We had a name…we had a face…and now we finally have a DATE! Our bags are packed, and we are headed tomorrow to China bright and early to get our girl! Mia Grace, ready or not, here we come…

The details of the last few days have been enough to leave my head spinning. I’ve been packing everything from bottles and formula, cheerios and lovies, to worm, lice, and scabie medicine. Not your typical checklist for going to bring home a baby. I’ve been waking up around 1am the past few nights and forcing myself to stay in bed and try to go back to sleep until 5. Last night when I woke up, I had the words of a song from Shane and Shane going around and around in my head, and I know those words had to be a gift from the Lord. Instead of letting me dwell on my fears, or the unknowns (which are many), or my checklist for packing (which was long), every time I woke up, the only words I could hear were from a song called “Your Love is Strong”:
Heavenly Father, You always amaze me.
Let Your Kingdom come in my world and in my life.
Give me the food I need to live through today.
And forgive me as I forgive the people that wronged me.
Lead me far from temptation and deliver me from the evil one.
I look out the window, the birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune or out of place.
I walk to the meadow and stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day.
So why should I worry? Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need. You know what I need.
Your love is, your love is, your love is…strong.
Your love is, your love is, your love is…strong.
Your love is, your love is, your love is…strong.
The kingdom of the heavens is now advancing.
Invade my heart, invade this broken town.
The kingdom of heaven is buried treasure.
Would you sell yourself, to buy the one you found?
Two things you told me, that you are strong
And you love me, yes, you love me.
Your love is, your love is, your love is…strong.
Your love is, your love is, your love is…strong.
YOur love is, your love is, your love is…strong.
-Shane and Shane, “Your Love is Strong,” The Worship Initiative, Vol. 9

I’ve been playing the song off and on all day, and I’m pretty sure it is the unofficial anthem of our trip. God’s love is strong. And two things He’s told me: that He is strong, and that He is loving. He’s got this. He’s got Mia Grace. He’s got my family. He’s got me. And He’s got you too.

And with that, my friends, I’m off to bed, remembering that His love is strong enough to bring an orphan and a family together who live on opposite sides of the globe. His love is strong, even while I am sleeping.

Rest well.