The last time I updated the blog we were “rounding the last corner.” Well, we rounded it and we are sprinting to the finish to bring our sweet girl home. It’s hard to believe but Brian and I will be leaving for China on October 23! Yes, you read that correctly, we are leaving next week!!!
We will try to provide updates via this blog while we are there but might have challenges with that. So, just so you know the travel plans (if you want them!)…….when we first arrive we get to do some sightseeing/touring first before traveling to Ellie’s province on October 27. We will likely meet her and have her officially become a Gard on October 28! After spending some time in her province we will make our way to the embassy where we will eventually fly home from on November 8.
Most of the time when I sit down to write these updates out I have a lot to say but today I am somewhat at a loss for words, but yet overflowing with so many emotions and thoughts! Lately I have thought mostly of Ellie’s foster mom and birth mom and the sacrifice they have both given to allow us to be her forever family. It brings about joy and sadness all at once, as we are joyful for their sacrifice but sad by the grief our sweet girl will endure in this transition. I have been fortunate to surround myself with some pretty incredible and wise people who have given us insight on their experiences and one in particular said to me just yesterday, “give her space to grieve, you’ve spent months falling in love with her and she is just now being introduced to you.” These are wise words from someone who has lived it, who gets it and who cares for these sweet children. So, pray for this process, pray she can grieve and move through all the good and bad moments and feel love from us along the way. Pray for us to be patient and aware in these moments. And pray for her foster mom for pouring into her for the past 3 years and then letting her go and her biological mom for giving her life and allowing her light to shine in this world.
And please pray for a smooth, safe trip for us, but more importantly, pray for our sweet kiddos. They have been on board since day one, despite the unknowns. They have stood alongside us in each moment and felt excitement and uncertainty all at once by this process. They have asked questions, had conversations, but never resisted any of it. Being away from them for over 2 weeks will be so hard. We are all struggling with this. Each of us handling it in our own ways but together focused on the finish line. We have a village left back to care for and love on them and we are so grateful for that. We have been surrounded by so many friends and family during this process and we could not have moved through this journey without them. The love is palpable. And God knew all this, all these moments, all these interactions, all these emotions and thoughts right from the beginning. He knew how it would grow our family, how it would challenge us, how it would change us. But He also knew the worth behind it and so He sent us on this journey and we could not have done it on our own. He knew all of this and He knows how it will continue and if there is one thing we know for sure, He will be there right along with us, carrying us through all the moments to come, no matter what they may be because this was His plan for us all along.
Sometimes it is hard for us to see God’s vision or plan for our lives, but if we trust in Him and have faith, He will guide us down the road that He’s built especially for us. And who wants to miss that!? We can’t wait to share with you a picture of the amazing gift our family has received on this road that God built just for us. Stay tuned!!!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Gard Family Adoption Adventure 