Oh my word, sweet friends, three more sleeps. The days are just flying by as I try to get everything done before I fly out on Sunday.
While my world is so crazy busy, truthfully my heart is aching. The next three days are going to be so tough. I just cannot imagine saying goodbye to my precious family for such a long time. Goodness, I don’t know how I’m going to do it. Anthony keeps reminding me to see this as a mission from the Lord, something He is sending me on. When the Father sends us, He equips us with everything we need to accomplish the task. I know it’s the truth. I know I’ll probably feel better once I am on that flight and heading out of here, but the actual saying goodbye is going to be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
So many of you have written to me and asked about specific things that I need prayer for. You’re all so amazing.
Here goes:
~~~For my heart!
That God would give me the grace to do this journey alone. That the longing to be with my family would not be too intense, and that He will enable me to go through this season alone. I will be missing Easter, my son’s birthday and my hubby’s birthday. I seriously need heaps and heaps of grace. I am not a very strong person when it comes to things like this.
~~~ Timing
Potentially there could be MANY delays in country. Many families get there and are faced with obstacles that prevent their adoption from being completed quickly. Some wait it out, while others return home and then go back at a later stage to complete the adoption. I obviously don’t want that! I just want to bring my babies home. I don’t want to stay there longer than a month.
~~~ My family here at home
Please pray that my children will be okay without mommy around for the next month. That their little hearts would be at peace. This is going to be so hard for them, especially my five year old. He is very attached to his mommy.
~~~ That Anthony will arrive in the Ukraine in God’s perfect timing
We got told last week that there is a possibility that the judge in the region may (or may not) want to see Anthony in court. We are praying he does NOT! We don’t want Anthony to have to be gone from home for too long. And the judge needing to see him will mean that he will have to be there way longer than we need him to be. He just cannot miss much work.
~~~ No ten day waiting period
Most regions in the Ukraine implement a ten day waiting period after court. Some regions waiver this waiting period, some don’t. I am told that I will be given an opportunity to stand before the judge and tell him why I would like him to waiver it. Please trust with me that I would have the right words to say, and that the Spirit of God would move on his heart (even now!). If he does not waiver it, it means I will only come home in May. Not good at all.
There are so many unknowns. I’m just going to have to get there, and see how things unfold one day at a time.
A dear friend reminded me today that God has been so exceedingly amazing since the day we committed to adopting Hailee. She’s absolutely right. He has. He has moved every single mountain that has stood before us and has left us speechless time and time again.
Today I have had to remind myself that the same God who has got us this far, will carry me through the next few weeks too.
Whew, friends. So many emotions. I’m up, down, and all over the place emotionally. I know that when I board that airplane on Sunday, and goodbyes have been said, I can begin to focus on the mission the Lord is sending me on. Right now, my heart is truly aching to say goodbye to my family. It’s so hard for me.
Thank you for your love and your support. You are all such a blessing to me. I appreciate your prayers more than words can say.
Keeping my eyes on the prize that awaits me on the other side. It is all going to be so worth it!
** If you are new to my blog and are wondering why in the world I’m traveling alone, you can read it here. Due to how long the trip is, we are trusting that Anthony can come to the Ukraine right at the end of the process so that he can fly home with me and the girls. He cannot take a whole month off work.
Saying prayers for you and your family. I know this will be so hard, but it all worth it…I cant wait to see pictures of your beautiful new babies!!!
I have been and will continue to pray for you. I had to be away from home several times during our adoption (once for three weeks) and know just how hard that is. I left a box of little notes and treats to my kids that my husband would tuck under their pillows each night. I think it helped them feel connected with me, especially when I wasn’t able to call. (Perhaps you could put notes and treats in Easter eggs to be part of the holiday.)
Your sacrifice and courage amazes me. I will pray for you to have safe travels, peace in leaving your family behind, provision for every need, for grace from the judge, for mountains to crumble, and for two little girls to recognize that you are their mother from the first time you hold them.
I’m cheering you on and praying from the sidelines. Thanks for sharing this journey with your readers.
God Bless,
Kathie
Adeye,
I will lift you up in prayer as you journey to your daughters, and I will pray for your family at home. I’m sure it’s difficult knowing that you’ll be far from the kids but they couldn’t be in better hands, and what a blessing for your father that doesn’t get to see them often to have this opportunity to spend time with them. Also dear friend you will not be alone on your journey because the good Lord will be with you every step of the way, let your mind be at peace.
Blessings
My friend, my heart goes out to you. I will definitely be praying. Love Janelle
I am so glad that you posted your prayer requests. Now we know how to pray clearly. Isn’t is so assuring to know that you are not going alone - but that you are backed by so many praying friends and loved ones!!! My special brave friend … I find comfort knowing that Jesus is accompanying you on your trip. Love you so much and am sending you all my love. How I long to see you and have a real heart to heart and hug you with the biggest squeeze I have strength for!!!! Love Jan
I can almost feel te pain of you leaving your family at home.So very difficult! I will pray that God wil comfort you and keep you safe! His mighty wings wil protect you. His loving eyes wil follow you all over the world! We pray for you!!
Love,
Annerieke
Oh how I will pray for you,
You are strong girl! You will find the strenght in Him, in prayers in your family and in this community! We will pray for you. But do not forget the end results. Many years from now, when you look at this part of your life, you will be so proud of your strenghts and your children will be even prouder of the sacrifices their mother had to do. I am proud of you, of your strenghts, of your faith. You are an example, and I will pray for you.
Love from a gal from Montreal
Marie-Claude
Thank you for sharing specific things we can pray for. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing with us in your journey. It’s been amazing and God has been doing amazing things in and through you! What a testimony!
You are all in my prayers!
Blessings
Andrea
You are covered in prayer, Adeye, but thank you for the specifics. You are a very courageous woman. Hailee and Harper are so totally being rescued by a warrior of God. Gives me chills!! We are all going with you spiritually. All you have to do is post to see how close we are:)Don’t forget pictures if you can.Praying! praying! praying!
Lisa
I’m feeling many of the same things right now. You are not alone-ever-remember that when you board the flight by yourself. You are not truly alone.
I will have your family in my thoughts and prayers as you make your way through the next month and bring your beautiful little girls home to their new life.
Godspeed, Adeye. Prayers that you are able to return home quickly!
Praying for you, Adeye. It’s so very hard to leave our children for a long time, but they will be OK…probably spoiled silly with Grandparents for a month! Just remember that this is God’s plan, and He knows the exact time you’ll be home…and everything will fall into place.
I am praying for you dear friend! I am so excited! Your children will be in very good hands! This time with your dad will be something special they will always remember. In a way it is like a gift to them, though I’m surevthey will miss you terribly!
And with your husbands full support and understanding… And with the strength oh Jesus Christ you WILL make out just fine!
And the best part is this time of lonliness and suffering is about to end for two precious little girls!!! Hang tight, joy is coming!
I’m so excited for you, friend! And yet I know how tugged your heart must be feeling leaving your family.
There is no easy answer for that one, but God’s grace, for sure.
Sorry if I missed this somewhere…but are you going to be able to blog while you are gone?? Please say yes!
I’ll be praying, most definitely!!
Girl I am in tears just thinking of all that lies ahead of you. God Who has called you is FAITHFUL and He will do this!!
I will be praying and praying.
I mailed off that phone yesterday and even insured it just in case. Don’t worry about tomorrow…just trust Him one hour and one day at a time.
Love love love,
Holly
Thinking of and praying for you and your family as you embark on this great journey. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Nancy in MN
It will be here before you know it! And before you know it you will hold your beautiful girls in your arms! good luck! be safe!
Dear Adeye,
I have not had much time to comment of recent, or the internet access to allow me too, but don’t think for a minute that means I haven’t been paying attention or care, I do and I’m so encouraged by your faith and heart! Too many times I worry about my kids having families, and you always remind me our God is big enough to move the hearts of ordinary families to bring even my toughest kids home!
I am praying for you now and will continue to do so. I trust that no matter what the next few weeks hold you will look back and know that He, who knows everything, will work all things for good, even IF the days are tough. I also know He does provide all things, and as He provided the money, so will He provide the strength, grace, peace and patience to do this, for you and your family. Remember, He provides when you need, not always before. You didn’t NEED money until the end, that is when it all came together, He will also provide the emotional and spiritual things as you need them.
Love you and am so excited and so, dare I say, proud of you. (can I say that, it sounds a little weird!) I’m just so in Awe of God and the way He is working this all out!
Hugs from China!
Praying for you and SO excited for you! It will soon all be a distant memory and you will be home with your 2 precious angels! HUGS!
You and your family will be first on our daily prayer list until you return home!!! I hope to talk to you before you leave but if I don’t (or if you’re too busy which I totally understand), please know that I’m with you as best as I can be and who knows, maybe we’ll actually get to see you toward the end of your trip!!!
Kristin
Adeye,
I can not tell you how much you have been in my thoughts and prayers since reading your blog!! God will be with you..there are many people lifting you up in prayer! To be honest, I am excited to see how God answers our prayers for you.
Tammy
Definitely praying…hopefully Anthony can keep up the blog if you can’t. We gotta know what to pray for each day!
The thing that helped me when we were gone w/o the children…keep looking forward to the next job on the list…not to home…didn’t always work, but it helped.
Our God WILL supply all our needs.
I pray that God’s peace surrounds you every step you take as well as your sweet family back home!!
Will be praying for you all!!
Saying prayers for you and your family. Can’t wait to see pictures of you and the girls. Your sacrifice and courage is amazing.
Anita
We are in waiting to hear of the glorious things God will do. We will miss you dear friend and our prayers will be with you as you travel. Your kiddos will be loved on like crazy and you will have one more chapter to add to the adventure of a life yielded to God. Bring those babies home sweet friend! Shauna
I will be praying for you and thinking of you and your family everyday, sweet friend.
Loves,
Shonni
Hey sweet friend, I also put this in my blog today for prayers for your family…have them call us if they need ANYTHING!
Loves,
Shonni
I left my 2 children and husband at home for my last adoption from China. I was totally prepared and felt fine until I went to get on the plane and my son cried and begged me not to go. He broke my heart. Then I got on the plane and there was a problem with the brake and we sat on the runway for several hours. While waiting I went through a panic period thinking what in the world am I doing. Once in the air there was no turning back and I was ok. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! God called you because he knew you could and would do this! It’s all good! Go forth with God girl!
PRAISE GOD the time is here Adeye!
Look how faithful He has been!
He who brought you to it - will bring you THROUGH IT!
Praying for you and your family!
Lots of love,
Jill
Praying for you and your family.
I know it is hard leaving your little
ones home. Praying you will feel is
strength and peace and comfort
as you journey to your precious girls.
May His Holy Spirit speak through you
and touch the hearts of all concerned
as you make your request for waivers.
I can’t wait to see your beautiful babies
in your arms.
Praying and trusting He will continue to provide your every need. Thank you for being who you are. Can’t wait to see those precious baby girls in your arms! Love you! Amy
We’re praying for you and your family. Have a safe and wonderful journey!
I hear you. Just reading your post brings tears to my eyes. It IS incredibly hard to leave your children. I’m so glad they will be in good hands but that good-bye is sooo hard. Prayers for your family as you set out on this mission to which God himself has called you. He WILL help you and He WILL help them.
Joy,RR
Oops! I meant praying you will feel
His strength….