Wowza! Did I just type NINE WEEKS?! I just flipped my calendar yesterday...funny how I have lost track of time and days while being here...my days are based on "Oh, it's pancakes for breakfast, it must be Sunday." I officially feel like I am becoming a citizen of Colombia!! I go to the bank and somebody tells me the machines are down, and I understand every word he is saying, I check out at the Carulla Grocery Store and I understand every single word they are speaking to me...amazing! Caroline tells me big imaginative long stories, and I get about three quarters of it! 9 weeks of being immersed in the Colombian culture, 3 adoptions later (equals a total of 20 weeks)...and I am FINALLY able to take in the culture in a way I always have wanted that I love so dearly.
My communication skills are very "elementary" but, I have navigated my way around, and have become very comfortable being out on the town...solo with my 2 precious hijas! This is no small town, either...9 million people from all different walks...it is just an experience to walk the streets. I love it!
If I were told when we adopted Isabel that I was going to be solo with a 20 month old and a 4 year old who do not speak a lick of English (well, one doesn't speak at all), that have had a traumatic past..I would have wanted to run to another life. I remember that it wasn't even an option in my mind for John to go home in our 2 previous adoptions...no way could I handle being alone in a foreign land with my baby...well, God has done a mighty work...it has taken 2 adoptions, and a 3 year journey to our girls...a total of 6 1/2 years...and here I am...laying in bed blogging, looking out at the mountains and blue sky, while my 2 little girls are sound asleep napping...I'm not home, I am here....this is where God wants me right now. And I am good. I want to be where my God wants me...everyday! If I did not have this faith, I would be very weak..because myself alone, I am so weak...I am walking on God's grace, relying soley on His strength, experiencing that His mercies truly are new every morning...and His grace is sufficient! God is my rock...and in Him I put my whole trust!! I am looking at my 2 precious ones sleeping peacefully...The last 6 1/2 years has brought 4 amazing Colombian born kids to the Vander Maas family...and I have to ask myself...who am I to deserve such precious treasures from heaven!?
I keep getting asked..."Kristi, when are you coming home?! Have you heard anything?" Well, let's just say today I heard it is going to be very soon...hmmm...what's soon?! Today?! A week?! Colombian time is so unpredictable...soon could mean anything (a family we're hanging out with tomorrow, arrived the 17th of January and going home on Friday, there is no rhyme or reason to the judicial system here, other than God has a plan for each of us)...I am ok with this...because God has been faithful on this journey and is slowly preparing our hearts, especially Caroline, to return home...
Family and faithful friends following along...I just love you all! Thanks for walking along side of us on this journey. The emails I have gotten are overwhelming, and in my down time have so enjoyed having contact with you...it is going to be so wonderful to see you all!! God bless you for your prayers and encouragement (you know who you are)!!! It truly is because of you that I am still smiling...I know what the girls and I have to look forward to when we return home...I find joy in the anticipation of it all!!
"Do you not know, have you not heard, the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary. His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary , and increases the power of the weak...But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Is. 40:28-31
Fitting how this chapter in the Bible is encouraging me right now. 3 years ago while John and I spent an hour of prayer in the Boiler Room in Grand Rapids...we prayed over this chapter. It was the very beginning of our journey seeking God's face on this adoption...that night we new God was stretching us to something more than a healthy baby...and wow, has He stretched us in a beautiful way! Glorify His name with us!
Kristi,
ReplyDelete"Soon" . . . . hmmmmm. :) Praying for just the right timing of this news. And, to think you were just going to get even more company from Michigan - I hear there is at least one more family landing there early next week!! Hope you have the opportunity to greet them with hugs upon their arrival! I still remember the day we moved into our new home and met your parents, our new neighbors. We were waiting for news of Evan then. It was that Thanksgiving that you shared with us your plan to adopt from Colombia and we barely knew you then. . . wow - yes, look at you now!! It has been a true pleasure to share your and John's friendship (indeed your entire family's friendship) during these years of building our families. We are blessed by you all! Take Care! I admire your strength and wisdom on this journey! Tanya
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, I just found your blog recently and am so glad I did! My husband and I are anxiously awaiting our date to travel to Colombia to receive our 4 children! The last two months of waiting have been really hard, but finding your blog has really encouraged me and driven me to trust more in the Lord and in His perfect timing. You are doing that better than I am, but thanks for sharing your journey - it has ministered to me.
Amanda (from MN, using Bethany)
Kristi Lynn, my eyes are flooding tears and my heart is flooding with praise for God's goodness and grace, His faithfulness in walking alongside you and John leading,and guiding you,always with your good in mind to your now beautiful family of six! All things truly do work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose! I,too, admire your wisdom and strength on this amazing journey Kristi,and so does Dad! SOON AND VERY SOON, Mom & Dad
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