Counting the Cost

We have been home two weeks and it has been a whirlwind. Some very good ups and some pretty low downs. The Lord has been so gracious to constantly remind me that this is His best plan for our lives and that His grace is sufficient.

A couple of days this week have been especially tough on Noah. This is all a huge adjustment for him, and he is acting out. We have had hours and hours of temper tantrums, not listening, etc. At the same time there have been some incredibly sweet moments between he and his brothers. Even though he and Aiden have struggled to get along, he always wants to know where Aiden is and what he is doing. The past two days the boys have gotten along very well and have had tons of giggles together.

We have seen some great improvements in Aiden's speech. Although he was refusing to speak any English, he has started saying some words and mimicking Noah. Noah points out things to Aiden and tells him the English words and then encourages him when he says it. Kenneth and I had nothing to do with it, and the pride in my heart just swells for him.

The greatest improvements have been with Asa. When he came home with us he was very unsteady even sitting up. In just two weeks he is sitting very well, starting to crawl, trying to pull himself up, grabbing small snacks and feeding himself! He is getting so much stronger each day. He has already gained 2 pounds and is eating about 10 more ounces of formula per day than he was. Asa is such a happy baby, and very laid back.

We have had so many laughs and proud moments that are a true joy to be a part of. Children truly are a blessing from the Lord.

In those moments when I felt like checking myself into the mental facility, the Lord kept reminding me that REDEMPTION IS COSTLY. The minor struggles we have faced emotionally and physically do not compare to what it cost Christ to redeem my soul and adopt me into His family. He went through emotional pain, physical pain, spiritual pain, separation and even death to rescue me from orphanhood. Our small struggles are merely a way that we can partake in the suffering of Christ, giving greater glory to the Father because two boys are no longer orphans here on earth. Praise Him!