This week we had our 1st home study interviews (2 more to go), we had bloodwork done, we sent off our I600 form, we completed our 10 hours of training, and we collected more documents. We're getting closer! In BIG news, we received video of Abraham! Not much-- a few minutes and I can't actually hear him.... But, I can see him move, watch his facial expression, and see the glimmer of hope in his eyes. Most of all, I can see how his entire face lights up when he smiles. And I can "just tell"... that he's meant to join our family, that he's going to be a Burleigh, that he's going to be a great big brother, that he's wise, that he's gentle, that he's kind... The connection is something I can't even describe which is why it's hard to explain to other people. I feel about him the way I feel about Peyton and Camryn and Addison and Markos. I feel fiercely protective, devoted, and in love. Their histories don't matter, their futures don't matter, and their mistakes don't matter. I just love them. I think it can only be the Creator of Love that can compel this sort of love. And I don't know why He chose us to experience it, but I am overwhelmed and filled with thankfulness. Could this be a taste of how He feels about me? The strength of His love overlooked my past, saw through my future, and absorbed my sin. He sacrificed, He paid my debt, and He calls me daughter... just because He loves me. No, it doesn't make "logical" sense. The reflection in earthly adoption pales in comparison to what He, the perfect Father, did. But it does give me a taste of how much He loves every single one of His children. His love amazes me.
Earlier this week, we sent a care package to Abraham via another adoptive family who was going over for their Embassy date and to bring their sons home from Abraham's transition home. In it, we included a letter telling him about us and informing him that we are going to be his family. Honestly, I thought it would be a difficult letter to write, but it just flowed-- short and to the point (knowing it would be translated) but excited and prayed over in love. The kids all drew pictures and wrote to him too. We also sent a family photo and a Penn State t-shirt. I have been on the edge of my seat waiting to hear back from this family, and I feel almost desperate to know how he responded and really anything that they can tell us about him... My heart yearns to know that HE knows we are waiting for him, praying for him, loving him from afar. To give him hope and the promise of love and a future. Seriously, can you imagine what this moment might be like? I've tried to put myself in his shoes a hundred times... to experience the moment when everything changes for him.
2 weeks. I'll be in Ethiopia in 2 weeks. The fact that God set this "appointment" up before I even knew about Abraham is simply incredible. He had this planned before I was even born. It is interesting to note that Abraham was born before Galen and I were even married! It is likely that we were engaged at the time of Abraham's birth and I find myself wondering what our lives looked like, worlds apart at that time. I know that God has been preparing us for this since then though. This is the story He intended for us to live, and as we add up the moments that He ordained to happen, the steps that He called us to take, and the connections that He put into place, we respond in obedience and anticipation of the moments and steps He will continue to guide us through in the future. We want nothing else than to go where He leads.
There
is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has
to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
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