We had been praying to travel in June. God did not choose it. So, we began praying for July. And I wouldn’t even consider praying for August. In my mind, it just wasn’t an option. Which, honestly, I believe was a huge part of our (or, my) problem. I had to let it go. I had to let HER go. I had to trust God… completely. I knew it all last week... and I still wouldn’t yield. So, Friday came and went. And apparently, so did our chance for travel in July. It was time to start praying for August.
However, God had a different plan. Our weekend was spent at 2 very emotional, endearing, beautiful weddings. Our family was honored and blessed to be at each one. And God used those special moments to change my heart – to focus on what’s truly important. We are in a period of waiting. Our family is well… and Lily is in a loving orphanage with wonderful care. We are simply waiting. This is one of the “easiest” challenges God gives us. Sure, we may still want things to move quicker, but He gives us a chance to simply sit back and rest in Him. And I finally did. I was ready to be ready when He was ready!!
However, I felt we should begin praying for a “Monday Miracle” – the last day (in my mind) where we could possibly make it in July’s group. I spent many hours in prayer this weekend… begging God that if He would will it, we could meet our daughter soon… but if not, that He would give us (me) the strength to be joyful and look forward to whatever His plans may be. And I meant every word.
Well, today is Monday … and God gave us a miracle!
The house was quiet all morning. Ok, so just the phone was quiet :) It was the opposite of Friday. The phone had been ringing off the hook that day and it was keeping me on my toes with my hopes repeatedly being dashed. But back to today... I took the kids to swimming lessons. Just after noon, Andy hears the phone ring… “could this be THE call?” – he wonders. He picks it up, “Is this Andy or Erin? This is Sue with BCS” …(shivers)… “I have some good news”. It just happens that I didn’t have my cell phone on me, so Andy jumped in the car. Back at the pool, Sammy points behind me – Andy is coming up the walkway. Why? What’s going on? Wait… could it be? He nods his head… I immediately well up with tears and cannot contain the huge smile that’s just been planted on my face!! Then he tells me - we leave in NINE days!!!!
As we walk toward the car, Sammy asks, “So, mom, when we get in the car – can we all scream?!??” She knew my answer without me saying a word :) As soon as the kids started piling in the van, they started screaming. Funny thing was that I don’t think Charlie knew why we were screaming. So, I asked him. His reply? Another scream. We did this a few more times until I finally cracked up laughing :) Then we sang “Rejoice in the Lord always” at the top of our lungs… with the windows down :)
What an awesome day!!!
We're on our way Lily Liu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
