Heading Home

The last few days have been challenging on several fronts. First, in order to prepare for good-byes, I believe our heads/minds start thinking of and preparing for coming home. The idea of a hot shower, clean drinking water, conveniences such as a stove, refrigerator or microwave and simply having a sense of order become much more appealing. We’ve also experienced very specific attacks from Satan, although we know that God is more powerful and we’ve seen Him work and anticipate that He’ll make good from difficult situations.

On Friday Michal and Hezz had their hair plotted (braided). They sat on the front porch for more than 10 hours to become white Africans. Rufus, Adama and I made a trip to New Kru Town to visit Rufus’ Aunt Felicia to complete the forms required for his birth certificate. My heart broke as we completed his birth parent’s information and no one knew his mom’s name. There were a few phone calls made before a name was produced for the birth certificate. We hope to finish up his paperwork today so that it can be delivered to the Ministry of Health on Monday. It has become very obvious that he needs to be with our family and we’re committed to work through the details for that to happen. Rufus has a soft, quiet spirit and I've appreciated his steadiness over the past few weeks.

Brad and Josh arrive home each evening with very visible evidence that they have been hard at work on the truck they hope to restore to running order. Progress is very slow, however, they are diligent and seem to have a good Liberian mechanic to work with.
Earlier today we said our first good-bye – to Adama. There were a few tears this morning as we prepared his belongings at the house, but he was a brave boy when we left his house and there were no tears. The children in his community seemed happy to see him and said, “he’s changed”. Maybe it was all of the food he ate over the last week. He had a bright smile on his face as we pulled away. Thank you Lord! Should adoptions re-open, we’ll continue to pray about his joining us in the U.S. He is an energetic, vivacious and caring little boy, but one that also brings a lot of Liberian fears.

So, we start our long journey home tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. Liberian time. Please pray as we say good-byes and discern how we continue to support friends here. There are many, many requests and we want to wise on our investment.