A year ago, Josh and I were wrapping up our epic world tour vacation! Check out our hashtag on instagram #mosebyvaca, 4 countries in 20 days. We had been saving up vacation time for our "someday" adoption, but had been told it could be another two years. So, we cashed in our vacation days and headed off to see friends around the world. I literally boarded the plane in tears. The hardship of adoption had become unbearable! I wanted to be a mom. I knew my little one was out in the world suffering and I didn't even know what to pray.
BUT we set off to see friends. It was a great trip and allowed my heart and mind to think of other things. We landed in the middle east first to see some friends. Gosh, it was so amazing. We sat around in their kitchen most days just talking, playing cards, and being together. Just like we'd done several times in the states.
BUT we set off to see friends. It was a great trip and allowed my heart and mind to think of other things. We landed in the middle east first to see some friends. Gosh, it was so amazing. We sat around in their kitchen most days just talking, playing cards, and being together. Just like we'd done several times in the states.
After a few days, we boarded another plane for India! We spent the next week hanging with our doctor friends, dreaming about healing, and working with the HIV community. We talked a lot about the future. With talk of the future, we couldn't avoid thinking about if our adoption would ever happen. Someday...after our adoption, we can dream about India. However, we enjoyed our time. We even were blessed to meet the young lady we sponsor. Isn't she just the most beautiful young lady?
On to the next stop....We packed up the bags and headed to East Asia to surprise our niece and nephews for Christmas! I mean really!!! We had been plotting with my brother to surprise them for months. It was the best. I could hardly wait. I secretly hoped that we would get our adoption call while visiting family. Wouldn't that just be the best timing?! I carried my phone around with me frantically hoping our social worker would call. But she didn't and we had to just enjoy the family.
Thru tears, we said goodbyes and boarded a plane to go back to India. It was the last leg of the trip. This was the rest part. We love Kerala, India. We have found the best retreat there! So, we landed and spent four days on the beach eating good food, taking naps, reading books, praying, and surfing (yes, we learned to surf). Talk about refreshing...Can I go back, please!!!
It was a nice time, but we packed up to leave for home. We were set to land in the states on Christmas Eve. On the 23rd of December, I woke up for a little exercise before we started the long journey home. I hopped on the treadmill, opened the window to overlook the beach, and opened my email. There it was! An email that said "CALL ME!" It was from our social worker. I jumped off the treadmill, started running to the room, trying to call her...darn phone wasn't working well! As I went to open the door, Josh was running out. She'd left him a voicemail saying "CALL ME!" So, we did. "Hey, Jenn. Got your email. What's up?" She tried the small talk, but we knew something was up. She finally got to the point-"Hey, we can't do anything official right now, but we have a son for you!! I'll send you his file." AHHHHHHHHH! This was happening. Oh my dear stars, I had to text my best friend, Laura. We came up with a game plan, because we didn't have long before our plane. Get ready, pack bags, and meet on the beach to open his file. So, that's what we did. I remember running down the resort stairs and finally getting to Josh on the beach. We sat there, opened Tariku's file and saw the sweetest little boy. Look at those lil fingers!!
I was so thankful to be on the peaceful beach, rested, and out of cell phone reach. Reading your child's story for the first time, no matter the story, is overwhelming. I needed lack of communication with family and friends to be able to sit and mourn for my son...and rejoice for this glorious day! Here we are having just opened his file and then we did actually call my brother's family in East Asia. (had to tell someone)
So, we hopped on a plane with the best Christmas present for our families! Oh my gosh! What fun timing.
I really cannot believe this was a year ago and my SON is sleeping in the other room RIGHT NOW!! GUYS, it was a great, but such a difficult year. The sorrow of adoption only intensified as we worked to bring Tariku home. You know what though? The joy has intensified as well!
SOOO, this is my ultimate Throwback and it's not even Thursday yet! Pretty cool, huh!
SOOO, this is my ultimate Throwback and it's not even Thursday yet! Pretty cool, huh!
