I can't believe after 6 years of waiting we are now down to 1 week. I'm not sure the reality has completely sunk in yet. I've been nesting like crazy these past couple of weeks getting everything cleaned and ready. I'm almost there, we have everything purchased, most everything gathered in our "packing room" and it's just waiting for me to tackle the biggest undertaking yet... packing. Another China mom put it best, it's like fitting an elephant into a purse. Come Saturday I'll let you know if I've been able to accomplish the impossible.
I feel pretty calm, which is completely against my nature but maybe because God is at work. Yesterday I received a devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries and it was written by Marybeth Whalen entitled "Purse, Bag or Sandals". The story begins in Matthew 10 when Jesus instructed His disciples to go minister to the lost sheep of Israel. When He sent them out, He sent them without anything, no purse, bag or sandals. They just obediently went.
I don't know about you but the idea of heading out to China without having prepared my packing list (all 6 typed pages of it), or leaving without visiting my local Target about 5 times, or leaving without cleaning every single square inch of my house, would ultimately lead me to having a complete melt down. I have often worried, "what if I forget something we really need?", or "what if it doesn't all fit into our suitcases?" Then as I continued to read the devotional, Marybeth stated "Being prepared feeds my illusion that I can somehow control my future". Wow, you talk about the Holy Spirit convicting someone. I need to let go, I'm not in control anyway.
Back to the story of the disciples. It doesn't just end in Matthew, but if you skip over to Luke 22:35 Jesus said to them, "When I sent you out without purse and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?" And they said, "No, nothing."
God has called us out to minister to one little girl on the other side of the world. If He has called us out, why would I think that we would lack anything. What it really boils down to is, we just need to be united with our daughter. Nothing else matter.
As I go off to bed tonight, I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses.
Psalm 46:10 ~ Cease striving and know that I am God.
Merry Christmas 2021
2 years ago
3 comments:
Hi! I found your blog from someone who posted on my blog...we're in the same town and leaving for Beijing on the same day!!!! We are adopting a little guy - age 2 yrs. 8 months from Beijing with a CA of 6/27. Different agency....flying out on AA @ 3:10 p.m. to Chicago! You? Your daughter is precious and so young!! How exciting!!!
Our blog is http://www.journeytoganggang.blogspot.com
Blessings,
Kim
The Joneses will be following your journey and praying each day. You are in for such a treat and so is little Emma. GOD BLESS YOU and your little guys who are staying behind. I know He will give you GREAT Peace that only HE can give.
Laura Jones
YEAH...can't believe it is only a week away until you leave! We are so excited that you will soon be united with Emma. I have been thinking about you daily and wondering how the final preparations are going. As you have so well written, the Lord will provide as we have seen Him do so many times through your journey. Did I say I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!
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