Thursday, June 19, 2008

Check out my new little ticker on the right...

That's right, we are goin' to Ghana people!! We have researched, emailed, called, talked and decided. Then we stroked a big fat check... gasp. Now we are heading to Ghana the 4th of July, arriving the 5th of July at 8:20 in the morning, and staying until July 12th. We will get to meet the kids, hang out with them, love them up a little (a lot).

We technically aren't supposed to make travel plans until the official adoption decree has been issued, which it has not yet. You need the decree to file the immigration paperwork. However, we are taking the older 3 kiddos with us, and they have church camp the next week, the week prior our niece Lexi is getting married, so the week of July 4th is, like, totally perfect for us to go. Our 'plan B', if we don't have a decree by the time we are supposed to leave Ghana, is for Steve to come back with the kids, and I'll stay there until I can file our paperwork. Hopefully, we can all come back home together and put together beds, paint, shop, stock pantries and generally go ca-ra-zy!!

While we are in Ghana, Steve's sister and Mom are coming out to stay with the youngest 2. Thank you God for those lovely ladies! So far, everything is falling into place beautifully. It is surreal. I have watched others who have gone before us reach all of the important markers, and wondered what it would be like when it was our turn. I say it is completely unreal. One moment I feel like my heart is bursting from excitement, tears are gushing out, and I'm smiling like a mad woman. The next moment I'm freaking out at all there is to do, worrying that I'm missing something, asking a jillion questions in my mind (will they like me? Will all of the Ghanaians think I'm a weirdo? Will our decree be done in time? Will we have our passports before we need to go back to Ghana? What should I pack? Tennis shoes or sandals? Oh.. sunscreen, don't forget sunscreen. Oh, Little Bean, I'm gonna miss you! You know what, I'm just staying in Ghana until I can bring them home, a Momma doesn't leave). Believe me, the list goes on and on... but literally the next second, I'm in disbelief, seperating myself from all of the emotion, playing Mario Kart Wii like I have nothing else in the world going on. It's a roller coaster ride, for sure. But a ride I'm sure I'll miss when it's my turn to get off. My heart is just so in love with those four kids, I'm thankful that God picked them for us, thankful that I will hold their hand, kiss their boo boo, listen to their giggles, and watch them sleep.

People, we meet our kids in 2 weeks and 2 days. The only thing keeping me from complete euphoria, the only hitch in my get up, the only snake in my boots, the only fly in my soup, is that my good friend is experiencing a little delay right now. We were supposed to go to court together, and meet our kids together. Please head on over and give my friend Fabu some cyber lovin', and tell her Sweets sent ya!

Thanks!
Heather

7 comments:

Amy said...

Oh Miss Heather- you didn't have to give me such love on your blog, but thanks. I appreciate you remembering us in all your whirlwind planning! :) We'll get there...

I can't believe you will finally get to be with your babies in just a little over 2 weeks! That is so great! Let's hope the adoption decree comes though as planned and may God bless your journey. Thanks for taking the donations for us. :)

I'll be sending you some cards for our little Fabu's and I know you'll give them lovin' and express to them HOW MUCH we love them and are longing to hug them ourselves.

Fabu

April said...

Hey Heather,
Praying for you as you go to Iowa and then to Ghana, we will miss you at the game tonight!
The other day I happened on a verse about God's counsel but I can't find it in my book any more but stumbled on this. I really like it because I think it pertains to us sometimes when we are impatient or emotional or excited. Or for me everyday.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, just wait, wait on the Lord.
:-) April

Lauren said...

We are going to miss you while you are being world travelers, but we will be praying for you all the while.

"Our God is in the heavens, He does all that he pleases." (Ps. 115:3) He is in control. How sweet is that?! :)

Brandi said...

I just found your blog and LOVE it! We went to Ghana for a couple of days on our way to Liberia! I found you at the perfect time! Can't wait to read through your trip!

Brandi
PS Have you seen www.redletterscampaign.com ? you should sign up to be an adoption blogger! I'm also looking for someone to put together all the info for the Ghana adoption page (I'm thinking you have WAY too much on your plate currently) could you recommend someone?
brandi@kidslake.org
www.homehopeandfuture.blogspot.com

Melinda said...

Awesome news Heather! I can't wait to see you with pictures of your new kids! Praying you have a wonderful trip.

Amy said...

I miss you Heather... it seems like you have been gone ever-so-long!

Fabu :)

Lauren said...

Where are you?! We miss you! :)