How Am I Going to Get Through this Day?!?

Right now I’m sitting in my hotel room, watching my precious baby nap (in a hoodie with no A/C… she’s going to need a down body-suit when we get to TN) and I am ALL nerves.  Today I wait and see if the embassy has mercy and expedites our visa.  My POA is there right now on behalf of our case (and 5 other children.)  Phew.  Lord, JESUS, may they give us a stamped visa TODAY. 

So while I wait, I thought I’d write about last night.  Wow.  Just wow.  Our friends (the angels) who helped save our baby's life, invited us over for a traditional Ghanaian meal.  At 5:45 we heard a knock on our hotel door and it was their 10 year old son, there to escort us to their home.  As we drove in the car through the bumpy, red dirt roads, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the incredible experiences God has allowed me to have throughout this adoption journey.  I’m experiencing new cultures, observing different ways of life, appreciating things I typically take for granted, and meeting absolute angels along the way.

When we arrived at the house we were graciously greeted by all of the children and aunties and grandmother we had met during our last visit.  One child ran up and gave us a hug, dogs were barking (Abi LOVED the dogs barking) and the grandmother came to give us a hug.  It was such a warm and loving welcome. 

We took off our shoes, walked inside and visited with the children.  A few minutes later the children were asked to leave the room and a table was set for two.  (Just my mom and me.)

Paul told us that the grandmother would take care of Abiella while I ate, so I could enjoy my meal.  So I handed Abi to the amazing woman who had so beautifully prayed for her health two nights before. Before long,  2 beautiful plates of hot food came out, 2 sachets of water, and a bowl and soap for us to wash our hands.  They told us to enjoy the meal and left the room.  While we ate our meal, they were in and out, checking on us, and telling us, “You are not strangers! Eat every bite!” with huge smiles on their faces.  The dish was called “Red Red” and it was DELICIOUS. (Beans, plantains, meat…) Lawrencia made it (the amazing woman who had been bringing Abi porridge all week) and at the end of the meal we thanked them profusely for the honor of enjoying such an extraordinary dish in their amazing home. We visited with them some more and before long, the taxi was back and we all gathered around for one more prayer. This time we asked for a quick visa and an easy trip home.  The grandmother said a BEAUTIFUL prayer (again, different language, but I could FEEL it) Paul said a prayer, and then we said “Hallelujiah, Amen!” 

We hugged and laughed and said goodbye. I hugged these people like they were my own kin and told them I loved them and that I would be sending photos of Abiella.

30 minutes later we were back at our hotel with full bellies, thankful spirits, and ready for a good night’s rest. 

Today, we wait in the hotel room for news regarding the visa.  I am more nervous than ever!!! We have tickets on hold to leave for home Thursday night but we have to confirm them today.  If I don’t have the visa today I’m not sure it’s wise to confirm the tickets and possibly lose the money… But if I don’t confirm I literally lose the only seat available until the 15^th of October.  Ahhhh…

Abi (praise God!) has been doing great! This is the BIGGEST BLESSING. She is feeling good and has been very smiley. She finds almost everything funny.  (Loud noises, other people laughing, etc.) Praise God for a happy, healthy baby. (She still doesn’t feel 100%... she threw up this morning from so much mucus and she had some gas pains… but MUCH Better!  She’s SUCH a trooper.)

 Alright- off to go edit photos, drink a coke, and somehow make it through the rest of this day :)