From my earthly home

I'm home from the far side of the sea! One season has ended so another can begin.  Change is always so bittersweet, isn't it? I was met at the airport on Monday by a crowd of precious friends and family.  It was such a joy to walk off that plane and be immediately showered with love and support.  There were even welcome home signs on the side of the roads leading up to my house...what sweet friends I have been blessed with!

I have been laying low this week, still trying to sort through many emotions, heartaches, joys, and the infamous jet lag.  I'm going to miss the country of China.  I'm going to miss the crazy, random things that happen on a daily basis.  I'm going to miss the crazy traffic, the funny smells, the split pants, the taxi drivers, having fried rice at my fingertips at all times, and yes, even the squatty potties.  But these things won't keep me awake at night.  But thinking about Jessica, Jaelynn, Joseph, Jay-Ar, Naomi, Claire, Dreena, Judah, Fahlin, Kirby, Issac, Zane...the precious little ones who I left in China...thinking of these little treasures will keep me in a state of brokenness.  I am so happy to be home, but there is a constant ache in my heart when their faces flash across my mind.  I so badly want to tell myself, "It's all going to be okay."  And one day it will.  One day when we reach those pearly gates.  One day when we are finally home.  One day when we meet our King face to face in Paradise...One day it will all be okay.  But that day has not come yet.  And the reality of today is that I left these children in the same place that I found them.  Yes, they have been showered with a few more kisses and perhaps they have been rocked to sleep a couple more times...but they are still orphans.  And as much as I abhor that truth, it's undeniable.

  I am fervently praying against the paralyzing feeling of helplessness that's banging against the doors of my heart.  A new season has begun...a season not of holding them, but of praying fervently.  A season not of whispering sweet words in their ears, but of shouting from the rooftops on their behalf.  A season not of singing silly songs, but of crying real tears of brokenness and rallying others to join in the song.  A season of learning more, fighting harder, and advocating louder.  A season of continuing to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.  A season of looking for more ways to be involved here (trust me, the United States is filled with orphans..."foster care children" just sounds more polite).  And the very same Jesus who led me to the far side of the sea will continue to lead, guide, discipline me here.  Praise Him who never changes!

Thank you, sweet warriors, for following my journey.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you and humbled by your prayers and support.  I could not have made this journey without your prayers, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. You are priceless.

From my earthly home,
 Abby

Having the reality of God's presence is not dependent on our being in a particular circumstance or place, but is only dependent on our determination to keep the Lord before us continually.

-Oswald Chambers