Waiting/Life Rules

A few weeks ago, we received a very sweet gift in the mail from our adoption agency. It was a hardback book full of pictures from their orphanage. What a treasure! The accompanying letter urged us to heed two pieces of advice during this time of waiting:

1. Stay busy

2. Don't dwell on things you can't control

We've been taking that advice to heart this past week. In addition to my full-time job, I've helped out with the project in the below post. Between both jobs, I've ended up working 76 hours! The end result of extra income will be super-nice for our savings, but my body is a bit weary...

And regarding piece of advice #2, we've been trying to follow its piece of wisdom this week as well while rumors have been circulating about changes in the Ethiopian courts and what it will mean for our adoption process. Bottom line: whatever changes happen, we can't control them! International adoption is not for the faint of heart--it requires patience and flexibility in overwhelming quantities! But isn't that basically true of life in general...? ;)

In addition to the above craziness, Nick and I also celebrated our 4th Anniversary with a delicious dinner at The Beauty Shop. (One of our Memphis faves.) Afterwards, per annual tradition, we watched our wedding video. For some reason this year, I was moved to tears as I watched 2006 Jesse walk down the aisle on her father's arm, collecting flowers for her bouquet from some dear people in her life.

And then I realized that AAI was leaving out a third piece of advice:

3. Surround yourself with loved ones.

These women preceding me down the aisle and waiting in joyful expectation...these people handing me flowers for my bouquet...they were friends who had walked alongside me for a portion of life. And watching the scene, my heart missed them.

We made a huge life-change this past summer--we left the church we had invested our lives in for 8 years (5 years together) and placed membership at a new one. Without going into details, this was a hard but good change. We are delighted with what God is doing in our hearts and in our new church. We still treasure our previous church family, and we keep up strong friendships with many people there. 8 months later, we are "settling in" to this new church family. Settling in is hard. It reminds me of moving to a new city...or starting a new school...or definitely starting college. Settling in: you are familiar with your surroundings but you don't quite feel at home yet. And that's me. I've met acquaintances, but I miss my friends. It's weird feeling like a stranger in your own city.

So I guess I just want to say: Thank you, to all of you who have walked beside me in life. I think about you often, especially lately. You are "jewels in my heavenly crown."