Ethiopia, Here We Come!

I cannot believe what I'm about to type:  We are leaving for Ethiopia to finally meet Biruk in nine, count 'em, NINE days!  Every time I think about it I get anxious and excited butterflies in my stomach.  Every night for the past week I've laid in bed thinking and wondering, planning and scheduling.  I've finally got the kids' week planned, and THANK YOU to all of the fantastic people who are helping us feel confident that they will be loved and cared for while we are gone. My thoughts have now turned to Biruk.  Thoughts fly through my mind, and just as quickly I offer a prayer up to the Lord.  He commanded me to be anxious for nothing and to pray about everything; I've taken Him up on it in a big way.  Will she be afraid to meet us?  (Oh, Lord, please fill her with Your peace and somehow prepare her little heart to meet us for the first time.)  Will I burst out crying the moment I lay eyes on her?  (Of course I will Lord; please fill me with the fruit of self-control so I don't freak her out.)  Will she want to stay close to the nannies who have so lovingly cared for her while she's been at the orphanage?  (Please, Lord, bless those who have been a blessing to Biruk, and thank you for anyone who has shown her Your great love during a most difficult time in her sweet life.)  What I know is this:  The Lord will go before us to pave the way, and come behind us to be our rear guard.  Through all of the wondering I can know that God is with us.  God is with our daughter.  His Spirit will be thick (and most welcomed) at our first meeting.  I will not fear.  I will not be anxious.  I will hang onto my Jesus and enjoy the adventure about to come.  It makes me smile to think how sweet He is.  He commands us to do things far beyond our capacity, and then blesses us with an abundance of His presence.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Please pray with us as we prepare to go and we'll let you know what He does as soon as we get back!  Much love to you all!