Last One Standing

Back in September when we got our original adoption ruling there were six other adoptive mamas in the court room.  We all knew each other vaguely, but little did I know how much I would grow to love and appreciate some of these women and the trials we have endured.  One went home almost immediately with her child.  I hear they are doing well.  Another had to wait a couple of months to go home and we saw and encouraged each other a few times during that wait.
 
Another mama was adopting three children, but the judge told her that she could only take the older two children to the US.  She had to leave the youngest behind and pray and trust the Lord to protect her and to provide a way for her to bring her daughter home.  She made two trips this Spring to bring that girl home.  I got to hang out with them several times and grew to love them both.  This woman was such an encouragment to me and I feel like a real sister in the faith and in mommyhood.  I admire her, her family, and her ministry tremendously.  A couple of weeks ago I got to be with them just hours before they left town.  She was finally taking her baby girl home.  It was such a moment of rejoicing.

The other two woman in court with me that day were adopting girls that had been raised together.  These women go to church together and are neighbors.  Such a neat story.  We would laugh because we'd run into each other everywhere... court, the passport office, the Embassy, and even church.  They also got bad news the same time we did.  They would not be getting visas for their girls.  They finally had to make the heart-wrenching decision to leave them with foster parents while they went home and fought from the US-side to bring these girls home.  We've kept in contact this whole time.  We share the same wonderful adoption attorney in Washington DC.  We've followed each other's stories each step of the way.  About two weeks ago they got the amazing news that the girls' visas were approved.  One of the mamas and the other daddy came out a few days ago to pick them up.  They stayed with us and it was such a joy and a pleasure to spend time with them again.  I am so delighted to say that they are getting on a plane any minute and flying home with their daughters.  I cried as they left.  I am rejoicing for them.  I know the pain and suffering, doubts and frustration they've endured.  We understand so much of each other's trials like no one else can.  Our families will always be united in that way. Last night we held a big going away celebration for them at the house. It was so neat to see these families honor the many people that helped to make all of this possible.  And then at the end, they had a special prayer time for these families. They also included me and Mercy.  These sweet Ugandans and my friends prayed over us and our upcoming court date.  They prayed passionately and boldly for my family to be reunited.  I am forever grateful.

Six families in court exactly 8 months ago today.  Mercy and I are the last ones standing.  Lord, is it our turn? 

PS... Our other special friend, Lawrence (aka LoLo) went home last week.  Mercy and I are both sad and miss him and his infectious smile, but I also love seeing pictures of him with his new family and hearing funny stories of his new life there.  We love you LoLo!