Sunday, December 7, 2008

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

As I left for worship this morning, without Chad who is feeling pretty crummy right now, I didn't know I would become so inspired by what I heard and saw, so let me share...

Our pastoral intern, Derek, preached today in Chad's place, on short notice. I felt as though he crafted the words around our current adoption situation. I know, sort of self centered. Anyway, (thanks in advance for letting me steal your material Derek) the sermon started out with some examples of going back to the beginning, starting over again, etc. He referred to the reading from Mark 1, about how John the Baptist called people to a new beginning. We are called back to the waters of baptism to be reminded that God has claimed us, that he's always been there, always will be. We are repeatedly called to open our eyes to see new life, to go out into the world, blessed to be a blessing. Hmmmmm...


You see, we learned Friday that we will go back to the beginning with our file in Ethiopia. Some things have changed with our case, and it is as if we just received our referral, that the last 7 months have evaporated (although they sure took a long time). At this point, our Jan. 14 court date is not happening. The team in Ethiopia will work on gathering all the necessary documents for our file before they can then submit to the courts for a court date. (Sound familiar, like June and July?) It is a new beginning in our case.

On my drive home from church, I heard Josh Groban's song Believe, from Polar Express. One line was particularly meaningful..."destinations are where we begin again". So, this latest inevitable destination, this new beginning in our adoption journey is where we find ourselves. Still yearning for the day we get to hold Koko in our arms. Because court dates are being scheduled about 8 weeks out from request, according to our agency, we shouldn't expect a court date till around March. We know we will celebrate Koko's first birthday milestone here without her. On May 7, 2008 when we saw her face for the first time, just after her 2 month birthday, we never would have dreamed of this whole heart and character growing process as it has unfolded. Never.

HOWEVER, we will be of good cheer! As Chad has just returned from India where the new sewing center was dedicated, here are some photos of the beautiful people, and the moving dedication ceremony.

And, more good news...a dear family at church finally made it home with their little Robinio from Haiti. He is gorgeous, about 4 years old, and loving his new family. This family has been through so much, and so many, many months of waiting to bring him home. I got to sit next to them, and it was an honor to get a big hug from him this morning. I had to work not to cry with happiness that they have finally been united.
Finally, I'm sure you've all been dying for an update on how Guido is doing. He's growing, his hair is longer, and energy high! He is slowly learning some potty training, including where to dance around waiting for his treat after he pottys! We are so in love with this little pup!
Here are my two boys - both pretty cute, if you ask me!

smj out.

10 comments:

Jebena said...

Susan, you and Chad continue to be in our family's prayers before the LORD. As we enter into a 10-day fasting period, we will increase our PRAISE to our Heavenly Father for the quick work being done for your family. Continue to stay encouraged for HIS hands are definately on your case!

J, A, T and Y said...

Love the post! So encouraging....thanks for your words. Sorry to hear Chad is down and out....must be a bad one if he couldn't be at church. Thinking of you guys as always.

los cazadores said...

Wow, I am so sorry to read you guys have to start all over, my heart is sinking for you guys. I have not read much of your blog - I've just really "found" it although somehow it seems I might have clicked on it before....

Here's a cyber hug from a stranger. Sending you some thoughts and vibes as you weather this period...

Cindy

Natalie Fournet said...

Oh no...I am so sad for you guys. As my heart breaks over this for your family, I am praying...

Lori S said...

This must be so hard for you, yet you have an amazing attitude in seeing God's goodness through all of this! Thank you for sharing!

D said...

I am so sorry...but will pray for your file...and your endurance.

Shelly Roberts said...

Oh Guys ...... tears tonight as I read of what has transpired. Please know that you can count on me praying for you as you keep on keepin' on. Praying the Lord will pour out His mercy on you and carry you through these next weeks. Blessings, Shelly

Christina said...

This news is just heartbreaking! I really wish there was something I could do or say to make it better. I'm glad, however, to see that you have a wonderful perspective on things! I KNOW that you will be united with beautiful little Koko soon. Know that you are always in my thoughts! I will always think of you guys as my "sister family" since we got our referrals for baby girls within a day of each other! Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Cute picture of Chad and your puppy!
Love you guys, Ashley

Sarah and Davis said...

Hey guys! We too have a rescheduled court date for January. We did not pass on our first time through. We live in CA but will be in CO (Palmer Lake) for the holidays. It would be fun to meet you as we have much in common. Our email is on our blog. Love to hear from you!

Merry Christmas!

Sarah

Why Adopt? Check out this video!