9 months later

It's been 9 months since Zachary joined our family.

Five and a half years since he was born.

It seems like ages ago that we stood in that hot, cramped, civil affairs office and welcomed a scared and numb little boy into our arms.

Compared to the years he spent in an orphanage, Zachary's time with has been so short.  And each day we are learning more about him.  He has changed so much!

But we are the ones who have truly changed.

I think about the children we left behind.  Some banging their heads in cribs.  Some clinging to our legs as we walked around, desperate for our attention.  Nannies advocating for children, "Please tell your friends how well we take care of our children.  Tell them to come.  Tell them to adopt."

Honestly, as these months have unfolded the last thing I wanted to tell anyone was to "come".

The process is tough.  It is costly.  It is excruciating at times.  It is not for everyone, and it is not easy.

But I'm telling you now.  If you've thought about it.  If you're on the fence.  If you wonder how you'll survive it, are afraid how it will change your life.  It's ok.  You can do it.  God goes before you.

That's the only thing I can truly promise you.

Because it will be hard.  Looking into the face of orphans, walking with them through their hurt, suffering, and pain, is HARD.

It will shatter you. Your feet may fail.

But there will be joy!  And the joy of the Lord is your strength to stand.

And one day- 2 months, 9 months, 5 years later- you will realize that you are completely changed.  And your love is fuller, richer, deeper.  And you couldn't imagine your life apart from it- the hurt and the joy.  They are woven into the fabric of your family, and you are so much better for it.