We found out yesterday that August 29th is our official departure date! Praise the Lord for the small but HUGE blessing of not having to change our plane tickets. Right now I know of 10 other families across the U.S. that will be traveling with us. We are the largest group that AWAA has had up to this point.
A really neat family in Ozark (Gillman's) are in Ethiopia right now picking up their two kiddos. It is incredible to be able to share this experience with another family so close. We've been tracking their blog as they have met their kids. As exciting as it will be to pick up Silas, Kim Gillman reminded me that he has suffered great loss. And now we are about to transport him again to a whole other world...away from his culture...his heritage...anything familiar. My heart breaks for him to suffer loss yet again, but I KNOW he needs us...and we need him. We are learning so much along this journey.
The Gillman's also took a care package with them to give to Silas. It contained a picture of our family, a comfort blanket made by grandma, and a new outfit. So, today Kim met our son and loved on him for us!!! I know this little guy is only two, but I hope that he can look at our picture and somehow know that we are connected.
I think our biggest prayer concern right now is that we would throw off all expectations about our trip and meeting our son...that we would be flexible...and that we would be spiritually ready to take in the hurt we see and share the hope that we have.
June Highlights
9 years ago
I am SO happy for you guys! Know that we are praying for you and thinking of you often!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, wow, this little guy has no idea how blessed he is about to become...
p.s. Can I just tell you how much I LOVE his smile??? Too cute for words!
The Lord works in miraculous ways, he has lead you this far and will continue through the next week. It has been alot of paperwork and a long wait, but finally happening. You have had so many prayers from family and friends through this whole process and that also will continue.
ReplyDeleteWe are so proud of what you both are doing, we love you and are so excited to meet our new grandson. He is so blessed, can't wait until your return.
Love Mom and Dad