One of the best things about having a relationship with Jesus is that he redeems the darkest days in your life. He makes beauty where there is none and brings tremendous joy in the midst of sorrow and sadness. March 22, 2014 is the day when our life changed forever. March 22, 2018 is a day we will never forget.
Four years ago this morning we received the news no parent ever wants to receive. The doctors in our mountain town suspected that Jacob had leukemia. There are some things in life you can remember vividly. This is one of those things. I remember where I was when Marshall called from the hospital. I remember what I was doing that morning and for some reason I can even remember watching the snow start to fall as I was listening to what sounded like muffled words from my husband. To this day, I remember that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
As you all know, the "suspected" diagnosis ended up being correct. Jacob had Acute Myloid Leukemia and ended up spending the rest of 2014 at Children's Hospital up in Aurora, Colorado. He joined Jesus on January 3, 2015.
But God's story doesn't end there. In fact, it gets even better!
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Romans 8:28
God's fingerprints have been all over the adoption of three brothers into our family. Fast forward four years...
March 22, 2018... We got word this week that the boys legal documents finally arrived. We had been told back in January that they were "on their way and we should get them soon." The word "soon" threw us off because these important documents never came - until now. March 22, 2018 is the day the boys legal documents( I-800) will be sent to our government! The I-800 approval is the last step in the adoption process and allows for the boys to begin the process of obtaining their visas to come to America! You can imagine the excitement in this house when we were told about this!
March 22nd will always be a day we remember vividly and celebrate passionately. It is the day when God tapped us on the shoulder and said, "See, I am making all things new and there is still so much more to come. I take the darkest times in your life and make something good out of them. I will turn your sadness into joy. I will make March 22nd a special day for you for years to come. " Thank you Lord for this day and for all you continue to do through this adoption.
Please celebrate this day with us and remember that when there appears to be nothing but sadness, God promises something great on the road ahead. As always, we appreciate your continued prayers as we get even closer to bringing our boys home. What a wonderful day that will be.
Yeah, Jacob, I know you are smiling at all of this. Must be something to have a front row seat. Love you always son,
Mom
