After the call...

It's been it's been 17 days since we got the call. It's been a flurry of emotions and activity at our house. Records have been reviewed, acceptance letter written/signed/sealed & FedEx"ed", homestudy forms gathered, I800a form's 11 page instruction has been combed over, and homestudy visit is pending! Lots to do and we're moving as quickly as we can...but apparently, not everyone got the memo! I feel like I'm moving at the speed of light, with the urgency to do as much as I can as quickly so I can to bring my little girl home, but why do I feel like I'm always waiting on others? I'm waiting for the mail, I'm waiting for an opening in my social worker's schedule, I'm waiting for an email from my agency coordinator to let me know which form to fill out NOW, I'm waiting for FedEx tracking to let me know that ICAB acknowledged our acceptance, I'm waiting...waiting...waiting! I thought that the waiting would ease once we got the match...but it has actually intensified. I just want to bring baby K home...and be her mommy!!! Is that really too much to ask for? Apparently, right now, it is. I feel like I'm facing the mountains of bureaucracy of two countires!!!! But these are the days that I pray for strength to continue believing that my GOD is BIGGER than these mountains!!!! With His guidance and hand upon us, we shall overcome these mountains and bring her home.

Faith

Meet my beautiful little girl, baby K. I am beyond words with the emotions that I am feeling right now. All I know is I am totally in love with her. She is currently being taken care of at a foster home in Makati thru the CRIBS Foundation. She is 17 1/2 months old, happy, healthy, and just adorable. The moment I saw her, she had my heart. I've always wondered how this moment would be, when I see my daughter for the first time. I am amazed at how much I loved her the moment that I saw her. Never did I imagine how powerful a mother's love truly is until now. There isn't a moment now that I don't think of her. I think about holding her in my arms, rocking her to sleep, and just kiss those scrumptious cheeks! In essence, I just really want to be her mommy. I am so blessed that God has given me the chance to mother this sweet little girl. Ironically, I began this blog as a way to vent when I was frustrated with "the wait" for a match. It is a true blessing that today, I'm writing that I know why that wait was necessary. God was preparing her birth family's heart to make a difficult decision to let her go and He was also preparing our hearts to accept such a wonderful treasure. So, those of you who are still waiting for a match, on the hot trail of paper chasing, waiting to be invited to travel, or waiting to return home with you precious little treasures: I am praying for all of us to remember that God's timing is perfect. Despite the frustrations, set-backs, and disappointments along the way, know that God's hand is upon all of us. He has a perfect plan, so don't lose hope...He has amazing wonderful promises for all of those who remain faithful in Him. Goodnight blogging moms...and blessings to you little one.

Miracle

We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life.
But those who make their journey home across time & miles,
growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them,
are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us
by God's very own hands.
--- Kristi Larson

I ran into this quote today. It's surreal to realize that God has been orchestrating and planning all of the details to bring my little one home, from the beginning of time. I can't wait to meet you sweet one, you who was created specifically for me to mother and love...

To my waiting little one,

I know you're on this earth now...I pray that you are loved, safe, and content. It is my hope that you are cared for by those who God has entrusted you to, before coming home to us. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and give you peace. May these things sustain you until we meet...

Mommy

Kisses in the Wind to my little one...

KISSES IN THE WIND (The Waiting Child's Lullabye)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh

Waiting - by Thomas Hicks

This is bigger than nations.

Something too big for borders is happening here. This is more than relations. Something thicker than blood is pulling us near. Somewhere there is a hand that needs another to hold, And here I am with my hand empty. Across an ocean a cheek needs a good-night kiss, And these words are the kiss I’m sending. I am waiting for you, you are waiting for me, there is nothing but time between us. I’ve never met you but you are all I can see. I’m just praying that you can feel this. A tiny heart beats inside your little chest and every beat is in step with mine. If I could open my heart like a locket, a tiny picture of you is what we would find. Every morning I pray for your safety, And every night I ask for your peaceful sleep. And every morning when you wake wherever you are is another day closer to me. I am waiting for you, you are waiting for me, there is nothing but time between us. I’ve never met you but you are all I can see. I’m just praying that you can feel this, too… Everybody around the world sing “I need somebody to love”… From me to you, wherever you are, I am coming for you, I am coming with love… I am praying for you there waiting for me. Ten thousand miles is only a day. When the sun sets on you it rises on me. One day closer that you’ll come home to stay. I am waiting for you, you are waiting for me, there is nothing but time between us. I’ve never met you but you are all I can see. I’m just praying that you can feel this. ©2007 Thomas Hicks - All Rights Reserved

 

Did I already mention white sandy beaches????????

Boracay

Halfway into our 16th month...we are still waiting for our baby!  I know that some of you are on the same boat, waiting for "the call", some of you have already gotten "the call" and waiting to travel, and still others have already traveled and brought your babies into their forever family!!! Well, we did travel to the Philippines a couple of months ago for a vacation and it was lovely! The highlight of our trip was a journey to Boracay! This unspoiled island has lush foliage, extensive marine life, and unspoiled white sandy beaches!!! We can't wait to get our referral and grow our family with the arrival of our child. We hope that the next time we travel to the Philippines, it will be to meet him/her! At that time we are certain that we will make this trip again to Boracay with our precious little one!!! I can't wait to introduce her to this slice of paradise...