Greater is He that is in you

A Journey of the heart. Most of us remember when we were told in the study 40 Days of Purpose that this journey "is not about us." Well, we certainly found that out on this journey. In the beginning, my prayer was (using Ephesians 1:18-19) "open the eyes of our hearts that we may know the hope to which you have called us." I wrote it in my journal while on our failed adoption trip to Russia. I've prayed it over and over during these past few years. But He has also been faithful to give me the rest of that verse, "(to know) the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparable great power for us who believe." And, I actually left that part out of my prayer most of the time! Unbeknownst to me, it wasn't about me or my prayers. It was about God and what He had to do to so that I (we) may know and trust Him better. Looking back, there are three specific ways in which God has been drawing us closer to Him: He has helped us to learn to pray; He has helped us to learn to enjoy His presence; and He has helped us to feel His love in a much more personal way. Beth Moore puts it best in her Breaking free and Believing God...He is gently and slowly removing the obstacles (or stones in our hearts) of prayerlessness, of legalism, of unbelief or others. Through this journey, prayer has been taken to a new dimension! Now, I actually enjoy God more! And I know He loves me! His work is not done yet. I could go on and explain about how that all happened, but I won't. You all have your own struggles and stories, and ours may seem minute in comparison to what you are going through. But remember one thing: God is at work. Jesus always seemed to have something greater waiting around the bend (John 2:10). Just as they say on the show Exteme Makeover Home Edition, "Move that bus." God wants to say to each of us, "Move those stones," that He may loosen the chains in our heart so we may enjoy His abundant liberty. "His specialty is rolling away stones," Beth Moore. "Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." Isaiah 57:14. "The one who is in you is greater than the one in the world." 1 John 4:4. Merry Christmas and Peace to you in the new year!

After the hoopla

What's up now? Okay, so now that all of the celebrating is over, some may be asking "what has life really been like the last two months at the Strawn household with a new toddler who speaks an entirely different language and has had so many things to adjust to?" Well, the first month is a blur, so I can't really remember what it was like. However, I can say that I truly appreciated the meals that were brought those first couple of weeks. That was a big blessing! Thanks to our the adoption group and Walker care group for organizing that! Even with all that good food, I did manage to loose a few pounds during that time. So, yes, we have had our challenges with the arrival of a new international toddler in the household of "older" parents. However, Rosa has been a trooper attending all of Ben's ballgames and going with the flow. We are very fortunate that she bonded with me right away, but bonding with the boys took some time. Now, after seven weeks (is that a God-thing or what....holy number and all....ha!), she is loving them both! Ben is becoming such a great big brother...it really has been an amazing transformation. Yes, we have our toddler moments, including boxes of tissues stuffed in vents and other things of that fun nature that we won't go into. We have enjoyed watching Rosa as she delights in the simple things of life that we take for granted: washing her little dishes in running water over and over again; hanging up her many clothes in her "own" closet; and organizing her tiny pairs of shoes. She has had such fun running through the fall leaves and adorning the Christmas tree with her ornaments (the same ones we have had put up for her for four years are finally being put on the tree!!!) Rosa has a unique personality, provides lots of drama, and is full of energy. She is so much more than we ever expected in an adopted child. I have heard it said that "God's way is the safe way. The only peaceful way in this chaotic world". I truly believe that now. But then I probably would have said I believed it before this journey too. I suppose now it is just a deeper belief. "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea." Isaiah 48:18

Party Time again!

Happy Birthday! Rosa had a great time celebrating her third birthday with her family in Murfreesboro. She had fun playing with with her cousin Reece, and seeing all her aunts and uncles. She seemed to love trying on her hip new outfits and her new

tiara/tu-tu attire. I think her favorite birthday items, however, seemed to be the balloons and the blowers....such is the thought life of a fun-loving three-year-old! Thanks to the family for sharing in our joy as well!

Celebration time!

Showers of Blessings! Since our last blog, we have been showered with many gifts for Rosa. She has enjoyed every moment, especially meeting all her new American amigos! She seemed to be totally in her element at the two showers that were given for her. She was not shy about opening her gifts. We are so thankful that she knows she is special and feels good about giving and receiving tokens of love as well as physical love. We want to say a huge THANK YOU to Linda Sofield and the adoption group for organizing the wonderful shower for Rosa. We felt like it was such a wonderful celebration of her homecoming. I know Rosa could feel it as well! (Sorry if I--Carol--did not express my thanks very well at the time. I get overwhelmed and tongue-tied.) Also, we want to thank all the employees of Standifer Place for such a warm and gracious shower. Everything was beautiful (thank you Randall and others), and Rosa's gifts were awesome. We were so thankful for your generosity and thoughtfulness! Thanks also to my good friends Kim and Trudy for making my day by traveling to Chattanooga to make Rosa's shower. It was good to have my "kindred spirits" close at hand to celebrate with! Wish I had of gotten better pictures to post from the showers, but it did not happen. Well, I have some other good ones that I can post next! "Every perfect gift comes from above." James 1:17

Home sweet Home

His Banner over us is Love! A huge banner was awaiting our arrival when we got home (thanks to abuelos Bren and Ray)! Rosalinda ran toward it and sat down in the soft, green grass and laughed and played. It reminded me of how our Great Shepherd "maketh us lie down in green patures" if we allow Him to. During this journey, He has always been there, but it wasn't always easy to rest in Him. We didn't always sit still enough to listen closely, but we are so thankful that through HIS grace He hung on to us and kept giving us hope. We are also thankful that through YOUR prayers our arms were supported, and His "banner" of hope was lifted up. God has shown us so much during this journey. We feel we have been on the battlefront (and have lots more grey hairs to prove it), but every time we see Rosalinda's smile, we know it was all worth it. Nonetheless, during the battle, we felt sort of like the Israelites when they came out of Egypt and God told them in Ex. 14:13, "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." They didn't (and we didn't) want to stand still or really believe it would help that much, but they did it (and we did it) anyway....and then they got to see a miracle (and we did too)! We felt sort of like Moses when he obediently held up the Banner of God during the battle against Amalek; whenever he kept his arms up, they prevailed, but whenever he gave into exhaustion, they were defeated. His friend, Joshua, was there at just the right time to hold up his arms, and they rallied in victory! Friends, He has been our Jehovah-nissi during this battle; and you have been our Joshua! His Banner over us has been lifted high thanks to your prayers that have upheld our arms. His love and grace has encouraged our hearts toward a greater faith in Him. His Banner over us ALL is love! So if anyone out there is experiencing a battle full of doubt, discouragement, frustration, fear, or unbelief. Remember, under His banner, victory is always assured. "but thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ" 2 Cor. 2:14.

Arrival

Home at Last! Siempre quiero estar contigo, Rosalinda! That is, "We will love you always, Rosalinda." I guess you can imagine that we all were so relieved when we finally stepped off the plane in Houston into the grand ole U.S. of A!!!! We had a good flight back and went smoothly through immigration. What a surprise we had when we landed in Chattanooga! (see photo) Thank you to all who met us at the airport to share the joy and anticipation of Rosalinda's arrival. You really cannot imagine what it has meant to have your support now and during the past two years or so with this adoption process. God has used your prayers to unhold our arms that now reach to hold our little girl. We made it! Rosalinda Strawn came home on October 25, 2007! God's amazing grace brought this precious child into our lives, and we have been amazed ever since! "...but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." Gen. 50:20.

Next Days

What a change! Rosalinda and her foster family had an extremely hard time parting. It was very emotional. When we got back to the hotel, she cried for a very long time. She finally fell into a fretful nap. You wouldn't believe the change in her when she woke up! She woke up crying for her foster family members. Then, a very strange thing happened after a few moments....she heard a familiar voice, and suddenly burst out in smile! You may be wondering what saint God used to bring a smile such a lonely heart....none other than the sweet and cuddly (and sometimes annoying) purple dinasaur. Yes, Barney saved the day! ha! Well, things have gotten better gradually over the past few days. (You can see her smiling with here at the hotel with her big brother). We were so worried, because she would not eat or drink anything for a whole day. She finally had her first supper when Ben and Johnny left the room and we were watching Barney yet again....and she has only had one bottle so far. It brings back bad memories for her and she starts crying very easily. We read all the books about adoption adjustments, but guess it didn't matter. We have never seen this type of adult-like grief in a child before....such deep sobbing and gasping and screaming and kicking and choking and vomiting was hard to envision and even harder to see in your own child....like a death of a beloved one. We are thankful for her deep attachment. On one hand, we felt somewhat cruel. But on the other hand, we know that she is our child and feel good that her foster family loved her so dearly. And the best news of all is that Rosa was approved for her visa today!!!!!!! We should be leaving Thursday as planned, God willing. Rosa was lethargic and sad today during our appointment trip....left at 7 am and got back around noon. But when we got back, we ordered an authentic mexican meal in the room. Rosa had her second meal!!!! She hid behind me and would come out and take food from my hand and smile her sweet smile. We were all exhausted and rested on and off. (next day) Rosa just her third meal....praise God...in much the same way....I was struck by the beauty of the people and county. When I got off the plane, the sea of smiling eyes and mass of brilliant colors was breathtaking. But then the beauty of the moment was swallowed in the smell of exhaust fumes and the sound of confusion and the sight of poverty. Much like life sometimes, I guess. The battle between the darkness and the light is very evident here in the media, the politics, and even the adoption process. We all know who wins in the end! Thanks be to God! We are so glad that God upheld us and kept us able to see the beauty of His adoption plan. And thanks to all for your prayers and support....got to get this off before the computer messes up again. Buenas noches, Carol for the four Strawns