Serving God in a Season of Staying

My, it has been so long since I’ve written. Life is crazy, calendar is packed, schedules are going ninety different directions…

I decided to start blogging again. It is June, and this is the time for adventures! ;) Even though my adventures are not in China this time of year again, life is still adventurous….life is always adventurous no matter where it takes you.

The past year has been a season of many things, but mainly, a season of staying. I really love to go places and to explore new parts of the world, but, the past year has taught me to find adventure in my home…to find GOD in my home.
You see, when I think of adventures, I think of mission trips. When I think of mission trips, I think of foreign countries. And, when I think of foreign countries, I think THAT’S where God is. I have to go seven thousand miles away, this Summer, to find God.
But, I’ve learned something very important, recently: experiencing the presence of God starts in my home…or even closer, and more so, in my heart.

In March, I had the wonderful opportunity to share my songs and our adoption story at the Pure Girl retreat at Highland Lakes for two weekends in a row. The retreat, each weekend, consisted of about 100 8-12 year old girls, their Mommies, aunts, friends, mentors, Grandma’s, etc.
I was in charge of one of the Saturday breakouts, A Servant’s Heart, where I talked about my experience in missions! Something that I felt led to share with the young girls was something that I needed to hear myself.
In my breakout, I talked about my camp experiences, there, at Highland Lakes, I told stories of my times in China, our involvement in orphan care, and our story of adoption. I, then, closed with what true ministry and mission work is.
“You don’t have to be a certain age to follow God and you don’t have to travel thousand of miles to serve Him,” I told them, “You can be a missionary right now! In your home, in your community, in your school, in your church…..wherever you are, that is your ministry.”

What the Lord gave me to say to those girls was exactly what He was trying to say to me all year long.

Even though I feel the Lord calling me to China, it doesn’t mean I can’t be a disciple where I am now. My young age keeps me from that now, obviously…but it, in no way, keeps me from serving God here.

I believe that truly experiencing the presence of God starts, smack dab, in the middle of our hearts. The God of satisfaction isn’t just thousands of miles away, He lives in the hearts of every son and daughter of His. All we have to do to hear His voice is simply silence our mouths and listen. If we can’t learn to be satisfied in the Lord, right where we are, then there is no way that we’ll ever be completely satisfied anywhere else.

I also have learned that serving God ultimately starts at home. Like, if you have a strong “hankerin’” to live your life for more than yourself, you don’t have to pack up for Africa and hold lots of fundraisers, simply wash the dishes and help your Mom out a little bit. While those huge things are amazing, missions does not have to stop at the end of your mission trip…or start there either. You can serve today with small things that make a huge difference later.
My ministry today is, as I have found out to be, a lot of things! My ministry is helping my little brothers with their kindergarten home schooling; my ministry is exercising and encouraging my friends to do so; it’s taking time to study for my tests rather than just getting by; my ministry is teaching the young people at my church; my ministry is preparing lunch for my siblings while Mom is running errands; it’s being a big sister, it’s praying for my friends; playing “Jesus Loves Me” at our local nursing home; smiling at the post office lady as I send my letters; dressing modestly; waking up earlier to accomplish more things… Serving God can be all of these things that come with every day life. Serving God can even be waiting, trusting in His timing.

　

I tried so many times to have an adventure this Summer. I looked into more China trips, Italy trips, Ireland trips, some Scotland trips, more and more China trips, even New York trips…. But each time, with all of the loud voices shouting, GO HERE, GO THERE, God kept whispering, “..stay.”
I am very positive that hundreds of people applied to those trips, and hundreds of people will go on those trips and serve those people and hold those babies. But who will stay here and choose to serve our neighbors in small ways that make huge differences?

Financially, I wasn’t able to go on any of the trips. And that’s okay. Because I believe that God has big plans for me in growing, gaining strength, and learning…in this season of staying. And I’m so excited to go on the adventures that God has for me this summer!

So what are my summer plans? I will be preparing for my Senior year of high school by digging into the three-inch-thick books on my desk. I’ll be assisting in the preschool class at our VBS. I’ll be teaching 1^st-3^rd graders at my church on Sundays and leading our youth bible study on Wednesdays. I’ll be helping at a missions camp (yay!), I’ll be joining our church as we spend a week in Tennessee, building another church. I’ll be making projects for 4-H. I’ll be finishing my documentary film. I’ll be playing a couple of concerts nearby. I’ll be running my first 5k. I’ll be going to my favorite camp (and helping teach this year!). I’ll be playing at the swing set with the littles.
That sounds like a pretty adventurous summer to me!

　

How will you serve God today?

Love Is Patient

 It’s late…and I have an early morning with a busy day ahead of me… but look where I am. I have needed to write for a long time, but haven’t. But,  I need to write this, now.

 

Over two months ago, I wrote a story in my journal on June 21, entitled, “Love Is Patient.” It was day four with Sophia, and I wrote these words during her nap, by the window in our hotel in Zhengzhou:

  

“Love Is Patient

I haven’t said it to anyone but my parents, but, Sophie isn’t as close to me as she was a year ago.

 Several of people have asked if I think she remembers me. My answer is always no, and I believe what I say. For many reasons, I think, she wouldn’t remember me: 1.) she’s young, 2.) I was only with her for a week, 3.) it’s been a year, 4.) a lot of people go through MBHOH and she was a favorite, and 5.) she’s been through a lot of change since I saw her. So, no. She doesn’t remember me at all. But that’s okay, because I never, for one minute, forgot about her.

 Today is the fourth day that we’ve had our Sophia. Yesterday was a good day…the latter part was... after we prayed over her. We walked to McDonalds and took in a lot of the beauty of Zhengzhou. We got good exercise and Sophia LOVES riding in her stroller! Which is great because we do a lot of walking on this trip. But anyway, yesterday was good.

 They told us before that the children will normally choose one family member and maybe refuse one. She hasn’t exactly refused anybody but she has definitely chosen Mom. Which is okay. I’m very happy for that! I’m so happy that she has chosen Mom for her security feelings…Mom loves that Sophia loves her. And I truly wouldn’t want it any other way.

 I would be telling a lie, though, if I said that I’m completely okay with Sophia not wanting me. It isn’t easy for me to see her changed from last year. It isn’t easy for me to watch her run away from all of the love I have to give her.

 Even though, she has greatly changed from when I first met her, something that has not changed is my love for her.

 My love for Sophia has never changed from last year. I never stopped loving her, in fact, I have grown more in love with her with each day that I have waited for her.

 The Lord says in the Bible that love is patient. So, I must be patient for her to love me back. I will wait for her.

 

 This morning, in Zhengzhou, China (6-21-12), Sophia came to me for the first time on her own free will. She let me hold her for just a while and laid her head on my shoulder.

  

 Love is patient.”

 

 I read the exact words that I wrote seven thousand miles away from where I am now, and two months ago. And I realize how far God has brought her in just those two months… It is truly incredible. It is incredible because I look at pictures from our “Gotcha Day” and I see a very different girl. I see a scared little girl meeting her family for the first time and not knowing how to react to the great change. Today, I see joy beaming out of her slanted eyes and she shoots giant smiles to everyone…Today, I see a happy little girl covered in peace given only by her heavenly Father. I see a princess who is no longer an orphan. And every morning, I wake up to Sophia’s shining face as she makes eye contact with me…waves “hello”…and runs to her big sister with the biggest smile…I pick her up and receive the biggest hug, with her legs wrapped around my waist and her arms completely around my neck…the tightest, sweetest embrace. And I stand in peace….in hope…that the Lord is good, the Lord is right, the Lord is on my side and fighting for our family… that we are where we belong, together.

 We are doing well. As much as I tempt to believe that my whole world is falling apart and that we’re fighting a losing battle in some areas…I know that we are truly doing well. Especially for two months. We’ve seen huge improvements in Sophia’s development, she started seeing Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy last week, and I’ve already learned a LOT about her. We expect great things. Her first appointment at Riley Hospital is in a couple of weeks. Please keep praying for her little body. Remember, the God that is in our hearts is a healing God, a loving God, and a miracle-working God.
 Also, please remember Samuel and Isaac, Sam started Kindergarten two weeks ago, and Isaac in preschool. It is rough starting a new routine and everything that follows with that, but we are working on improvements. We need prayers, but we are doing well. I truly believe that God has big plans for our little guys.
 With Caleb in college, me a Junior in high school and beginning to drive, Mom and Dad working with everything mentioned above, life gets a little crazy. Just a little bit…
 Please remember my parents in prayer…they play big, important roles….literally 24/7. It never ends for them…through the night and all. They are heroes to their children, all of us. The Isaacs said it best, “…they keep on giving, to make life worth living. They might go unnoticed, but they’re heroes just the same…”

 Thank you for the continuous love to our family. God bless.
 Love is patient....1 Corinthians 13:4.



Sophia loves bath time!

 

 

-Emily

Goodbye, Summer!

 I know, I know, I know. I am fully aware that I haven't written in such a long time. And I know that you all want to hear more from us now that we're all home! Haha, I am aware.
 Now that everyone is starting school and settling back down from a crazy summer, I hope to blog more and share more pictures with the blog world. Please forgive me.

 Sophia has been home for a month and a half now, she's in our arms for two months. We have seen GREAT changes in her! We look back at pictures from our "Gotcha Day" and see such a changed little girl - we believe that she's changed so much on the inside that she looks different on the outside. She's a very happy little girl now and I think that is just a precious gift and miracle from God. How far He's brought her in two months gives me hope for her beautiful future.


 On another note, today is MY last day of summer! Boooo. But, surprisingly, I'm very excited to start a new school year. Starting tomorrow, I will begin my Junior year of High school.
 This summer has had so many adventures, so-happy-you-cry moments along with the very difficult, so-frustrated-you-cry moments. As any adoptive family could relate, the transitions and settling in hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies... We've come very far, though, and still, we have a long road ahead of us, we will get through with time, patience, love, and mostly our faithful Father.
 Last week was Isaac's first week of Preschool, Samuel's first week of Kindergarten, and Caleb's first week of college in KY. So, you can imagine the crazy week we had!

 But, anyway. I had a very nice last day of summer. We had church, I taught my 1st-3rd graders, had lunch at Mamaw and Papaw's, had some friends over and played ping-pong, had piano time, a short nap time, Sophie and I came home to help Caleb pack more stuff as he left for KY, made a snack for the road, blew goodbye kisses to Caleb, cleaned the backyard, played on the swing set, painted our toenails, and had messy indoor s'mores!
 This evening, it was a Sophie and Emily time, and we made the best of it. I don't know if I've ever smiled and laughed that much with someone I can't actually have a conversation with! Kisses, laughter, bare feet, slides, tickles, wagons, Sunday dresses, cool weather, swings, piggy back rides, joyful screaming, pretty hair bows, m&ms, and such a big smile from that princess that I couldn't even see her eyes!



 Sophia's new thing is climbing up the slide and sliding down all by herself. She loves it...she's definitely a climber! As we were playing on the slide, I was climbing right behind her to catch her if she fell. She was doing really well, but almost to the top, she stumbled and fell into my arms, I paused to see if she was scared or hurt but she just giggled and smiled and got right back up again. And once we she made it to the top, she shot me a giant grin and clapped her hands as loud as she could! It was the sweetest thing in the world.
 From a girl that can speak about 4 or 5 words, I can sure learn a lot from her. Many times when I am trying something new or something hard, I get really mad if I fail..and I'm not very quick to start again. I am a perfectionist and I always have been. But, I learned something awesome from Sophia tonight: I don't have to be a perfectionist. I don't have to try to be perfect because I am human and I make mistakes. It's sometimes hard for me to accept that I'm allowed to make mistakes, I'm sure everyone reading this can relate.
 But, we took our sandals off, got dirty even in my favorite white skirt, painted toenails even though she was right behind me, touching them...we ate s'mores and and it WAS messy!
 I had a wonderful time this evening and I think Sophia did as well.

 It's okay to get dirty and make a complete mess. It's okay! It's alright to make a few mistakes and to laugh along the way, as long as you try again. It's actually very fun. So? Go and get dirty. Go and have fun and make a mess. Just do it. Have a good time. Make memories.

Happy week, bloggers!

-Emily

Adoption Video

 Check out this video made by Big Sister, Emily, of the Edwards Family's adoption story! Share with your friends and keep those prayers coming!

Love to all!
-Emily

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY958NsGFG4

A Complete Family

Hellooo, Bloggers!

 I'm terribly sorry for the lack of updating. I hope that all of the pictures in the last blog made up for it! haha
 Well, it's day 11 here at home with our WHOLE family. :) We're doing well...it's very hard, for Sophie....for both of the little boys...for all of us. I think it's very shocking for me because I didn't expect it to be this hard. It's going to take a long while for us to be settled in together. But, we'll get there. God brought us this far, He won't leave things the way they are. I have hope that God is working right now and that we will see it later. But for a week and a half, we're doing well.
 We're seeing improvements every day in Sophia! I think she likes her home...she is experiencing a lot of new things - it's a good thing she's adventerous! I think she likes us, too! We have seen so many smiles in her...she's so happy. She's so silly and goofy and crazy and LOUD and she's learning to be sweet and she always keeps us laughing (and running!).
 We have been at home for the most part, it's better for the kids....but if you see us out in public, it probably looks like a circus. I'm not kidding when I say that the attention is ALWAYS on us..we get so many looks! And usually leave the place with some kind of snacks or something spilled or messed up. Eating out is a no for us anymore. ;)
 Though my family has become quite insane, I say this with all honesty in my heart- I wouldn't want it any other way.

 We appreciate all prayers. We are in much need of them. There's a lot more going on that's more personal and carrying burdens makes the walk very weary very fast. Please pray for us as we continue this journey as a family, that we will gain strength and joy. Please pray that God will heal the wounds so deep in the hearts of the little ones in our family. And pray that we will find peace along the way. Thank you all so much.

 Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
 -Emily

Day 5 As A Family - Pictures!

 Day 5 back in America! We are doing very well! Adjusting...getting used to America's time again (jetlag has been so hard!)...Sophie is meeting all of these new people....we are doing well! We need lots of prayer though, we have a long journey ahead and will need all the prayer we can get. Sophia has come so far in these 3 weeks since we've had her in our arms, already though! But, settling in with three little kids is hard, as you would imagine. Samuel, Isaac, and Sophia all get along, but like I said, we have a long road ahead. We'll get there, though!

 I have lots of pictures to share! We had an incredible time in China, definitely a once in a lifetime experience! I am so happy that my parents got to experience China, but, we were all very happy to be back in America! So happy to have our WHOLE family together....I've been saying that over and over this week! So happy.
 With 3 ornery children, family pictures are definitely a struggle...haha, so though we haven't had complete family picture yet, that will come!

Rob and Rachel waiting in Newark to leave for China!

China!

In Beijing

Wal-Mart was insane! haha

"There she is! There she is! That's her, there she is!!"



There she is :)



Sophia Grace!!

Momma's first time holding her baby girl!

Sophia and her Daddy :)

Hearts so full....

Such a sweet reunion! So happy to have her in my arms again. I have found myself in finding my sister.

Together!!

She loves mirrors!

Rob, Rachel, with their adoption ceritificate!

Rob and Sophie at the Luoyang orphanage - where she stayed from February-June.

Sophie's "EMPTY" crib!

Maria's Big House of Hope!

Emily, Sophie, and Rachel in the Jungle Book Room!

Sophie with a very sweet and special Nanny!
When I (Emily) left MBHOH last year, I said goodbye to Sophie and I started crying.
This Nanny started speaking to me in Chinese, and though I couldn't understand what she was saying,
I knew by the look on her face that she was wondering why I was so sad.
We didn't speak each other's language, so I tried acting out the reason why I was sad. haha.
I told her, "I will miss her....I....will....miss...her....I WILL MISS HER..." and I finally said, "Wo Ai Ni," (which means I Love You) and I patted Sophie's back. And I contiued with, "I am going to miss her."
She understood so clearly then.
It was wonderful to go back and right as I walked into their room, she gave me a big hug and started saying something in Chinese. A translator then came up and told me, "She's saying she remembers you!"

It is so evident that the Nannies there are in love with the babies at MBHOH
and care so much for them. So thankful for their hearts!

This is on MBHOH's roof. AKA: my favorite place on earth.
This is the exact spot where I heard God's voice so clearly...
This is where God confirmed to me that Sophie is my sister. This place takes my breath away!

So thankful for our visit to MBHOH!

Me, with friends, Abby and Dan, whom I met last year in China! Wonderful people!

Mom and Sophie doing laundry!

Miss Hollywood!!

China requires that you wear swimming caps......

Hahahahaha.

Mom and Sophie playing with stickers!

Sophie loves her shoes! In all sizes!

First doctor's check up

We went on a river cruise in Guangzhou - it was amazing!!

So happy :)

Canton Tower, (the Rainbow Tower) - the second largest building in the world!
In Guangzhou, China

We had a great time at the Guangzhou Zoo!

"Little Sister" :)

so sweet....

This is the "Sophie look." She's so rotten! Haha

"Goodbye, China..."

Sophie enjoying the airplanes :)



Leaving Hong Kong for HOME!



Momma's Girl!



First look at America!



Our amazing friends with their tshirts made up waiting at the airport!
Sad news - our flights got messed up from Chicago to Indianapolis, so we didn't get to see these guys in person.
But they all wore their shirts the following Sunday as we welcomed Sophie home :)

First meeting with big brother, Caleb!

Sophia's very own bedroom :)



Sophia at HOME :)

Sophie with her brothers, Sam, and Isaac!