They expected an outward display of power and wisdom and authority...a mighty ruler that would sit on a throne and give them justice and leadership.
I imagine they expected this long-awaited ruler to bring them an easier and better life.
A king came.
A Savior came.
His power and wisdom and authority was not obvious to the person passing by.
He did not look all that mighty wrapped in cloth and laying in a feeding trough for cattle.
Would He make life easier and better for them/us?
He had a FAR GREATER plan!
He said, "I have come so that you might have life to the full!" (John 10:10)
His plan was not for a season or a term.
It was not for a kingly reign on earth.
His plan was to send His only Son as a baby who would grow up to make a way for us to have ETERNAL life.
He would live a perfect life, setting an example to us for how we should live.
He would pay the price for all of our sins so that we could live forever with Him....THAT will be the "easier" and "better" life.
Right now, we live in a broken world. There is cancer. There are orphans. There is pain and disappointment. We look around and watch the news and we can't even take it all in. This is NOT "easier" and "better". This is hard and painful.
Then, we get tastes of heaven.
A baby is born and put into the loving arms of a mama.
A sunrise or sunset that takes our breath away.
A beautiful mountain view.
A song or scripture that speaks straight to our heart.
God promised that when we accept this Savior. When we give Him the primary place in our life that He will never leave us. He will allow His Holy Spirit to live in us. That is our most amazing taste of heaven...God's presence with us ALWAYS.
This Christmas was not what I expected. I bought gifts for four children and I imagined them all with me to celebrate our Savior's birth. I was excited to introduce Gabriel and Debora Grace to our extended family this Christmas. I had imagined they would have already been home and accustomed to life in America for a few months and that by Christmas time we would all feel comfortable traveling and meeting many cousins and aunt and uncles and grandparents. They are still in Ghana. They cry for us now and they cry for other losses with no parents to comfort them. THIS is not the "easier" and "better" life. This is temporary. We cling to that fact.
While we wait, we KNOW God's peace. It seems almost unfathomable that we could feel such peace. It is a fruit of God's Spirit living in us and it is a major gift.
Do we get frustrated sometimes? Do we feel sad? Is there a constant longing for the email or call or message that we can come and get them? ABSOLUTELY!
But, God is so faithful to us. He reminds us over and over again that His plan is an eternal plan. It is not bogged down by visas and paperwork and timelines and red tape. He knows exactly what He is doing and He is SO TRUSTWORTHY.
So...we continue waiting and trusting. And while we do we are grateful for these glimpses of His goodness to us. (ADOPTION UPDATE BELOW ALL THE PICTURES)
A few pieces of information:
1) We are still waiting for the US Embassy to issue visas for Gabe and Debo to be able to come home. The country of Ghana is closed for international adoptions right now which has put us in a situation that is even more unpredictable than usual for Ghana. As far as we know the US Department of State is waiting for a "clearance letter" from the National Minister of Ghana before they will issue our visas. That could come at any time and then we will travel to Ghana to get our kids.
2) Our children were living at an amazing orphanage in Bawjiase, Ghana called United Hearts. They had many friends there and the staff and volunteers showed our children great love and care. Two weeks ago our children were moved to a "transitional home" in Accra, Ghana called Goods for Ghana. This has allowed them to be closer to the social workers and doctors and other appointments needed for their visa paperwork. There are very few children in this home and it resembles a much more traditional family setting. We know our children miss their friends at the orphanage but we can see how their new "home" is really preparing them for their move to America. We are so grateful to United Hearts and Goods for Ghana! Both places will always hold a very special place in our hearts. If you are ever looking for a good ministry to support in Ghana please consider these two. They both have pages on facebook and websites.
3) We got to Skype with our children last week!!!!! One AMAZING blessing of living closer to city is access to internet that is capable of skype. So, last Tuesday, I checked Liz and Cael out of school and the siblings were able to "meet" virtually!!! It was by far my best Christmas gift this year. I watched as my oldest two children introduced their younger siblings to our home and their beds and bikes and toys. I watched as my bright eyed, dark skin sweeties clapped for the piano duet performed by my enthusiastic, light skin sweeties. I watched as both sets of siblings sung songs to each other and danced around. Makes me cry just thinking about it! January 6th is our next skype date and hopefully daddy will get to witness and participate in the fun this time!!!
4) After the Skype call Debo asked the social worker through her tears, "How do I get into the computer to be with them?" Then, Debo woke up this morning and asked for her "mommy in the computer". Oh, how I look forward to the day that we can be a real family!
That's all for now! Thank you so much for your love and prayers. We are feeling so thankful and blessed!!
