This was a long week. Thankfully, there's been the incredible distraction of watching our friends go to China! Both of the littles were sick with a fever, aches, chills, and a horrendous cough. Sad and weepy all day and up all night.
As any pastor and his family can tell you, when your own family's life is crazy, there's a funeral at the church. And so there was...and so R was busy and I didn't leave the house from Monday through Friday.
During our quarantine, my pet birds ran out of food. Usually they can make it a few days. But apparently not this time. Poor Emma is dead.
Everyone was afraid to tell me. M put her hand on my arm as R relayed the news that Emma was lying on the bottom of the cage.
Wallace, still alive, is in mourning. He hasn't sung one song since her passing. He won't look at me, either. In fact, he's sitting facing the wall. Does he know it's my fault?
The book of Proverbs says,
A righteous man cares for his animals.
Apparently, I'm not very righteous. And I've got to admit, I'm kindof' liking how much quieter it is around here. Just don't tell Wallace.
2.19.2011
2.16.2011
And They're Off!
It's 4:45 AM and I can't sleep. I knew I wouldn't be able to. Some of our dearest friends just left for China fifteen minutes ago.
R has the privilege of driving them to the airport. And truly, we couldn't be happier. Sharing in that pre-trip anticipation and joy is such an honor.
I'm thinking about China. And M. And adoption. And the wonder and miracle of it all.
Will our friends find the flight the longest of their lives?
Will they find it odd to eat egg fried rice at 3 AM?
Will they stay in the same hotel in Beijing?
And how did I not remember to ask that?
And will they get chicken massages?
It's been such fun for R and I to remember again all that our trip held and what it was like to experience it together. Don't get me wrong. I'm not jealous in the least of their 40 plus hours of air travel! I'm glad I didn't have to pack suitcases this week and figure out everything that has to be taken to a foreign country.
But, the miracle of international adoption is unbelievable to experience. To have someone's very life in your hands - after they have been left, or cold, or hungry, or abused - to get to be the hands of Christ to them - to serve them, love them, hold them - is the most humbling and beautiful thing.
It's hard and simple all at once. It's loving someone whether they love you back, whether you feel it or not. It's relying on God to get you through days when it's hard. It's a joy words can't describe when they first whisper, "I love you."
I know our friends are just beginning the journey. And I can't wait to watch the story of Grace Unfold.
And because I know you are all now dying to join them, you can follow along at: www.bygracewearesix.blogspot.com
I know exactly where I'll be with my morning coffee each day for the next 15 days!
R has the privilege of driving them to the airport. And truly, we couldn't be happier. Sharing in that pre-trip anticipation and joy is such an honor.
I'm thinking about China. And M. And adoption. And the wonder and miracle of it all.
Will our friends find the flight the longest of their lives?
Will they find it odd to eat egg fried rice at 3 AM?
Will they stay in the same hotel in Beijing?
And how did I not remember to ask that?
And will they get chicken massages?
It's been such fun for R and I to remember again all that our trip held and what it was like to experience it together. Don't get me wrong. I'm not jealous in the least of their 40 plus hours of air travel! I'm glad I didn't have to pack suitcases this week and figure out everything that has to be taken to a foreign country.
But, the miracle of international adoption is unbelievable to experience. To have someone's very life in your hands - after they have been left, or cold, or hungry, or abused - to get to be the hands of Christ to them - to serve them, love them, hold them - is the most humbling and beautiful thing.
It's hard and simple all at once. It's loving someone whether they love you back, whether you feel it or not. It's relying on God to get you through days when it's hard. It's a joy words can't describe when they first whisper, "I love you."
I know our friends are just beginning the journey. And I can't wait to watch the story of Grace Unfold.
And because I know you are all now dying to join them, you can follow along at: www.bygracewearesix.blogspot.com
I know exactly where I'll be with my morning coffee each day for the next 15 days!
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