A few thoughts so far

Given how cheerful, happy, playful, and affectionate he was on the first day, I spent the first part of the trip waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Titus would snuggle up under my chin and push his head against my face so I'd kiss him.  He laughed and played with us, and he really did go right to sleep that first day.  And as the days went on, he continued to show this super sunny personality full of smiles and laughter.   All the pictures you see on the blog are a good representation of his overall outlook on life.  Obviously we've had some bad nights since we got home (jet lag is the pits), but the even with that, it's been okay.

We went to church this past Sunday...even jet-lagged, it was such a joy and blessing to worship together, to sing, to hear the confession, and to pray together.  And of course, we missed our church family while we were gone.  We sang How Firm a Foundation, and one of the verses struck me anew:

"When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine."

I went into this adoption in a defensive stance, wondering how hot the fires would be this time.  And of course, we still have several surgeries in the very near future.  But it seemed appropriate that our pastor preached on prayer from Luke 11--here is the last verse from the passage:

Luke 11:13  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Once again, God has been so gracious to us in this endeavor.  Thank you to everyone who prayed for this adoption, that everything would go smoothly, that Titus would transition well, that we would make it home safely, that he would be happy here--mark those prayers as answered, and praise God!

I will close with another verse that has been on my mind.  In my heart of hearts, I sort of hoped that it might be even smoother than Lizzie's adoption, but the worries and fears were pretty loud.  I think I should try to imagine more and fear less.  

Ephesians 3:20-21  Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more 
than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 
to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus 
throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.