EE Mission Day 22 - Eyes On The Prize

A dear friend of mine introduced me to a singer/songwriter a while back named Sara Groves. I enjoy listening to many of her songs, and one I've recently been listening to is, "Eyes on the Prize". 

Many of you have been on an adoption journey and know the range of emotions you can encounter on a daily basis. Some days are hard, and it becomes easy for your thoughts to drift to a place of discontentment and self pity.  I've been battling these thoughts the past couple of days. We've been away from home a little more than three weeks, and I am so homesick.  I've let these feelings take my eyes off of the prize of this journey, and it's a place that brings no glory to our Father in Heaven.  He is the reason we are here.  We desire nothing more than to glorify Him in our thoughts and actions while we're here, and I'm thankful for His forgiveness and grace. 

Here are some of the lyrics from "Eyes on the Prize":

I got my hand on the gospel plow
Won't take nothing for my journey now
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

The wait is slow, and we've so far to go
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

The wait is slow, and we've so far to go
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Only chain a man can stand
Is that chain of hand on hand
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Ain't no man on earth control
The weight of glory on a human soul.
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on.

The wait is slow, and we've so far to go
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

When you see a man walk free,
It makes you dream of jubilee.

When you see a child walk free,
It makes you dream of jubilee.

Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on.

We're coming for you soon sweet girl!

Can't resist these beautiful eyes!

Update on where we're at in our journey:

As many of you know we had court 12/28 for Gayle's adoption.  Court was nothing like I had pictured in my mind.  Even though we couldn't communicate directly with the judge, due to the language barrier, she was very kind.  Once court was over, she gave her ruling without a delay.  We are now the proud parents of sweet Mila Gayle Kimble.  We are thankful to our Father in Heaven for this amazing gift.  We pray that we will serve Him well in our parenting of her.  The official court decree will be available 1/11/2012.

La La La!

Mila's different looks are priceless!

What a prize!

First time taking Mila outside for some fresh air.

We've also been made aware of our court hearing for Kathleen.  We had hoped for it to be before the holiday break in this country, but instead it will be after.  We know this timing is according to God's will for this journey, and the hearing is set for 1/10/2012.  We will leave Gayle's region sometime next week by train, and visit with Kathleen several days before the hearing.  She is on my mind constantly, and I'm praying for God's protection of her mind and spirit.  We are praying that the judge in her region will waive the ten day waiting period after the ruling.  If not, we will probably travel back to Mila's region on the 11th to begin the process for "gotcha day".  What a glorious day it will be to see her go free.

We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I read an anonymous quote today that stated, "If you don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, turn it on".  That light switch is now on.  Happy New Year to all of you!

Having fun with our friends, The Eubanks, at a local holiday festival.

Nothing like a fair in the middle of winter while snowing.  Wish all of our kiddos were here to enjoy it with us.

This picture is dedicated to our boys.

We continue to praise God for our parents who are managing things on the homefront.  We are also thankful for the generous donors who continue to donate to our adoption fund.  Thank you!