Today is day 82. I felt like this picture represented how I feel some days about this wait. It can truly take it out of you and leave you feeling beat up and worn out. Knowing that your child is waiting, across the ocean, for you to come… with most likely sub-standard care, possibly crying himself to sleep. Well, it makes 82 days seem like a lot longer.
To be honest, I never thought we’d wait this long… God has given me the gift of eternal optimism (is that a gift? ;)). I was so saddened last week to hear our LOA might be another 4 weeks off. Say it isn’t so!! My sweet friend (and social worker) Karla had the difficult job of popping my bubble of hope… and well, it hurt! Thankfully, God reminded me on several occasions since that His timing is perfect. And that His ways are not my ways. And in my heart of hearts, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
So where does that leave me? Waiting for sure. But not so anxiously as before. I am hopeful (there’s that optimism again) that we’ll be able to travel for Shepherd in July at the latest and although not my first choice (duh) I’m not going to complain. After the rumors swirled about no travel allowed over the summer months (not true, btw) my perspective has changed. I just want to get my baby and bring him home. July will be fine, thank you 🙂
Keeping your family and Shepherd in my prayers!
What a lovely blog, really enjoyed looking through it
For some reason, Optimism seems to be a regular companion of mine, too. I think it’s an extension of our hope and faith – because even though waiting stinks, we expect the good things God promises us. Hang on to the optimism!
I think my last adoption (Bennett) hit the big 9-0. Hoping that’s not the case for Shepherd!
Well, I think your optimism IS a gift, and I admire your enduring faith! Hang in there :O)
Hang in there, sweet friend! You’ve got lots of prayers going your way & Shepherd’s way! 🙂
HUGS from your also optimistic friend! 😉
Praying for you, my dear friend!!!
82 days is a long time to wait, and hope… and you have just stayed so positive through it all!
I’ve resigned myself that it’s just going to be HARD until my boy is finally handed to me and in my arms forever. I have been mopey about it today. But it’s ok to feel what we feel… it’s this little thing called mommy-love. 🙂
Oh, how I remember that wait…over 100 days for us, praying yours won’t be as long!
When I saw the number 82 it made me think of the Psalms. Take a listen to some verses from Psalm 82:
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless, maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed, rescue the weak and needy…..for all the nations are your inheritance.”
It’s coming Stefanie! What hope is in these verses! Psalm 82 on day 82! Just for you! Keep that optimism!
Love your boxtops post! Too funny!
And the update on Isabelle is so wonderful to hear! She’s a super little girl!
Praying that you hear good news soon, Stefanie. Our agency told us not to expect our LOA for few weeks, but then it unexpectedly arrived a few days later all by itself. TA followed shortly thereafter. So keep your chin up!! You never know what China will do … and I’m thinking good thoughts!
I know it is so hard when in our heart of hearts we KNOW, but our flesh is screaming “NO” – not THIS way!!!! In my flesh, I think we know so much more about what is right for us – but in my heart, I am so thankful that God is in control!! Praying!