"We goin' to Epiopia Momma!"

Last week my older two kiddos (ages 5 and 3) were playing with a backpack and lunch box.  This was one of those quite moments when they were cooperating and getting along, so I just had to take a peek and secretly enjoy the sibling camaraderie.  I over heard them talking about what they needed to pack to "take on the trip" with them.  Since we don't have any plans to go on vacation this Summer, I asked "What ya packin' for?"  My three year old looked up at me and with a charming grin said, "We goin' to Epiopia Momma!"   He was so proud that he had taken the initiative to get himself ready to go and help bring his brother and sister home from Africa :o)  It was a proud moment for me too.  While our oldest child has been drawling pictures, checking things off of our adoption to-do list, and talking to all of her friends about her siblings in Ethiopia, our three year old had not shown any understanding about the concept of adoption until this moment.  Though it will be many months before my husband and I get to travel to Ethiopia, I am glad my son is excited for this to happen.  He, in his sweet little voice, blessed my heart and spoke words of encouragement to my soul.  It was a very sweet day for me, a day that makes up for some of the days that have mommy hiccups in them.

I gathered you from one end of the earth to the other.  From the farthest places on earth I brought you together.  Isaiah 41:9a

At that time I will gather you together.   And I will bring you home.  I will give you honor and praise among all of the nations on earth.  I will bless you with great success again," says the Lord.   Zephaniah 3:20a

I will be in them, just as you are in me.  I want them to be brought together perfectly as one.  This will let the world know that you sent me.  It will also show the world that you have loved those you gave me, just as you have loved me.  John 17:23