Something Bigger

This morning my daughter and I had the honor of attending an Adoption Shower for our very dear friend who is anxiously waiting for an Embassy call that says they can travel back to Ethiopia to bring home their son. While they have met, and have passed court, they need paperwork from the U.S. Embassy to bring him home.

The wait is long. Not necessarily in time, considering, but long for the heart and mind. I am certain the days are longer than 24 hours for our friend and her family. It has to be. They have touched their son, hugged him, kissed him, tickled him, laughed with him, watched him dance, chase a balloon, talk in his native language, and they have cried together ... and now they are separated by an ocean once again, just waiting.

Today her family and friends gathered together to celebrate the adoption of this precious boy. He has a family, and so many friends waiting to welcome him home and surround him and his family in love, prayer, and friendship. We all can not wait for his homecoming.

My sweet friend requested that she not receive gifts for her son. This being her fifth child, she felt she had everything they needed for him. Instead, she requested that if we felt called to bring something to the shower, that we would bring a donation for the orphanage where her son has been staying. She wanted to bless the orphanage on her return visit, and her goodbye visit, with an over abundance of supplies.

The ladies in her life did just that today. The large dinning room table was filled to capacity in addition to tubs filled under the table of our love to these sweet children on the other side of the world. From coloring crayons, to paper, to bubbles, kazoos, plastic animals, Nerf footballs, clothing, blankets, dental floss, ohhh, the table was f.u.l.l. of so much creativity in supplies. It was so much fun to see the pile continue to grow as more woman passed in and out of the Open House style of shower.

And then, the highlight, was the most powerful prayer from the Hostess to bless our sweet friend on her continued journey and chapter in bringing home her son. Tears flowed. I am not sure how the Hostess continued with out cracking her voice ... or just stopping. She was solid - powerful. Loved it.

The rest of the day, my girl and I have been on a happy-friendship-high as we were filled-up today with hope, joy, happiness, peace. It feels awesome on this very foggy, wet, and cold day ~ to have that inner sunshine that beams knowing that you are aware of this "something bigger" adventure.

S.P. - your heart is so huge, your compassion so real, your truthfulness in sharing, and creating a voice for the parent-less is so inspiring. I am very grateful to know you, and to walk beside you. I am looking forward to that first moment when we see your sweet son enjoying the BDB Peach together!! (wink).