I just watched Jeff and my 3 older children drive off in the big white van to the airport. I am sitting here on the couch with tears streaming down my face. I am going to miss them!
This family journey has been so good. Really more than we could have dreamed of! We had the privilege of coming here and meeting our son whom God has placed in our family and has such a great plan for his life.
We were able to introduce our older kids to the country of Uganda which we love so very much! Our friends, the people of Uganda are so welcoming and precious and they hold very special places in our hearts. The people and the countryside are so beautiful. My kids have fallen in love as well! No one wanted to leave today!
I believe that God has planted a seed for this country and it's people deep in the hearts of my children as well! They all said they want to return someday and see their friends and new loved ones.
We have been planning this trip for 2 years and to have come was like a surreal dreamlike moment and then for it to be over so quickly is heartbreaking. I look around and the house is fairly empty, their room is all cleaned out and it's so very quiet (partially because the little storm is taking a nap).
Jeff and I were both very emotional as they prepared to leave. Partially, because I am being left behind to finish up the passport and visa and partially, because this family experience is over. You wait and pray for so long and then "poof" it's over!
The kids have loved their time here!
Ranger caught more bugs and critters than one can imagine. Maybe he will post all of his pictures and stories and his adventures one day. He made great friends here at the university and was so enjoying their time together. I think his ultimate high was the safari. To stand in a truck with the wind blowing in your face, watching and taking pictures of God's beautiful creation is RIGHT up his alley.
Bella fell so in love with our babies home and this country. She DID NOT want to leave. She has already asked if we can come back and adopt again (we told her its her turn next time:). She grew up so much this trip and discovered some things that she loves and enjoys that she didn't know before. She is such an awesome helper to me and her new brother.
Andie grew to love Uganda more and more as time went on. She wanted to come home that first week because she got sick for a few days. Who doesn't wanna go home when you are sick? She also loved the safari and learning many new things. She made some very good friends here at our new home. I actually have barely seen her the past two days. All the girls have been building a fort and campsite this whole past weekend! Besides, being a bit too hot here for her she also has loved her time.
We have such a wonderful life to come home to...wonderful friends and family, great schools, church and lots of fun activities. Our new little son has no idea what his home will be like or the things that God has prepared for him in Oregon. But there is a sense of closure happening in Uganda and it is just hard to let that go!
Thanks for letting me grieve with you!
As excited as I am to come home and introduce our sweet one to you all, I am also grieving my last bit of time here. Maybe my heart also hurts for our sweet boy. He was born into a country that gave him a very rough start to life. God has redeemed his life and has brought him into our family and we are so thankful and grateful for Gods love and provision over him. But grieving the loss of all he has ever know breaks this Mama's heart. I know he has a great future to look forward to (and HE WILL be back someday) but to get to the future you must give your present hurts and pain to Jesus. He can heal and bring a new start after "the storm" has come and cleaned out the pain. The storm brings an opportunity for a thorough cleansing and allows you to take a deep breath and a new start as we continue to walk with Jesus!
I am hoping to keep you all updated as much as possible as these next days move on!
Thanks for all your comments! They are life-giving in the midst of this journey!
God bless you and comfort your through the grieving and saying good-bye to most of your family. I so understand. Adoption is such a wonderful, awesome, full of astonishment at God's grace and provision sometimes fearful, sometimes painful, sometimes ripping of the soul time. You are so perfect for Drew and your hearts are so with him and his roots. He will never forget his homeland, thanks to you. You continue to be in our prayers! I recently listened to a sermon and the jest of it was, bottom-line, God is with us. He is right there with you in Uganda and that is a comfort to all who love you and are far away from you at this time.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kathy (Rita's friend in Phoenix)