My parents celebrated their 40th anniversary a couple days ago.  Here they are holding their wedding picture.

 The longer I live, the more grateful I am that I was born to these two godly, wonderful people! I have never heard them argue or raise their voices to each other, and they live out the comand to look out for the other's interests instead of their own. They came from two very different backgrounds, and yet have blended together perfectly. They are such an incredible example and inspiration to me in my own marriage.

Adoption update

Evidently the agency in Texas sent the paperwork on Monday, and our social worker (hopefully) sent the last copy of our homestudy today, so Lord willing we should be ready to send off the last of the paperwork on Friday. I'm praying that it actually happens...it seems unreal that it could happen (we've been trying to get this done since August!), but also trying not to think too much about it.

I've found myself missing our new daughter a lot more these days. I try not to think too much about it, but as we get closer to a court date (we think!) it's hard not to begin making plans. Another family is traveling soon to meet their new daughter at the same orphanage, and I so wish I could be there, too. I'm sure they'll send me new pictures, at least. The tendancy to worry is very strong, because now the money that was given for her adoption is mostly spent, and if something goes wrong and we can't bring her home, then there will be no money to try again with another child. There are no guarantees with adoption. And so we come back emotionally to where we were last year at this time...trying to trust in the Lord and not in people or agencies or governments. And not necessarily trusting that He will work it out the way you want it, but that He will do what is right.