A Christmas Eve Eve Update!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve, everyone! As we prepare for this wonderful celebration of our Lord's birth, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! Today is the day before Christmas Eve...Christmas Eve Eve, as we call it. Due to a power outage last night, I am behind schedule in some preparations but hopefully I will get caught up today.

Yes...a power shortage occurred in our county last night and it was very, very dark in our neighborhood...even around 6 pm.. As I was lighting candles around the house, I was reminded how much the darkness is pierced with a single glow of light from a candle. Of course with my analytical mind, I made a comparison to life with that. :) But it is true. No matter how dark life can be at times, a single glow of light makes all the difference! A hug from a friend, an unexpected phone call, a note of encouragement, a moment of good news....are all wonderful blessings on a long and weary journey. At just the right time, we are encouraged, refreshed and renewed by a relatively simple reminder that the journey continues in His perfect plan and timing.

As I shared with you recently, our last few months have been challenging. In fact, 2011 has been full of blessings but there have been some interesting "detours" in our journey, as well. So we are always thrilled when precious "lights" illuminate our path along the way. Today is no exception.

First, we are reminded that our lives are never without purpose, love, hope, peace and joy. The fact that God's own Son became a baby in a manger so He could come to save us is amazing! God...with skin on...here on Earth...to love us and sacrifice Himself for us...so we can be with Him eternally...is a tremendous Light on our journey! That's what Christmas...and life are all about! Our lives are never the same when we hold onto that truth! I hope we are all able to realize and remember that in the midst of so many activities during the Christmas season...and beyond.

Additionally, we received news today from our adoption agency. Our initial Travel Letter has already been sent back to China. The agency said they would let us know when, (not if, but when), the new Travel Letter arrives! That sounds so very hopeful! That means we should have an extension of three months to trust, prepare and anticipate the long-awaited trip to China to meet, hold and bring our baby daughter home. How precious that on Christmas Eve Eve, we celebrate the coming of our Lord....and the news of another baby who will enter our lives in a few months! Wow...thank You, God!

So...our hearts are filled with more light...and joy...and celebration today. Our very long journey seems to have brightened at just the right time! Seeing little Jenna Beth Song's ornament displayed on our tree...and a precious Panda Bear toy her brother placed under the tree for her...are tangible reminders of the beauty and hope of Christmas.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve, dear family and friends! Cherish this season...and the message it brings to all of us each moment of every day of our lives. We thank God for you...and for the gift of hope.
Cherishing His Light in the journey,
Terri & Family