Thankfully, since I have to have the house completely clean before leaving, tend to clean out my kids rooms while packing, and had to get all our school supplies since school begins four days after our return, I have been extremely busy and the days haven't dragged on. There have been many moments of prayer for Janice while she's at camp, and much prayer over the transition, and much, much joy! I think it's mainly because the waiting will be over very soon, and she will be with us forever! I remember talking to a good friend about the possibility of having her by vacation, and I actually did think it was possible, but had no idea it would really happen!
Today as I was doing my normal "get ready for vacation" chores, I headed to the car wash to get the van cleaned up and ready to go. All week I have enjoyed something I would normally get frustrated with if anyone else had done it. It is a handprint that Janice left on the back window of my van. Normally, I would tell the kids to keep their hands off of the windows, that they need to stay clean, but I have enjoyed this handprint each time I've seen it! I did clean it off this morning, finally able to get rid of it knowing I'll have the real thing with me on Sunday! Thankful for it though, it made me smile all week!
Tonight, we organized a few presents we plan to give Janice on Sunday as we celebrate her joining our family, and one of them is a book that you record your voices on as the pages turn. I had bought it back in January or February, and wondered if it would be ok to give an 11 year old. At that time, we had thought we would get a 6 or 7 year old girl. But tonight, as each of us read a page or two, I knew it would be perfect. It's called "Bright and Beautiful, a child's blessing." A couple of the pages read . . . "All things bright and beautiful, God made them one and all . . . God made each person, too. The miracle of family, the wonder that is you! . . . He made YOU bright and beautiful . . . May God bless you, may He keep you. May love never be too far. And as you grow, I hope you'll know how wonderful you are." If you get a chance to read it, the whole book is great! As I read the last page, I realized that I used to pray that prayer over each of my babies each night - "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." How fitting that I would get to read this on a recording to her as she enters our family!
It's funny how things have changed. I remember reading a friend's blog, and her saying that they were going to add a little girl to their family forever! She was so in love with this sweet girl almost before meeting her it seemed. How could she know and be ready to say "forever." Yet, here we are, and as a family, we are ready and dying to say "FOREVER!" to our sweet girl. God just knows how to set these children in families, and He has been so clear this whole time. I am truly in awe of our great God and His great love for us!
Susie I have loved reading your blogs and the Trinkles are very excited for your family as it grows and you begin this nex chapter of your lives together. have a great vacation, rest relax and have fun. can't wait to finally see some pictures of your new daughter.
ReplyDeletelove,
Kim