The Bible is full of stories of men and women who could not have done the great things God called them to without going through previous training and trials. It was those things that made them perfect for what God called them to. Think of Moses being raised in Pheroah's household. Without that he wouldn't have had the education to write the Pentateuch. And Joseph having lived in Egypt for years and rising in power allowed for him to be able to save his family from starvation. Esther could only step in to save her people because she was queen and was able to win her husband's favor. Paul had a strong grasp of the Old Testament due to his training as a Pharisee. Once God opened his eyes to Jesus being Lord, this deep theological education served as his foundation for writing much of the New Testament. I am in no way comparing us to the Bible greats. But what I am saying is that God has completely paved the way and prepared us for this trip.
When we started this process, one of the reasons we chose Taiwan was because it wouldn't require a long trip. We had a 6 week trip when we adopted the big boys and didn't want to spend that much time away from our kids. We also picked Taiwan because we knew that it was a well established program that had a manual with a pretty predictable guidline of what to expect. Lifeline Children's Services (our agency) has great training and social workers to help us. We knew what we were signing up for and were content with that. Uganda had so many unknowns and variables that we were looking for something with a little more predictablity. Little did we know that 2020 would be the least predictable year of our lifetimes! Our one week trip to bring Caleb home has turned into 4 weeks. The manual for travel to Taiwan was pretty much thrown out the window. I read it right before we left and more than half of it no longer applied due to new COVID-19 protocols.
However, we have seen this movie before. This is adoption 2.0. Thanks to Uganda, we know what it looks like to be in another country for weeks waiting to meet government requirements so you can bring your child home. We know what it is like to be stuck in one house for weeks with foods that aren't your norm. We know what it is like to try to navigate a place while not speaking the language. So this time we were more prepared for this journey. I brought an entire suitcase of foods like peanut butter, gluten free wraps, oatmeal, protien bars, food pouches, etc and activities like marvel bears(orbees), magnatiles, tegu blocks, playdoh, imagine ink, cards, board games, etc. It has kept us busy and well fed on this trip. The hotel has given us some pretty amazing meals but there are times when you just want your comfort foods. Also, my picky eaters haven't liked everything they have provided for us.
The kids have been absolutely amazing. They have been so patient and kind. They haven't really even complained about being stuck in quarantine. I fully attribute that to God, prayers, and the fact that we were quarantined this spring. It fully helps that we have a time line. Knowing how much longer you have to do something makes it so much more manageable. Honestly, I think Nathaniel could do just about anything and do it in stride without complaint. However, absolutely no one was sad to pack up our bags and break free to explore the country!
God has completely blessed us with a new friend. A friend from Westchase contacted me and told me that one of her friends was currently in Taipei. She connected us and hours of conversation ensued. She has been such a great resource. She has told us which grocery stores carry more american products. Which train stations to go to for different things. Where to buy souveneirs. Where we should eat. Where to get travel cards and tickets for the train to get down to where Caleb lives. Where to take the kids to play. We are going to meet up with her and her kids on Friday at the zoo.
God has also provided another friend of a friend in Taichung (where Caleb lives). Their family has graciously offered to pick us up from the high speed train station and take us around the city. I cannot explain what a blessing it is to have a local show you around and truly show you the culture. I don't mind exploring a city on my own but a local knows all the best places to go...including which grocery stores will accept interntational credit cards and have labels in english. :-)
Having lived in London, I understand how big cities work. Big cities have their own culture and feel but for the most part the structure is the same. Walking to the MRT (subway) station and getting on the train felt like home. It was second nature to me even if it was a city that I have never been in before. Nathaniel and I went to the grocery store and it was exactly how I expected it to be...small and packed...but full of everything I needed. I love being able to share my love of other cultures and cities with my children. They have been sharing their own observances and of course it amazes me how much they take in and how things that I don't even blink at are noticable to them.
Just like with our last adoption, we have experienced and will continue to experience trials. Adoption is HARD! And Satan does not want us to adopt! But we also know that whenever we step out in faith to what God has called us to do he also equips and provides exactly what we need. The many prayers of everyone at home are a huge part of how God works this out. We have felt your prayers moreso now than at any other time in our lives, and we take joy at the fact that God is glorified through this entire experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment