Inspiring Weekend!

I have been itching to get on and make a post to my blog, and while I am not going to go into details about my Internet troubles, let's just say they are not quite over yet and the frustration continues. In the meantime, let me share with you some awesome memories recently made... It was a wonderful two week period I had spending time with family and friends. It began with a recent trip to Macon to visit my aunt and uncle and attend the twice a year consignment sale that I love! In the midst of that trip I was able to visit with two of my college roommates. We met at Barnes and Nobles, shared a Double Decadant Chocolate Cheesecake and sipped on Vanilla Lattes and Frapacinos. Julia had recently returned to the states from living in Europe for two years with her hubby and two kids and is now expecting her third. Allison is a wonderful mother to four children and a dedicated advocate for her children. I haven't seen either of them in almost two years so this was quite a reunion. The Lord ordained the time and the company and it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up, share triumphs and struggles and life as mom. We all lead such different lives, but one thing we all have in common is that God is showing us in ways unique to our own lives that being a mom is currently the most important job we have and while doing things for ourselves is important, we have a higher calling and that is raising children who love the Lord. I also had a wonderful time with my aunt, uncle and two cousins who I don't get to see very often. Dianne was so gracious and offered to watch my children while I attended the consignment sale. This allowed me to shop in peace. I also had the opportunity to visit with my friend Kristi. We've been friends since we were five and we can go months without talking or seeing each other and is seems like it has only been a day. Thank you Kristi for your lasting friendship. It means the world! Saturday we were back home and I had planned a special treat for the girls and I. They had the opportunity to be fairies for a morning, eat fairy cupcakes made special by Tinkerbell and cookies made by Cinderella at her castle and have their pictures made. All this without the baby demanding my attention. I think they enjoyed it, it was like a little party for them, complete with goody bags! My mom, sister and her daughter joined us and the girls love MaKayla and spending time with her. Madilyn could not believe that Tinkerbell made cupcakes and sprinkled fairy dust on them. She wanted to know if she could fly! She was even more thrilled that Cinderella wrote her name on the princess crown cookies! What more could a little girl want? Sunday was an awesome day! Jeremiah and I actually got to go out with some very special friends to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Macon. We went to dinner at Outback (yum!) and then to the concert. Steven Curtis Chapman has such a heart for adoption for children all over the world as he himself has three adopted children from China. I have listened to his music since I was in highschool and he sang a lot of his older songs as well as his new releases. The concert was awesome, very personal and intimate, but his message and dedication to orphans around the world is inspiring. The videos and adoption stories were touching and I don't know how anyone could have left that concert without at least being touched by the Lord. I was especially moved as this wait continues to grow and referrals are now moving slower than a snails pace. I can't describe the agony I sometimes feel at not knowing how long I will have to wait to hold my little baby. I am so blessed to have three beautiful, precious children at home with me and I count them as my biggest blessings. But I know God has called us to this adoption and his plans are for us to have at least one more child to love and it is hard to know she is out there and I cannot have my arms around her and bring her home. All that said, the concert was incredible and me along with thousands of other adoptive families appreciate the work the Chapman family has dedicated themselves to in bringing together families and orphaned children. I also could not go on without the prayers and support of family and friends, especially those that pray for us and for this adoption. Leigh Ann and Mike, thank you for that friendship and for allowing us to be a part of Sarah Joy's life and continuing to pray for our baby girl! There is more to say but I will save it for my next post. Let's just say that this weekend was inspiring and rejuvenating!