Keep praying, friends.

As we prepare for Jude's coming home we are thrilled beyond belief. Honestly, it is like we are on a cloud looking down at our life. Micah and I have felt a calling to adoption for our entire married life, 10 years now. To see that now, God's plan is being fulfilled is simply amazing. To know that along with this step of obedience we are receiving one of the most wonderful gifts we could imagine is simply incredible. 

As we journey to Korea my thoughts are drifting more and more to what the experience will be like through the eyes of our little Jee Han. Months and months ago I found this letter. To read the full letter you can go here

But, here is some of the ideas that help put words to what our little guy might be feeling.

"Imagine for a moment that you have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancee. you love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. 

The wedding comes, it is a happy celebration but the best part is you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world...the person who will be with you for the rest of your life. 

The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face. 

But, IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved? 

You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. you search every room int he house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay. 

But, you know that it is not okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? Who is this man? 

Weeks pass, you cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. You find it difficult to sleep. Months pass, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust the new guy. More time passes. You are beginning to trust. 

Still, as new men hug you you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house in nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go. "

As we think about this experience for Jude, we understand that in his little nine month old mind he will have no idea who we are. No idea that we have loved him since before he was born. No idea that we have prayed for him for 2 years. No idea that people at home have been anxiously awaiting his arrival for a year. We will be strangers to him. He is our son and he will gradually start to understand that through the amazing and powerful hand of Jesus Christ. 

Much of this story might seem to take out the mighty hand of our Most Powerful God. We believe in miracles but we also know that through the miracle God is performing that Jude will be grieving. Grieving his loss of his birth family, his foster family, his country, his culture, everything. 

Keeping all that in mind, friends. Pray. Pray. Pray. 

We love you and so will Jude, eventually :)