Thanks for you application...

On the adoption front:

I got an email a few days ago simply saying "Thank you for applying to Carolina Adoption Services.  Your application has been received and is being reviewed.  You will be contacted in 2-3 weeks."  We are probably just getting it because we applied during their Christmas beak.  It was actually our Christmas present to each other. Is that weird?  

Chris and I are getting anxious to get started on our paperwork but we have so much to do for the next month to 2 months. The toughy will be finding time to get to the embassy to get it done.  On our plane ride to Amsterdam, I felt like Tina Faye- in the movie "Baby Mama" when it seems like everywhere there are babies staring at her.  She wants a child so bad that during her business meeting- instead of seeing her fellow employees- she saw bunch of babies staring and cooing at her.  I felt like her in the sense that there were a TON of families on our flight to Amsterdam.  There were several BEAUTIFUL black children... and they all seemed to be starring a hole in me as if to say "it won't be long until you're hauling one just like me through the airport."  

I asked the group that is here staying at the guesthouse to bring clothes for New Life Homes (where our children will come from).  So they brought a ton and want to take the clothes to them.  So we are going on Wednesday to the home where our eldest child will possibly be!!  I have mixed emotions about it.  I'm more excited I think than anything.  I can't wait to meet all their Mama's, see where they live, sleep, eat, and who they play with.  I'll post pictures and post them if I can.  I think I can post them as long as I don't put names with them.   

Oh Lord, let me not take these next several month for granted.  I know that you want to make me mature and complete, not lacking in anything.  Lord use this time to teach me and grow my marriage.  Lord, we have no clue how to do this- but may we lean on you not just in the tough parenting moments, but the easy ones as well.  My heart leaps, just wondering what they look like, how old they will be, what they are doing right now at this moment.  Lord, they are yours now and forever, but I thank you so much for entrusting them to our care for a short while.  I pray they will have a special zeal for you and for the great commission.  I will do my best to teach them of your love, faithfulness, sovereignty, your beautiful humility.  Thank you again Father- for choosing US! -Amen