Fall Nostalgia

Fall......... It's has always been my favorite time of year. Brisk mornings, orange leaves, 70 degree weather, pecans falling, football games etc...for some reason I always reflect on my life during the fall. I guess it's just the season of change. We saw that with the election last night, but I don't want to go there. Today I am reflecting on one year ago. After many much too long months Chloe and Chi were both home with us. They came to us in the fall. As I take them out strolling in the evenings I remember one year ago. The completion of our family finally happened. The battle to bring them into our family was a jouney that I will never forget, yet comes to me with so many bitter sweet memories. When God awakens a dream in you and you begin to act upon it, there will always be opposition. Looking back I can see the power of the enemy so evident in this dream of adoption. It started out difficult and then got unbearable before the grace of God appeared and finished the work He had begun. Just to reflect for a moment on these difficult times there was the arrest of my agency for Chloe here in the U.S. that left me without a representative. I had to work directly with Guatemala attorneys who used every act of corruption in the business world. I can't say any more than that. Mary Bonn's arrest tainted Chi's adoption and slowed things down. Chloe's foster mother had to be changed when she was 9 mo. old. Chloe was about 10 lbs. at 9 mo. and still she could not roll over. Her body was flatten from lying on her back and that is all I can go into here. On my fourth visit trip Chi was 4 mo old and black and blue (from falling into his cradle while sleeping)?!. So many prayers went up for these two precious angels during their captivity. When I learned the country was closing down adoptions at the end of 2007 and Chloe and Chi were still not home that added to the heartache. So many twists and turns I can't account for them all here, but looking back on the greatness of God and His divine will and purpose just sends me to my knees with thanksgiving. After one year I look back on the process as the hardest and most difficult challenge our family has ever faced. We learned to solely depend on God and trust His divine purpose and leave it all in His hands. So much energy, work, worry, stress, and prayer going on all at once for 15 long months had left me used completely up and then two new family members suddenly arrived and I had to deal with a whole new set of unexpected issues. I look back on those days shortly after Chloe and Chi got home with a very foggy view. It took me a few months to adjust to this new life all the while claiming God's promises. Watching Chloe and Chi grow for the past year amazes and blesses me beyond words. Both insecure and fearful they came to us. Both strangers to each other and to us. Both unloved and forgotten by their own people. Today they are my children given by God- No color difference, no adoption walls, no regrets. Chi is my "Little Buster" man who will definitely be a football player. Chloe is my "Little Bonita" strong willed, hard headed definitely praise and worship leader. Today I sit here enjoying fall the way I should. Crisp mornings, fall leaves, sun going down too soon, etc... and the mom of five of the most beautiful children God ever created. I don't know why God chose to bless Jeff and I the way He has. I'll ask Him first thing when I get to heaven.