rejoicing

I had a great day yesterday. Much to my surprise I got a message that my first document for Nede that I have been waiting for for almost 4 months was complete! I rejoiced!

Nede went to bed and I was still on my high from the events of the day. I sat down to email my group of what I can “Prayer Warriors for Nede.”

Once I finally settled down I went to bed. As I snuggled under my mosquito net I decided to check my email on my phone one last time before nodding off to sleep.

Then I cried.

I cried because I got an email of encouragement and rejoicing from a women I have never met. Someone who has faithfully been emailing and supporting me because she also believes that God’s heart is to care for the least of these.

I cried because I got an email from one of my sisters close friends who has also adopted and she reminded me that there will be a day when I look back at these hard times and know each tear was worth it.

I cried because I got an email from my dear friends that will soon fly to Ethiopia to meet their daughter. We’re rejoicing together.

I cried because I got an email from a women whom I’ve met once. She and her husband hosted an event for me before I left Minneapolis where I shared the whole story of Nede’s mother and Nede. They now FAITHFULLY pray for me and encourage me and rejoice with even the smallest progress.

I get emails from people from so many different chapters of my life. And I am encouraged, moved and strengthened by this. God uses so many to speak to me through. In a dry and weary land, at time it’s God showing himself in these ways that helps me press on.

I must have fallen asleep with a smile on my face last night feeling cradled in His safe, strong arms. It’s such a joy to share this difficult, yet wonderful, experience with so many.

And then, I woke up this morning, rolled over to let Nede in bed with me and there, where my back had been, was a dead cockroach!

Nice.

And so continues my journey.