What a difference a year makes

Last Christmas was kind of tough. Don & I had hoped to be in China, recently home, or just about to travel…and then the BACKLOG began. It became pretty obvious in October and November that we weren’t going to be traveling before the end of the year because we hadn’t received our referral. Yet, we still hoped for a referral before Christmas, but that wasn’t meant to be, either. We didn’t travel to be with family, we didn’t decorate, and we didn’t exchange gifts with one another to conserve cash for our adoption. When Christmas rolled around and we didn’t even know who our daughter was, it really felt like it was never going to happen. Baby showers had been thrown, a room was in place, but it felt like it was all for nothing.

It wasn’t. A year later, we have our sweet Lindy and what a joy she is to us! However, we are aware there are many other families going through the same feelings and emotions we felt. I dedicate this post to all my friends who are disappointed and hurting because their children aren’t home with them this Christmas. Keep the faith. There is a process and God has a plan. I know you identify with the words of this song by Third Day, but pay attention to the last verse. It WILL happen and, God willing, next year you all WILL hold your sweet babies at Christmas.

"Merry Christmas"

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for mama's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
Where the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
So tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in His arms
And tell you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white
And make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that Heaven's Angels come to carry you here

Christmas is the time we celebrate the Holy Child
And we celebrate His perfect gift of love
He came to Earth to give His life and prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with Him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep,
I'll hold you in my arms
And tell you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas