Trusting More!

It's been a long winter. It seems we have had winter storms every few days and for someone who doesn't care for cold temperatures, snow or inability to travel due to bad weather conditions, I am really looking forward to spring. With forty days to go before it is officially spring on the calendar, I am excited for each day that takes us closer to warm temperatures. But for now....I trust. I realize that the snow brings much needed moisture to the ground. I have experienced droughts before so I am very thankful when moisture is plentiful. I know that the cold temperatures help decrease pollen and germs...although I wonder why there are still enough germs for colds, flu and bronchitis that have hit our family repeatedly this winter. :) I know that even though winter seems dormant, there is a purpose for this season and that there is a process going on which is unseen. So although the long winter is not my most favorite season, I accept its purpose, blessing and beauty. And I must trust that the Designer of the seasons has a very good reason for including winter in His plan...far beyond my understanding.

Our adoption journey seems to be in the winter season presently, as well. We had thought that we would see more "light at the end of the tunnel" by now. We also hoped that our wait would not go beyond this summer. However, that doesn't seem to be the case right now. After reviewing the current standings of LIDs (Log In Dates) and Referrals, it appears that the process has slowed down considerably. We have not been given any official estimates of how much longer we must wait before our Referral...but it could easily be another year or so. So...as much as we are disappointed that the wait must continue...and as tired as we are of going through repeated updates...we must also accept that the Designer of our lives and our Journey to our little girl/s in China knows what is best. And we will trust Him to protect our little one/s, to provide what we need to continue this journey...and to direct our path as we continue to wait for our daughter/s.

Before it is assumed that we are heartbroken, giving up or devastated, let me assure you that we are disappointed...of course. However, we knew from the very beginning that the wait was unpredictable. The wait has become much longer than anyone imagined and it can certainly be frustrating. But our God is much stronger than our disappointment and frustration. Our faith must focus on Him and not on the wait. He led us to this journey. He touched our hearts and called us to love a precious little girl or two....and He has seen us through every step of the way so far. One of my favorite Scripture passages is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5>6) So...we wait...and trust...and believe. He didn't bring us this far to walk away now. And we won't give up...on Him...or on our little girl/s. We cling to the truth that even winter eventually turns to spring! And we will cherish the purpose, blessing and beauty of this winter season as the journey continues. There remains much work to do, many goals to achieve in the meantime. So our wait will be be purposeful...and never boring. :)

JennaBeth...(EmmaKate?)...our hearts are so full of love for you. We miss you so much and want you home soon. But we must wait a little longer...and we will definitely do whatever it takes to continue the journey to bringing you home...in our arms and in our family. Hold on...and each time you see a new day come and go, know that we are one day closer to you. And some wonderful day...still sooner than later, we will come to China and hold you, love you, travel with you and bring you home and you will be a part of our family forever. Comparing our five or six year journey to having you with us the rest of our lives...still allows us plenty of time to be together. Until we hold you in our arms, we are holding you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers....and we are not letting go! ♥

We thank each of you who continue to walk beside us in this amazing journey. Please continue to pray for our little daughter/s, the caregivers, the people in the USA and PRC who are working so hard to bring children and families together...and for God's perfect plan in this journey to glorify Him...in every season. And if you wish, we would appreciate your prayers as we continue to find beauty in trusting Him along this Journey of Blessing then...now...and in the days ahead.
Cherishing His Master Design and Perfect Plan...
Terri & Family