Time

Piano music is playing melodiously throughout our home, and I've got time now.  Time to sit and pour over what has been written for Sarah and to Sarah.  Reading and rereading over the carefully, crafted words that touched our family's heart.  For the women who saw Sarah, as a life in need, as a child worthy of love,  who wrote about her, prayed for her, and advocated for her... this family, Sarah's family is forever grateful.  

Her story began three years ago, without anyone to celebrate her birth.  Her parents were told she is not worthy, give her up, there is no quality of life for her.  And so she was placed in an orphanage, among the many other children without someone to love them.  As her picture was placed on orphan websites and databases,  she is smiling, cheek to cheek.  Her eyes sparkling, giggling with mischief.  Proud of herself for sitting up.  When you look at the snapshot, you see a precious life.  Someone in need of love, to take notice of her spirit. "Look at me.  Notice me."

Addy's journal from school

Fast forward a couple years later, the smile is gone. The sparkle has left her piercing, chestnut eyes.  Her gaze is distant.  Her hair has grown so that her wispy, bangs are sweeping across her forehead. The pink dress with the too-long sleeves is shared with others in her orphanage.  I've seen it on other little girls in their profile pictures.    She has nothing to call her own.  Nothing.

This picture is what we saw.  This photo of her, tugged at our heartstrings.  This little girl, of whom no one had inquired about her or for her, was the girl meant for our family.  We made a  choice, our choice to bring her home.

The carefully, well-thought out story of her adoption is almost completed.  The final chapter will be written shortly.  There is no crystal ball of how that chapter will unfold, nor what the plot twists and turns the Author will write.  But the recurring theme will override every ups and downs the supporting characters encounter:
This main character is loved.  Sarah is loved.  Sarah has a family.

Little Sarah, whose story began in our hearts seven months ago, has already made a difference.  When I read the comments on our blog and Facebook, the amazement at how perfect her story has  been played out, this little girl is changing lives.  They are seeing who she is, not what she has.  Seeing what we see.  The little girl who was once lost, now found.  Alone, but now has a family coming for her.  

We are not amazing nor selflesss.  We saw a need.   A regular family, trying to make a small difference in the world.    As Robert Frost's poem goes, "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference."   Before she is even home, she has made a difference on the road less traveled. 

 Now is the time to focus on our goal, the finish line, the end zone, the final hoop.   
Bringing her home. 

And so, this family begins finalizing the last details in this country before we leave for her country.  Spending time together, relaxing on a mini-vacation, and preparing for her arrival.  Loving my eldest, with her wild, curly hair, giggling with her innocent, crazy clothing combos she puts on.

Laughing with the youngest, almost the middle, as he whoops, hollers, and claps his hands in celebration for every small thing he can.  Together, spending more time over the silliest things.  These are the moments.

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”