Gratitude

I have been thinking the past week how to put into words my thoughts about where we are right now in our adoption. There were many days that I doubted I would be able to ever say "We are leaving in 5 days!" I cried so many tears during this process...When we didn't receive our LOA when another family did, when we found out we were just in review after 4 months, when 90 days turned into 130 days, and I was sure something was wrong. Sometimes I would just lay my head down at the computer and cry..because another day was spent without Cate knowing us as her family.
I have loved God all of my life, though some times I felt closer to Him than others. God has shown me so much this year. He has taught me to be patient. That His delays are not always His denials. That He isn't here for us just when we want something. He wants us to want Him. And for that to be enough. I realized along the way that I had to be O.K. if we never got Cate. I prayed from day 1 that we would travel in record time. Oh, we got our LOA in record time alright! Probably for one of the longest waits! But I am so thankful for every day that we waited. We have grown so much as a family,we have prayed for one another and for Cate, and I wouldn't trade one day!
I am so thankful to our family and our friends who have prayed for us and supported us throughout this process. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Please don't stop now, though. The hardest part could be just ahead, but please pray for Cate that she feels our loves and makes a smooth transition into our family.
We will be meeting her for the first time on September 24.