Changes in Attitude, Changes in Latitude

Yay November! We're so excited to be one step closer to bringing our Diamond home! And about the possibility of our being officially recognized by the Ethiopian and United States governments as our Diamond’s legal parents THIS MONTH!

Throughout this process, God has continued to gently remind me that if I truly believe that our adoption is part of His plan, I need to trust Him and His timing. When I typed my last post, I was a little discouraged about our November 25 court date. Perhaps it's because I'm such a planner and organizer that it's such a struggle for me to let go the whole scheduling area. I see God at work in so many of the little details in my life on a daily basis. I know he's in control. I know He knows my heart and all my hopes and dreams. And while HIS plan may not include the three little girls in matching pajamas around our tree on Christmas morning (such an adorable part of what was MY plan), I have to believe that His plan is best. He is good ALL THE TIME and I only see a teensy tiny part of the big picture.

After much thought and prayer over the past week, I have a renewed sense of patience and peace about the process. No, the next couple of months of waiting are not going to be easy as pie, but I am not going to let myself get consumed with frustration and self-centeredness. This Miss Priss has adjusted her attitude! I am so blessed, in so many areas, that I feel embarrassed and silly about getting all stressed out about what may amount to just a few weeks' delay. This precious child will be my daughter, and I her mother, for the rest of our lives! I am so thankful for the opportunity to walk this road to our daughter and will rejoice in each day that passes--it’s one fewer day I’ll need to wait and one day closer to holding this sweet child in my arms. I will celebrate as I watch God reveal His plan and His timing.

Warm Caribbean breezes, ocean sunsets and precious friends also helped to reinvigorate my spirits! Our friends K and G are such blessings to us! K grew up with Hus-B and G's family and mine have been friends since we were little girls. We got married the same year as them and both of their children were born within a couple of months of ours, so it seems that we’re walking right alongside them in life’s journey. It’s great to have a couple we can be transparent with—to cheer for each other’s victories and prayerfully support each other through life’s storms. We treasure the times we spend sharing our hearts and sharing laughs with them. They are strong believers with a strong marriage and are just such an encouragement and inspiration to us. And our children just love theirs to pieces! Here are a few pictures from our autumn cruise with their family aboard the Disney Wonder:

All Aboard!



Nassau:


Pool Fun:

Great Shows!






Castaway Cay (Disney's Private Island):




Pirate Parties and Fancy Dinners:

Ariel and Pocohantas Trick-or-Treating in the Caribbean:



Towel Sculptures, Chocolates on our Pillows, and Bunk Beds!


On our next vacation, we'll be a family of 5!