet at the same time, I must be realistic and share the concerns and challenges because the journeys of life, family and adoption are not always easy. But it is my deepest desire to share with you that in the middle of the struggles, concerns, frustrations or challenges...life is still a blessing! Holding on to those joys and blessings make all the difference as we continue our journey! So please understand that this is not about problems...but about praises we want to share with others along the way. We are so very thankful for all of you walking beside us, praying for our sweet baby girl/s, loving our family through this adventure...and cheering for us as we continue. It is our earnest desire to encourage you as wonderfully as you encourage us! Life is so much more meaningful as we walk together, isn't it?

So hang on, sweet baby girl/s! We have another adorable gift to share with you when we see you. It's going to be worth every step we take to finally meet you, hold you and bring you home. What amazing friends and family you will meet! What a gift you are to us already. What gifts these dear people are to us as we walk toward you! I miss you so much. Last night as I held the beautiful little outfit in my arms, your big brother, Micah, asked me what I was thinking. I asked him why? He quickly replied..."Mom, you had the biggest smile on your face when you were holding that!" Yes...I have some amazing reasons to smile...and life is blessed.

We thank God for each of you. We pray that we all remember that even when life isn't easy, it is always blessed! Thank you for blessing our journey!
Cherishing the blessings,
Terri & family