Transitions

I feel like right now is a time of transitions for our family. We are learning how to be a family of 5. Cody and I are correcting some of our "survival mode" parenting of the past year. Remember Cody's post about how every man should live the life of his wife for a time. I'm learning how to deal with this super helpful and quite efficient husband that has evolved and learning to let him help, which has not always been easy for this control-freak mama. I'm also adjusting to life here with a toddler. For the past couple of years, I had a lot more time for cooking, cleaning, errands, etc. In Uganda I didn't do much cooking or cleaning, thanks to the wonderful homes God placed me in, so I'm learning that I can't accomplish all that I used to in a day. This is the trouble of having children 4.5 years apart... you forget some of these things. I'm cleaning up messes like this:

Yep, she unrolled a brand new roll.  Fun times.

Never a dull moment.

I prepared myself for the worst when coming home. I'd heard all sorts of stories from people about how hard it would be for Mercy, how my marriage would be put to the test, how Emma and Avery would have major issues, and I would have severe reverse culture-shock. Honestly, everything has gone remarkably well. I don't know why this part of the process has been relatively easy for us, but we'll take it. I think it helps that Mercy has been with me for a year now. She's had all of that time to learn to trust me and feel secure, to learn English, already felt bonded to Mercy. I also think part of it is the grace of God, realizing that we've been through a lot in the past year and that we needed something to be easy. (For a glimpse of the typical "transition" experience for adoptive families read this post. It has great insight for how to help and understand what families are going through. If you know someone adopting, you should read it.)

Aunt Meredith came for a quick visit.  Mercy just called her "Mommy's Sister."

Aunt Stephanie and her crew came for a couple of days too
during their recent move. Crazy to see both of my sisters within a week of each other.  That never happens!

I have felt a bit in a fog since I got home. I'm still trying to process all I've experienced and all God has taught me. I don't know what God wants me to do with all of it. I have some ideas and dreams of what I would like to see happen, but I'm trying to figure out if that is what God wants or just my own desires.

A couple of weeks ago I read an editorial in the paper that talked about the death of a friend of the author's family. The author discussed how this mother did not have a high profile job or lead a major cause, but she quietly cared for and sacrificed for her family. Her death would not be the talk of the town, but it will be felt immensely by this family because she loved them all so well. The author went on to say that the significance of a mother is often found in the little things. Those simple tasks which we do every day have greater meaning than we may realize. It's packing lunches, snuggle time, games, and reading books. It's making a favorite snack, a trip to the park, bedtime kisses. I'm trying to let that soak in.

Love hanging out with my Avery.  Funniest kid ever.

Me and my "mini-me" Emma.   She's suddenly so grown up, yet somehow I never age.  Amazing.

This is what happens when you and your incredibly tall husband try
to take a pic of yourselves.  So grateful to once again get date nights.

For the past year I feel like I've been in this huge battle for my family. My purpose was obvious and my goal was always before me. You prayed for us and cheered us on. Now, that battle is won and I'm trying to learn how to move on from here. I'm finding purpose in the small moments and relishing in every day life with my family. My days are filled with laundry, cooking, school projects and chasing around a very busy toddler. I'm trying to make it to school pick up on time and making sure we don't run out of bread or milk. In the midst of this I'm realizing that my life still has as much purpose and meaning. I don't have to be fighting governments and launching police investigations to have meaning. My meaning comes from serving God and showing His love to others, whether that be with starving orphans in Africa or at my own dinner table with my family.