(Sorry, this is 2 days late, but better late than never.)
Words escape us as we head to bed tonight. We have experienced something we'll be hard-pressed to ever accurately share. We made a journey today to a beautiful area of the Southern Region - FOUR hours by bus each way - to get a glimpse into the former lives of our children. We were broken to our core, yet our faith has sustained us. Sounds trite. By no means is it meant to be. Please pray for our healing and guidance as we lean on our Sustainer for all the strength we will need to help our family grow up with reverence and respect for this culture, this specific region, and the first family of two of our children.
On a different note, Keith has been deemed Father of the Day, for as he awoke this morning, he was throwing up and had horrible stomach problems. Yet, in his determination to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip, he boarded the bus with the rest of us and let us know when the driver needed to pull over! I've deemed our special time in Hosanna as Divine Intervention, as Keith was able to be present for the most important part of our day and participate most of the time. Feverish and vomiting intermittently, we were so grateful for our new lifelong friends - someone had a cold, wet towel (thanks Corey and Jeff) - which proved to be the one thing that worked. Additionally, we were offered Tylenol, nausea medicine, barf bags, and salt water rehydration medicine -- all of which contributed to Keith's safe arrival back at the guest house -- where he's been gradually recovering for the rest of the evening. As soon as he can keep the Cipro down long enough for it to work, he'll be fine.
The food and accomodations here at the Guest houses are incredible. For those of you traveling in the months and weeks to come, you are in for a rare treat!!
We love and miss all of you. Pray for Emma and Murphy, as they are spending their second day with Shelley's parents in Dallas - the last changing of the guards before we arrive back 'down home' this Friday. We'll spend half a day with Y and Z tomorrow... we can't wait!!
Selam!
Shel
Words escape us as we head to bed tonight. We have experienced something we'll be hard-pressed to ever accurately share. We made a journey today to a beautiful area of the Southern Region - FOUR hours by bus each way - to get a glimpse into the former lives of our children. We were broken to our core, yet our faith has sustained us. Sounds trite. By no means is it meant to be. Please pray for our healing and guidance as we lean on our Sustainer for all the strength we will need to help our family grow up with reverence and respect for this culture, this specific region, and the first family of two of our children.
On a different note, Keith has been deemed Father of the Day, for as he awoke this morning, he was throwing up and had horrible stomach problems. Yet, in his determination to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip, he boarded the bus with the rest of us and let us know when the driver needed to pull over! I've deemed our special time in Hosanna as Divine Intervention, as Keith was able to be present for the most important part of our day and participate most of the time. Feverish and vomiting intermittently, we were so grateful for our new lifelong friends - someone had a cold, wet towel (thanks Corey and Jeff) - which proved to be the one thing that worked. Additionally, we were offered Tylenol, nausea medicine, barf bags, and salt water rehydration medicine -- all of which contributed to Keith's safe arrival back at the guest house -- where he's been gradually recovering for the rest of the evening. As soon as he can keep the Cipro down long enough for it to work, he'll be fine.
The food and accomodations here at the Guest houses are incredible. For those of you traveling in the months and weeks to come, you are in for a rare treat!!
We love and miss all of you. Pray for Emma and Murphy, as they are spending their second day with Shelley's parents in Dallas - the last changing of the guards before we arrive back 'down home' this Friday. We'll spend half a day with Y and Z tomorrow... we can't wait!!
Selam!
Shel
2 comments:
Oh Shelly, my heart and head just don't even know the tiniest bit of what you must have seen but your description of it was beyond beautiful, respectful and perfect. You are journeying through adoption so incredibly humble and it's evident just by the words you write for us to read and follow your family. You are being blessed, I am reading it here, and therefore so is your family, your children and everyone that knows the Brooks family. I am amazed at your walk with our Father...it's obvious that you are near His side and want nothing more than to bring glory and honor to Him in this process.
Wish I could squeeze you and wish I could say the same of your puking man! Love you both none-the-less and praying for healing, rest and peace in this incredible transition!
Praying for the whole family! Challenges every step of the way but you are right, our loving God is there through it all. I read something that was comforting the other day. He holds our hearts gently in the palm of his hand like a bird rests in it's nest. The six of you are most surely right in the center of his hands.
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