Big Day

Today was a very exciting day for my sister and brother-in-law.  It was a day that they have anxiously been awaiting for quite some time.  Today was the day they met their sweet Ethiopian children.

It was also the day they met ours.

I have been almost useless the past couple days as I am consumed by emotions that I have never experienced before.  I set my alarm on my phone for 1:30 this morning because I knew that was about the time Steve and Amanda would be arriving at the orphanage.  I closed my eyes and tried to picture what that moment would be like for them.  Tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought about how amazing that must be for them to finally get to hold their children in their arms.  I tried to visualize their reaction and wished so badly that I could be there to witness it.

I spent most of the day just waiting for any word from my sister.  Internet and cell phone coverage is spotty and unreliable, so I didn't know when or if I would hear from her today. 

I was sitting in church and decided to check my phone to see if I had a message from Amanda when I got this email: 

Emily!
Today was amazing!!!!!  The best 3 hours.  I can't wait to go back tomorrow. I can't wait to talk to you about all the details. I got photos and a little video of your kids. I hugged and kissed on them a bunch.  I showed them your family picture and told Nyah over and over "That is your family."  And I don't know if she understood fully, but she kept responding by saying "Yes!" But with the tone of "Yes, I'll take them!" Lots of enthusiasm.  I got video of almost the entire orphanage and grounds.  The whole thing was just amazing. ~Amanda

I'm sure people were wondering why I burst into tears in the middle of the meeting but I really didn't care.  I could hardly contain myself.  I wasn't at all prepared to hear that my sister had actually talked to our kids and told them about us.  I couldn't believe it! 

I'll be honest and admit that I have felt discouraged and helpless.  I have never once second guessed our decision but have definitely second guessed my capabilities.  But, after today, I can say that my faith has been restored.