A few days ago we received our "final update" on Stella's measurements and some glorious pictures! It's becoming real! She just keeps getting cuter. How is that possible? We're just a few weeks away from travel. Eek! She's only about 3 pounds heavier than Samuel, but then again he's the guy who could live on bacon, avocados and sausage! We can finally prepare her shoes and outfits for China now that we have growth parameters. Hmmm, as if I hadn't started months ago...
Preparing to Meet Stella
There are days that my mind slips into that emotional place that allows me to ponder the feelings and emotional on the day we meet Stella. We have a little bit of any idea from Samuel's family day, but there's a different between 23 months old and 4 years old. She will have a greater awareness of differences and maybe bigger fears. And then there's new faces. New smells. New touches. Strange smiles. Rowdy brothers! But there's love too!
Pray for our little girl who has not known the security or tenderness of a family for over 3 years. Her fears...that part breaks my heart. We hold tight to the hope that God's tenderness has been shared with her through a gentle touch or kind words over the years. Pray also for her medial and physical needs. With her blood disorder, we still have questions of her current health and longterm treatment. We are so very thankful to the resources here at home.
Please be praying for our family day. Pray our hearts are softened well before we ever arrive in China. While we'll tackle the hard days knowing that this is all done in love, we want to remember to be tender towards her fears and tears.
Please pray for her birth family. They have been on my heart constantly, but knowing our Family Day is approaching brings a new awareness that their family will never been the same. I find myself defending these families, becoming a little protective of them. To say that all families don't love their children or that they are flippant in the abandonment is simply not true. It would be like saying all brunettes love chocolate cake. Many times these families hold on to their little ones until the financial strain is too great or the medical needs of their children become dangerous. While there are probably some extreme situations, like with any other big life decision, many of the families adore their children and make a choice for the betterment of their little one. And so, we're thankful to the family who loved our Stella first and will continue to pray for their brokenness and salvation.
Please lift up Stella's nanny as well. After seeing Samuel's nanny's tear-stained eyes, I now have a new appreciation for those who love our little(s) until we can bring them home. They aren't merely baby-sitting. They're dedicated to loving our kiddo! They are standing in the gap between her first family and forever family. Never underestimate a nanny's great responsibility.
While we have prepared how to best meet the emotional needs of Sister...also pray that we would give those pesky worries and anxious feelings to the Lord and seek His help. Daily. He is enough!
These Guys
The brothers are anxious to meet Sister, but is she ready for them?
How could she be?
