The Agony of the Wait

We are now in the toughest part of the adoption journey--- awaiting the formal letter of acceptance (LOA) for our two boys.   This is the longest waiting period throughout the adoption process and there is nothing we can do to speed things up or know how or what our file is doing on the other side of the world.  More importantly we have no way of knowing how our little boys are doing.  We just pray that the Lord covers them in his gracious hand of protection.  Whenever anyone complains of being cold lately, I simply remind them, two of our children sleep without heat tonight (It's 50 degrees at night).  Not to sound depressing, just a fact and a reminder to be grateful for what you have.  In the meantime we have rearranged our bedroom situation and de-cluttered to accomodate the expecting growth of our family!  All the kids have taken delight in preparing where the new little ones will be sitting at the table, some discrepancy still, but bedrooms are all confirmed and agreed upon!  Yesterday as we were moving things upstairs, Grandpa showed up, unannounced at the perfect time to move the heavy furniture.  I was not looking forward to moving the dressers and beds around!  A gift from above for me :)

The second time around my heart aches for other reasons that it did the first time.  Last year at this time I was aching to hold Huahua and assure her heart health was maintaining.  Now we are calmer in some ways.  Maybe like a second pregnancy, second time adoptive parents are more calm about the process, but there are pains I can't shake.  We know two little boys are going to join our home, our family and be given a life of hope and a future.  We are getting prepared, the process will be difficult and we will have struggles while we acclimate to a family of eight.  But there are millions, yes, millions of faces, no not just faces, but real children with personality, passion, and potential -living alone and left to fend for themselves.  Some may be "lucky" to have the shelter and food of an orphanage, but emotionally they fend for themselves.  This is completely and utterly wrong!  My heart, selfishly aches to hold our new sons, but my heart is in agony for those children who will never know the love of a mother's arms holding them.  My heart screams for families to find meaning in a little soul and call one of these orphans their own.

Sunday our pastor spoke about examining our lives to see if we are living for earthy or heavenly treasures?  Where is our focus in our lives?  Where do we commit our resources and time?  Does it bless ourselves or humanity and ultimately the Kingdom of God?  Do we live to be like Christ or are we just becoming more critical of others?

John 2:16-17"For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

We are so fortunate to have been given this opportunity to be the parents of all of our children.  This past week another mother, and dear friend, is in Boston and has been awaiting for her sweet daughter to wake up and heal from her miraculous heart surgery.  We have talked back and forth a few times.  Interesting enough as she was picking up her daughter in China only five short months ago, I was sitting in a hospital room awaiting for my sweet Chinese princess to heal from heart surgery.  God ways are so much grander than anything we can imagine and the peace he can bring us in the waiting only comes from our faith in him.  Why do we accept these battles when we know full well there will be pain... because the Lord led us and asked us to serve him.  He walks us through and we confidently know His will, will prevail!    We have the opportunity to teach our children what truly matters and bring them to know the peace of heavenly treasures.  The glory is and forever will be to God!  

If you feel led to be part of bringing our boys home, please consider a tax deductible donation to our adoption fundraising campaign.  You can donate from the home page of the blog or send a check to LifeSong for Orphans.  ***Donation Checks payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”.  In the memo, note Oehlhof  #4819 to assure it goes to the correct account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744. Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all U.S. administrative and fund-raising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your tax deductible donation will go directly to the OEHLHOF adoption. 

Everyone who donates to our adoption fund will have their name on a piece of this puzzle in their honor.  You will be a part of our journey forever.  Thank you for your prayers and support. 

Take Hope When Tests Come

James 1:2-4  2My Christian brothers, you should be happy when you have all kinds of tests. 3 You know these prove your faith. It helps you not to give up. 4 Learn well how to wait so you will be strong and complete and in need of nothing.