Reassurance

Isaiah 40: 10-11 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

The thought of having 7 children here ages 8 and under, 2 of which I have not met, do not speak English, have endured great loss in their young lives and have medical needs, of course there is some (ahem) concern. We have never welcomed toddlers, preschool aged kids into the family before, only babies, biological children at that. As the time approaches, I'm thinking it is natural to be a bit unsettled. It is a lot of responsibility and I really have no idea how things will change or what lies ahead. People are not exactly lining up to trade places with us ☺

I opened my bible this morning and saw the verses above.
Afterward, I read a blog entry from a woman I have come to trust and look toward as a mentor in large family living, in adoption, in caring for kids with the same special needs.

Wonderful reassurance. I don't have to know exactly what is in store. We will be winging it to a large extent. There will be no shortage of trial and error.

He will gently lead.

There are those who have gone before us and are freely, openly, graciously sharing their lives and their learning.

What more could I ask for?

As I prepare for an exciting and unusual Thanksgiving 2009: The day Ethiopian courts may determine us the proud parents of a lovely lady and handsome little man, I will make pies and clean the house like I normally would. This year is different though. I am not the same.
My gratitude is bigger. My eyes wider open. My heart more tender, vulnerable.

Such a tremendous opportunity we face. This one that is full of questions, unknowns, the one that is stretching me far outside my comfort zone, the one where I have the chance to prove that God is a very present help.

Stepping out in faith requires.....faith.

What a grand and extraordinary adventure for one little Colorado family.
Thank you Lord.