February 1, 2014
Dear Friends,
“I will give
thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful
deeds.” Psalm 9:1It seems that no matter what the occasion, words fall short when it comes to expressing our thanks for so many things we’ve received over the past year. Our re-entry into life as usual has been anything but usual. Kelly and I departed the day before Thanksgiving to go and get our new daughter, Vivienne. The journey was extremely full. It was filled with all sorts of things. I can describe it as a whirlwind, but that does not mean that it went by quickly. Our time in China was extremely meaningful, but it was also very challenging. Had this been a tour or a sight-seeing kind of trip, we would have probably taken in even more, but about 6 days in to our trip we received the very object of our affection, and it was hard to see much else the rest of the way. Our remaining time in China and on the journey home was focused on a two-year old little girl who has taught us so much already. It’s hard to take in a lot of things around you when your eyes are fixed on the floor, or in a stroller, or in the diaper bag looking for something. We took lots of pictures and tried to be very intentional about documenting—through blogs, through photographs, and through the many times we were simply waiting. Since we began this physical journey back in November, very little has felt normal.
Yet, we are so incredibly thankful. While the food was different in many ways, we were never in need. While the millions of people around us were hustling and bustling, we enjoyed very capable adoption agency reps that held our hands along the way and toted us where we needed to go. While we were strangers in a strange land, we were comforted by the prayers being lifted from friends all over the world. We simply could not have done this without all of you.
As the time of re-entry continues, we are very aware of the things in our lives which are stable—and for some this is not much. But we are thankful for the many things that are. We cannot help but give thanks for the place we can call home, for the food we receive, for the gifts of family and the friendships that have endured for many years.
I’m aware, as much as ever before, of the layers that exist within our lives—the different roles that we play, the varied needs of our calling, the skills and abilities that we often take for granted. It has been a real privilege to share our journey with so many as we have taken on a whole new set of layers. And it is a real task, but such an incredibly important one, to give thanks with our whole hearts. God has indeed been at work, and there are many, many wonderful deeds to tell. We’re glad to be home.
Peace, Love, Hope
and Joy, Tim
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