BECAUSE THEY WAIT

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Judah's Homecoming

This post is all pictures from Judah's arrival home at the Louisville International Airport. Drew and Anna arrived home with Judah after a LONG flight and greeted by our friends and loved ones.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

So, Wednesday July12th started by dropping Evan off to go with a friend for band camp and dropping the littles off to preschool. Then, Drew, Anna, Rebecca, Grandma Sugar and myself all headed to the airport. They had no trouble checking in and Grandma Sugar and I left by 8:45. I was forced to leave quickly because I left the van at curbside to unload them and ran in with them. So, there was no time for lengthy goodbyes. Which, was a good thing 😥

Their flight was scheduled to take off at 10:50 am for Chicago with a short layover and on to Beijing from there. HOWEVER, the day turned out much different. Here are the updates I was getting from Drew:

FIRST STEP: Drop off at the airport 8:30 am 7/12/17 CHECK

UPDATE #1: Drew and Anna were suppose to depart at 10:50. However, due to severe weather in Chicago, they have been continually delayed and are in a holding pattern until weather clears and have missed their scheduled connecting flight to China. So, the adventure twists and turns begin early in this trip:) They are fine and not worried, just anxious to get to the next step.

UPDATE #2 (12:25) The flight to Chicago is delayed until 1:15. Then their flight to China is delayed until 9 PM so they won't' arrive in China until early Friday Morning. More to come, I'm sure:)

UPDATE #3 (5:30 pm) They are just now leaving Louisville. Hoping to catch the remaining connections for Friday morning arrival in China.

UPDATE #4 (9:30 pm) Just heard from Drew Ryan. They are boarding in Chicago and headed to LAX and should arrive around 11:40 pm and then depart 1:40 am California and arrive in Beijing around 5:30 am Friday morning. They are tired but in good spirits.

UPDATE #5 (5:45 am) OK, things are on track now. They left at 2 am this morning from LAX and are scheduled to arrive in Beijing @ 5:30 am Friday Morning (7/14/17). *Please keep Anna Ryan in your prayers, Drew messaged me before let took off at 1 am that Anna's ears are really hurting her

So skip to Friday Morning 7-14-17 Tienanmen Square, Forbidden City and Hutong Tour.

Right from Plane to Tour, but made it

Drew and Anna arrived, dropped extra luggage they had brought to New Hope in Beijing and then met their Guide George. They got back to the hotel and grabbed a quick bite to eat and then made it in time to join the group for the scheduled Tienanmen Square, Forbidden City and Hutong Tour. Hutong is the traditional courtyard residences of Beijing locals, and most of Hutong building you see nowadays are the heritage from Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (with nearly 700 years history). It represents an important cultural element of the city of Beijing.

*Insert pictures from Acrobat show when able

Saturday 7-15-17 GREAT WALL OF CHINA and Jade Factory

Sunday, July 9, 2017

LION OF JUDAH

We are days away from travel. Judah is heavy on our minds. His last days with his Ayis/Nannies is here. His week of "lasts". But it is also the days of the pages turning to a new chapter of "firsts". As we cross off the lists in these last days to prepare for travel, I continue to feel confident that Judah was meant to be our son, even though we didn't plan to have 6 kids. We hadn't planned to adopt again. But since the day we said "yes", there has not been one doubt in my mind. And in the midst of stepping out to "Live A Crazy Life" following God as we see it, He continues to confirm and bless this journey. We have been immeasurably supported financially to make this happen. Just that feat alone is something I stand in Awe of how He has provided for this child, when I had NO IDEA how it was going to happen. I grew in faith during our last adoption, and saw God bless the adoption story in our life in unbelievable ways and I knew. I knew there was a way. I am amazed and in awe of the perfect timing of each detail of this journey. I am always awestruck, but never completely surprised. So very, very grateful.

Since we have been matched and named our son Judah, there has been a confirming song that brings me to the thrown to worship. If you are familiar with contemporary christian group Big Daddy Weave and their song Lion and the Lamb, you know what I'm talking about

you can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTUX8_ETIjc

Our actual service Sunday Morning.

"Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Our God is the Lion,

The LION OF JUDAH,

Roaring with power and fighting our battles"

First you have to know, I went into our last church service before leaving for Judah, knowing it would be powerful. I am feeling excited, overwhelmed at this opportunity and feeling the pulse of how close we are. I was hoping, just hoping, that this song would be on the worship list today. And boy was it! God's subtle reminder or wink to me "I got this, remember, I'm the Lion, Judah's Lion. I've been fighting for him since the beginning." I felt overwhelmed with the confidence this was orchestrated before I ever knew it. And then, when I went to the evening service the High school had to celebrate the week they had had at conference and one of the last songs...... Lion and the Lamb. I just chuckled. Perfect!

I have felt Him in the midst of running to Judah. And I have felt secure in this journey, "even though"... even though the cost is overwhelming, even though our family is already large, even though we are busy with high schoolers... even though we are busy with preschoolers, even though some can't understand why. That's okay. We have an audience of One. I find my confidence in the God who is our Lion, roaring with power and fighting our battles.... our Lion, your Lion, Judah's Lion.

*Addendum 9-1-17

On 8-25-17, I returned to our first church service with Judah. It will be no surprise to you that God welcomed us "home" with the song "Lion and the Lamb", Judah's song. It felt like the Lord scooped us up and hugged us right there. He sent us off with that song, He welcomed us Home with that song and He reminds us He is with us as we follow Him.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Painting with a Purpose!

Our friends Lori Mattingly and Paula Riggins threw us a Painting Party Fundraiser to finish our funds needed to bring Judah home. We had about 25 painters at the party and we raised around $500 to finish our funding. It was a very fun night filled with many sweet and generous friends to support this adoption. Our instructor Paige led us well and was patient to teach us as we went. This was a fun celebration of Judah to be added to our family as well as preparing for the 4th of July celebration and the freedoms we have in this country.

We are blessed to have such outpouring of encouragement from friends and friends of friends as we travel this road. I was able to meet another adoptive mom tonight who will be travel at nearly the same time as our family. They also will bring home a son to add to their caln. We are grateful!!!

Thank you, each one who had a part in this night!!!!!