Your posts brought tears to our eyes as we read your messages--thank you! We're hanging on to each word we read and TRULY grateful for each prayer, as they really keep us going (so mean that!). Honestly, we might be freaking out without sensing God's involvement through you and through scripture and/or devotions that have spoken directly to us--so like God.
Today was another long car ride (4+ hours round trip)to see Max. We'll be glad for those to be over! His village is nestled close to the Romanian border, picturesque but poor. Each day we've gone on a walk down his lane to a pond by which is a tiny church, built in 1327. He seems quite curious about it. We even went in yesterday before services. A couple people from the village talked highly of him to us, in Hungarian, of course, which our translator shared with us. Two older women were very dear and almost seemed to be giving a blessing on the adoption. There was a short trip to get ice cream, which was our first venture in the car together, although the foster mom was with us. Tomorrow we'll go on a longer ride in preparation for Wednesday. By the end of our time today, he was tired and ready for his nap, but not ready for us to go--a very good sign. There will be many tears on Wednesday, as we are taking him from everything he knows--a very small village in which he knows everybody and has freedom to roam, the very loving foster family, and his language. Big picture, this is the right step but anticipating that this will be hard for all us in the next few days.
We love hearing about how Max is loved and cared for, but also know how difficult tomorrow will be because of that love and care. You have been in our thoughts and prayers nonstop....and you will be even more so as you go throughout the day tomorrow. Can we just say how much we love hearing that he wasn't ready for you to leave today??? We love that boy already! Want you to feel our love and prayers tomorrow...and know you don't go through the day "alone".
ReplyDeleteThis is a heart-warming and heart-wrenching account of what your days of visiting with Max have been like and what his family/village life have been like up until now. We can feel and understand the emotion involved for all of you come Wednesday, the day of departure for Max, and transition for all. We're right there with you with our prayers and love. The Lord bless you, dear ones!
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Mom and Dad (Marion and Dave)
Dude, Sitota can't wait to meet Max!! I just found your blog and am holding it back from a desk in Haiti. I can't wait to get home and meet Max in mid-November. These next days will be intense, but some of the best memories you guys will have in the years to come, I have no doubt. Praying for you, celebrating with you...in it with you!
ReplyDeleteI know this feeling of 'might be freaking out if we didn't sense God's involvement.' Praying that you are able to cling to His presence through some potentially heart-wrenching moments. There is much joy in the midst and on the other side! Looking forward to meeting Max!
ReplyDeleteReading I have a sense of watching one of God's providential stories unfold. Cant imagine what all you two are experiencing right now - you are both brave and faithful. Can't wait to meet Max and soon experience the amazement of what God has done...what a story you are writing with him right now!
ReplyDeleteWill pray and pray and pray more for Wed. God's ways are so crazy..at times impossible to understand. When needing comfort I lean on what I know...I know you both have been prepared for this day by God. Likewise, God has prepared Max for this day. God will bless and take care of all who have been a part of Max's life and an entire community is waiting to love Max and support his Mom and Dad. I'm sure you all will feel tons..tearing and bonding all at once..feeling overwhelmed..just throw everything God's way His love will surround you both..in His arms you will find strength, comfort, and peace!!
ReplyDeleteApparently, I "lost" a day when reading your post and commenting earlier....Tomorrow will be your last visit and then Wednesday is the day of goodbyes and new beginnings. We will just keep praying that God will give you and Max and his foster family what each of you needs these next couple days, and beyond. God will meet you in the tension of all the emotions you will experience. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post, too. I keep coming back to the fact that he was curious about the little church. Trusting that God will somehow use these early memories in his life to be part of a story he will share with others one day. No doubt he'll have an emotional imprint in the coming days. Though they may be difficult, one day at a time. Mercies will be new and fresh to greet each one. Love you, Friends. Always in our prayers...
ReplyDeleteOh, that God will give you the ability to absorb all that is happening, all that you are feeling, and bring it back home with you to process, chronicle, retell. Such big things in a short time.
ReplyDeleteSophia Delgado volunteered to pray for you all today in class and it was so precious as she asked God to bless you with Max as the "perfect son" for you!!!
May our gracious Lord POUR out peace that passes all understanding over Max's heart, mind and body tomorrow as he says goodbye to the familiar....just as you have, Ang and Jeff!
We prayed for you guys during our team meeting this morning - how we miss you! And we are so excited to hear about the bond that is forming in your family. What a story Max will have about growing up in a small, unknown village and yet not overlooked by God because He sent his mom and dad to find him there. What a beautiful picture you are of the love of God!
ReplyDeleteFather, please bless this sweet time Angie, Jeff & Max have together. May the imprint that is left on Max's heart but an imprint of the deep love of his parents who came to love him and bring him home. And may that be the beginning of his understanding of your love and longing to bring him home to your heart.
What a blessing to hear how Max is loved and hear from those who know him. We are praying for you constatnly!
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