So, Oma sent a new blanket for Caleb to welcome him into the fam. It is great to see this longstanding tradition carry on. Abbie has one, Collin somehow managed to get two, and now Caleb has one. Both Abbie and Collin still treasure theirs, though neither will actually admit to still "using" their Oma Blanket anymore. In this picture you can see Collin posing with Caleb's new blanket. We'll be bringing it for him to carry and cuddle.
On a separate note, we are getting down to the wire. Last night we went to Target to stock up on miscelaneous medical supplies. It seems like we are bringing enough pharmaceuticals to supply a small country. I know China is perfectly civilized and very advanced country. Yet, our philosophy on bringing meds is plan for the worst, hope for the best. There is nothing worse than trying to find some Immodium, Tylenol, etc. in a foreign country when you really, really need it. Trust me, I know. Trust me, you're happy I'm sparing you the details on why I know.
In any event, we are now moving into the final stages of our departure. Mer just asked, "Is there any other laundry you need done before the trip?" Basically she means, "I'm ready to go now. I'm not doing any more laundry until we come home. Choose wisely what you wear from here on out." She is so organized. No wonder I love her so much.
On another note, as I go through all of our preparations in preparing for Caleb, I cannot help but wonder what must be going through the minds and hearts of his foster parents, and of Caleb. Having witnessed two children grow through the one year old stage, I'm fairly certain Caleb doesn't have a comprehension of how drastically his life is about to change. If anything, he can sense his foster parents may be getting a bit antsy. At most, he is getting to recognize us through the pictures that we have sent. Only time will tell. Those foster parents, though; we will be forever in their debt for the love and care that they have shown Caleb over this past year. What must they be thinking and feeling at this time? In eight or nine days they will say goodbye to the boy that they have loved and prepared for our family. In eight or nine days we will welcome the boy that we have waited for for nearly a year. Their hearts will be sad with their loss and lightened by ours and Caleb's gain. Our hearts will be rejoicing at our gain and saddened with their loss. In it all Caleb is just along for the ride at this point. It gets complicated quickly, doesn't it?
On this Easter weekend, I am given some new insight into the tremendous depth and vastness of God's love. First he gives away his beloved Son as an act of love - complicated, profound, and yet still love. Second, he adopts us as his children and takes us in as his very own. May you have a blessed Easter.
Please keep Caleb, his foster family, and us in your prayers
