We have a sense of relief but also disappointment. We really wanted to go back in April. Of course, we are short the finances so the extension helps us. This is definitely one of those situations where we have to look at both the positives and negatives.
Positives
- We have more time to raise the money needed
- We will have more time to prepare for our Angel's arrival
- My semester ends May 3 - I will be able to finish up classes, grading papers, etc.... without pressure of being in Russia or upcoming travel
- I won't have to use as much leave time so I will have some left for Christmas if we decide to travel to Ohio and Missouri to see family
- We'll be able to enjoy another season in Nizhny - we thought winter was beautiful can't wait to see what Spring/Summer is like
- We won't have to worry about buying winter clothes for our Angel (no need for those in Florida!) - only when we go "up north" to see family
- We won't have to lug our winter coats, sweaters, etc.... along - more room in our suitcases for fun stuff to play with during our month long stay
- We have more time to build our commitment to establishing an adoption ministry at our church
- I started reading the "Left Behind" series again - I will have more time to read before we travel
- I have been trying to lose weight - I will have more time and will lose more weight before we travel
- Don has been trying to workout more - He should be really "buff" by the time we travel
- We will have more time to work on our Russian
- We will be in Russia for our 13th anniversary
- We may be in Russia for our Angel's 10th birthday
- We will be in Russia for Father's Day
- We may be in Russia for Don's birthday
- We love to travel somewhere different for special days such as birthdays and anniversaries so we see being in Russia as a positive for these days
Negatives
- It will be 5 months before we see our Angel again
- We are concerned she will worry that we are not coming back to get her
- We will have to update our homestudy - for the 3rd time!
- We will have to updated many documents for our dossier
- We've disappointed family, friends, and others that we did not raise the finances in time to travel earlier (it is difficult to explain to people some of the financial issues that hit us in January and February impacting our available funds for the adoption)
- I am trying to think of more - I will add them if I do
Well, let's see here: 16 positives and 5 negatives - it's a no brainer. This delay is going to be okay. Actually, this was just an exercise for me to intellectually see that the delay is okay. I know in my heart and soul, it is all in God's timing. He must have a wonderful plan for us and our Angel.
Please feel free to add comments.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
In Christ,
Elizabeth
2 comments:
Your negative comment said something about 5 more months before you see her...Isn't it just 2 more months before you see her again? Do you mean between trips? It is not hard waiting so long between trips as Alan and I discovered when we had to wait from mid July to late November to return for our son but with God it is possible to make it through that time and it is all worth it when you are able to bring home your sweetie for good.
Praying for you as you wait on God's provision of grace and what you lack financially,
heather
I haven't checked in in quite some time...The Lord works His will in His time and it continues to amaze me as I watch everyone progress through this journey how perfectly He sculps each journey. Keep the Faith...
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