The Night Before...

My mind is whirling here in China as most of my friends are sound asleep.  It is the night before we meet our newest son.  

A boy who has, to this point, only been in my heart.  I am so excited that this day has finally arrived and yet, very nervous also.  Nervous for myself, for Colin, but mostly for Cameron.


I want him to be as excited about his new life as I am.  I want him to feel loved and safe. I want him to realize the opportunities that await him.  And, yes, I want him to like us.


But mostly, I don't want him to be afraid.  But, considering the enormity of the situation, the magnitude of change that is about to occur for this young boy, how could he possibly not be?  How does a child leave the only people that have ever cared for him, leave their friends, their familiar surroundings and not be at least a little afraid? It seems inconceivable to me.


All I can do is imagine myself in his shoes. If this were me facing a new life, would I be able to wrap my mind around all the incredible possibilities, or would I be frozen in fear and confusion?  For months we, the whole family, have been praying for Cameron. Praying that the Lord would prepare him for this new phase of life. Praying that he would not be afraid, but that he would be excited and hopeful.  I can only rest in the fact that God clearly has a plan for him and that He loves this boy more than we ever could.


I am also thoughtful tonight of the way God has grown our family over the past few years.  First came our sweet Tommy.

The center of our world for many years. 


Then, Colin came to us just a few months ago.  I think back on his "Gotcha Day" and how much has changed with him in the last 4 months.

Colin's Gotcha Day 8/22/2011

Tommy's birthday- This big brother is a "Natural"!

Thanksgiving with his brother and new cousins

I have enjoyed seeing his true personality come out over these months and even more on this trip together.  He is a fun-loving, caring young man.  I know that his presence will help Cameron tomorrow. Just being able to communicate together and hear about our family from his big brother should help him feel safe.  

Here he is, in our hotel room in Wuhan, China, just 4 short months after being on the other side of that "Gotcha Day" himself.  


Our paperwork is now in order, the gifts for the Chinese officials are prepared and we are as ready as we can be to meet our newest boy tomorrow morning at 10.  (9PM Sunday EST).  If we should cross your mind throughout the day, we would covet your prayers.  


Tom,Angie,Colin, Cameron & Tommy