joy restored?

SO this morning at work, I sent out an email update on the Christopher adoption. (let me know if you are interested in being on the list or on the prayer update list). Its always fun to share whats going on with people you do not get the chance to talk to or see.

Since turning in our MCC, my eyes have opened to new things. Kind of amazing, kind of scary. I think, hope, dream, and pray about LynnMarie. When I take care of Chinese kids at work, my mind races. Happened again last night. Obviously I can not give details, but I watched a mother love her child and it warmed my heart.

I can not wait to love her more. I can not wait to protect her, plan things for her, pray over her. Someone came up to me the other day and said. "So I hear you are getting a special needs baby?". That is totally false. Perhaps the maternal part of me coming out.But we will not have a special needs baby. She will not be labeled.She may be a beautiful, wonderful child with a special need, but she will not be a special needs baby. I know I need to check my words sometimes but this really rubbed me the wrong way. That's one of the things they teach you in nursing school. You say she has cancer rather than shes a cancer patient because theses diseases and disabilities do not own you. I think that I am beginning the glimpse things that I never thought about before.

So, my joy was restored again this week as I look forward to loving more and watching our hearts grow even more. I watch these moms watch their children suffer and as I walk with them, my heart is heavy.

I so enjoy this journey of adoption. I can not believe the things about myself I have learned. I have seen the good in people, even strangers. I have experienced community. God has whispered to me and I have listened. I can not wait to see where this takes us! I am so excited to get myself and my home ready for a child..WooHoo!

For those adopting families in blogs, you have helped created my dreams, my prayers. I have to tell you that the Miracle (that's actually their name) family is in China getting their son and she still had time to send me an encouraging note!

Man you guys rock!