With Eyes Wide Open

So part of our homestudy entails quite a bit of international adoption education. Some of this was a few online tutorials, and now we are working through a book entitled "With Eyes Wide Open." It is 160 pages of interactive, workbook style, education. It's a really great book, but I'm feeling a little information overloaded! We're about half way through and I have really been enjoying the previews the book provides for possible "complications" that may arise with having an internationally adopted child. The child, by being adopted, is actually going through another loss in life. I had never really put it into that perspective before. I always have just thought of providing a loving family for a child, better opportunities, etc. and had failed to realize this is at least a 3rd loss for the child. They have lost their family first, then were probably used to their orphanage, and now are losing that familiarity. So, I pray for Evan and I to be very understanding, compassionate and empathetic towards what ever ways our son will need to cope with yet another loss, that we will be able to meet all his needs in a way that he feels loved and cared for like never before! Wow, I just can't wait to hold him!
The other thing God really used to speak to me was the sermon and worship at church today. One of the songs we sang was "Mighty to Save" (go to www.christian-lyrics.net/artist/hillsong-australia/track/mighty-to-save-lyrics.html if you want to read all of the lyrics, it's such a great song!) and the words spoke right to my heart. As we work through life, and specifically this adoption process, God can "move the mountains" and I know that no matter what the obstacle is we face, God can move it! He is SO powerful! The pastor preached from Luke 10:25-35, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Now, growing up in the church, I have heard this story several times, but I never, ever get tired of hearing it, or a sermon about it. What a great reminder of what we are called to do! We are to love God, and then our neighbor, and sacrificially!!! So, now I am praying and praying, how are we to be sacrificial in our adoption of our son? Lord, what sacrifices are we to make for him, for your glory?
We have our homestudy meeting with our social worker Tuesday morning, please be praying everything goes smoothly! I am pretty sure it will, she's really great, not one of those scary social workers ;o) We're just so excited to keep completing steps, so we can get on that waiting list!!!
Blessings,
Cori
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