I spent most of Saturday attempting to reorganize the basement. It is a great space, but we don't make very good use it. I made a LOT of progress and hope to finish up tonight .
Sunday evening was spent at the picnic for our homeschool co-op. These ladies were totally my lifeline when we moved here a year ago. I honestly don't know how our lives would have been had we not connected with this group. For sure the adjustment would have been longer and harder. It was delightful to be with these friends again, and to meet the new families who are coming into the co-op this fall. Patt and Mark did a terrific job with mixers to help us get acquainted. Oh, and Sarah's family is in the co-op this year, so it'll be a first for me to have my grandchildren and Tikvah together in this setting. Its going to be fun!
My friend Maren came (at last!) for a coffee date this morning. She brought along some AMAZING books she created from the blogs about her family's two international adoptions. It was fascinating to see the photos and hear of her experiences, both in India and also in China. One of these adoptions was from the same province in China where we will need to go for Abigail. I enjoyed hearing about specific places we'll likely visit while there, and what to expect. That seems to make it a little easier to get through.
This afternoon I went to Ann's house, and how fun to bump into Amanda there too! God must have known I needed to take a breather today, cause the day was full of socializing. I'm truly grateful for the encouragement and refreshment. Have I told you yet how much I love my friends???
I shared this quote on Facebook last week, but it is still speaking to me. I read this on someone else's blog, so I claim no credit to it. "We are very goal oriented. We think that the goal is the purpose, when actually it is sometimes the JOURNEY that is the purpose. The things we learn on the journey are the things He wants to teach us." I have very, very little control over this journey. Two different adoption agencies, the state of Ohio, and the officials of China are seemingly calling the shots. They say, "jump" and we just do it. Thankfully I know the One who is REALLY in charge of this journey. I allowed myself a brief time to be overwhelmed, but I really don't have time to dwell on that. This is NOT about me. Our goal is VERY important, and we are working hard towards it - getting Abigail home. But I am also reminding myself to take a deep breath, take one step at a time, and learn what I'm supposed to on this unfamiliar and sometimes strange journey.
