Let it go down in the history books that Grammie bought the first dress.  And isn’t it cute?  I’ve left it hanging where I can see it everyday, as a reminder that this IS happening, that there is a little girl out there that this dress is waiting on, that she WILL wear it one day, in the next few months, and that I have lots to do to get ready for that day.

Our house has been a blur of activity over the last week as we have celebrated Easter and had family in town.  But, in the back of my mind there is a little face that never leaves.

I know that I will spend the rest of my life unpacking this adoption process, examining every detail, and marveling at God’s great provision, His wonderful plan, and His excellent care.  But here is what I’ve learned thus far.  First, I think that God is making clear to us (especially me) that we are still not the ones in control.  We had to trust Him so much with our first adoption process because it was all new, overwhelming territory, but I think that this time around I felt a little too comfortable, a little too “in control.”  This last week, I’ve felt God gently remind me, “This is out of YOUR hands.  You will have to trust ME.”  And, man, has that been challenging.  There have been so many unexpecteds with this referral, and it is so easy to be anxious about the things I don’t understand, but I know that He is in control.  I have to keep going back to what I learned as a little child:  ”When I am afraid, I will trust in YOU.”

And His provision has been so sweet, so timely.  He has held us in the palm of His hand and reminded us that when He is in control, He supplies all our needs.  We’re overwhelmed with His goodness.

And we’re greatly anticipating all that is to come.  Even though this is so different from our first adoption, we already know that nothing compares to this journey, and we are preparing ourselves to be blown away by all that He has planned.