Twenty-Seven Months Closer

In the flurry of getting away for a few days for family vacation, I didn't post the latest milestone in our wait. But it was not forgotten! As of July 13, our Dossier was logged in China's adoption system Twenty-Seven months ago! Yay! We are so much closer to our sweet little one/s than we were then. Each moment, each day, each week and each month bring us closer and closer to the day we finally hold her in our arms and we are thankful for each step toward her.

Yes...twenty-seven months sounds like a lonnnnnnnng time to wait, especially when the wait isn't over. Yes...that's quite a bit longer than the eighteen month wait that was present when we began this process. However, we firmly believe that God knows exactly what is best for our baby girl/s, for our family and for the time that He brings us together. Of course, we would love to have had our baby girl/s with us much sooner...but even more importantly, we trust that God's timing and plan are much better than our own. He knows exactly where JennaBeth (EmmaKate?) are right now. He knows our family even better than we know ourselves. He also knows what is best for all of us and if that means waiting a bit longer, then we have peace in doing just that.

We have often heard comments about the "empty-nest syndrome" in our lives and I would love to share our response to that. Our family has always longed for more children since we first became a family. We could never imagine our family without children...and often dreamed of having a large family. We have been tremendously blessed with a daughter and son so far. They, too, have always wished for more siblings. So our "timing" re: an empty-nest situation was never even considered! When folks ask us if we're ready to "start all over again," we quickly respond with "hey...we never stopped." For our hearts have always longed and held a place for more children in our family. Our lives will never be "empty nest" because they will always be filled with love for our children, whether at home, in college, school...or half-way around the world. And, just as God would have it, what a joy it will be to have adult children and little children at the same time! Who knows? Maybe someday, our grandchildren will also play with our youngest child/children! How awesome that would be! Whether our house is full of several children at once...or one or two at a time...we rejoice! Children are a gift from God and we are so very thankful for each one in our lives...no matter when or how they arrive!

During our family's recent vacation, we spent a day at a well-known amusement park. As we walked past the children's section, it was amazing to hear our teenage son and young-adult daughter mention how they will ride the "kiddie-rides" with their little sister/s someday soon. They even mentioned how awesome it will be to take their sister/s to Disney World. As we shopped around the outlets, our daughter and son both found darling little outfits which they thought their baby sister/s could wear! How cool is that? To have older children planning fun family times with their little sister/s...is a true joy! Yes...absolutely...God knows what He is doing in the timing of it all. We could never have planned it this way on our own. God's plan is far greater than ours could have ever been.

So Twenty-Seven Months later, we continue to love, anticipate and look forward to bringing our sweet baby girl/s home. We're closer than ever before. It's definitely worth the wait. Hold on, JennaBeth...(EmmaKate?)! For now, we hold you in our hearts. Soon we shall hold you in our arms. Each day is a day closer to you and each day, our heart deepens in love and joy for you as we trust you in God's care. We love you...and we rejoice that we're twenty-seven months closer to you!
Cherishing each blessing along the journey,
Terri & Family

Blessings...and more blessings...

The past few weeks have been very busy, as usual, but summer often brings new opportunties to enjoy and experience. We are grateful for each blessing along the way and this summer has been no exception.

A few days after Father's Day, I was surprised with a precious birthday party with many dear friends around. What a memory to cherish! Friends came from far and near and I was thrilled to see each one who shared that special day with us. My husband and children worked so hard to make that day a wonderful one. It was amazing. I just wish our baby girl/s could have been here with us. But someday....

Earlier this week, I visited with some friends who were visiting their family nearby. It was great to see them again. Their family is so beautiful. They have three biological sons, two daughters from China...and are presently in the process of adopting a third daughter from China. Our time together was incredible. As I held the little ones' hands or held one in my lap, I continued to thank God for the reminder that He is also holding our sweet daughter/s in His arms. My friends and I talked about how wonderful it will be when our daughters meet one another and can play together...someday.

While at Church recently, we chatted with some friends who have also adopted twin girls from China. Of course, they wanted to know how our process continues. As we spoke, April said, "it's just not time...she's not ready yet" and we were encouraged to know that they completely understand. The time will come...in God's perfect plan and design...He will bring our baby girl/s into our lives....someday.

I wish I could tell you that my heart is perfectly fine with waiting...but it's not. I am peaceful about this waiting season for I know God is in complete control and knows what is best for our daughter/s and for us. But my heart certainly aches for our baby girl/s. I want them to enjoy family birthday celebrations, family reunions, visits with friends and summer fun. I want to hold her, love her, teach her and share life with her on a daily basis. As my friends and I went out to lunch, I chatted with their girls in their carseats. I kept thinking how awesome it will be to travel together with our baby girl/s....and arrive at family and friends' homes...together...someday.

But we have today. We have this moment to hope, share, love and look forward to those somedays. We have many blessings along the way to remind us of today's blessings...and our hopes for tomorrow. May we not be so excited about tomorrows that we miss the joys, blessings and love of today. May we be thankful to God for all the reminders He gives us now that He is holding us all in His arms...today...and tomorrow. And may we rejoice that each day brings us closer to our sweet little daughter/s...while we rejoice in the amazing love of family, friends and our Heavenly Father...today. Today...someday...blessings and more blessings...thank you, God!
Cherishing the blessings of today and someday,
Terri and family