I have been working endlessly at fundraising, preparing her room, and just getting "ready" for the things I know I can be ready for. I am excited to show you Anna's (almost finished) room! I just have a couple other things I am determined to get done... but if it doesn't happen... this is what she's going to get! If this girl loves pink the way she says she does... she might just love this room!
We had our home inspection this past Sunday and the woman was nearly in tears over this room. She mentioned that in the twelve years she has been doing inspections, she has never seen a family redo a room for someone who is just a host child. I didn't know what to say! Was I not supposed to? I can't imagine not sprucing up this room so that it is special for her - even if it is only for four weeks! For the four weeks she is here she will be able to claim a room that is her own! Not only that, but Anna will see that we paid attention to the things SHE likes and wants (probably not something that happens very often)... maybe that will open her heart towards us? Maybe her room will be a haven like she has never had before. Maybe she'll hate it. I just don't know! I feel excited and nervous every time I look at this picture! Will this room be a good fit for Anna? Even though it's only for a few weeks? I sure hope so! In just over a week, we will find out!
Please don't think I'm so superficial... her room is a fun thing to put time and effort into - but trust me... that is not the only thing we have taken the time to prepare! We have been preparing in so many other ways as well! We understand that there will be tougher issues to face and other trials to deal with... but since we don't know what they are, we just pray that God gives us the wisdom to handle them correctly when the time comes. We are praying for Anna as she prepares her mind and heart to come here. We have been in constant preparation through prayer since we started this journey... and I don't think it will end anytime soon! In fact, I think it may only become more constant (if that's possible!) once she arrives! Please don't think that we think this will be some sort of fun walk in the park. If it is - FABULOUS! If it isn't - FABULOUS! With the Lord's help... we will be prepared either way and will deal with any situation as it arises!
We have been learning so many interesting things about Anna and I'm just so curious what she is thinking about us! One thing we have been told is that we should not be surprised if she just stands at the fridge with the door open - staring in to see what's inside. The concept of an endless supply of food is foreign to many of these poor children... so a fridge! Can you imagine! Another thing that we have been made aware of is that NOTHING is private! They share EVERYTHING. Again, can you imagine!? If not, let me help you... Some of these children get a pair of shoes (that may or may not fit) in the morning that are on a different kid's feet the next day. They get one outfit a week and then it could belong to another child the next week. The backpack she will be bringing with her - is probably borrowed. Nobody has their own room... nothing is their own. I can not even begin to understand this, yet for them, it's life. I just have to take a deep breath in every time I ponder these things. We have been warned - expect to be thought of as millionaires. She will think we can afford everything. Little does she know! Though, how can she not think this? We have a room that is totally empty and waiting just for her! We have a fridge that has a seemingly endless supply of food. We have space that we can call our own, clothes that only we wear, and shoes that fit... many, many shoes that fit. Materialistically, to her, we certainly "have it all." It sure does put things into perspective, doesn't it?
I count my blessings every time I think about Miss Anna. I can not wait to meet this young girl!! I want to keep talking and talking, but I fear - I'm exhausted. I guess I will have to wait until another time. Perhaps at that point, I will be telling you all about her rather than wondering what she will be like!
Until next time!
Please don't think I'm so superficial... her room is a fun thing to put time and effort into - but trust me... that is not the only thing we have taken the time to prepare! We have been preparing in so many other ways as well! We understand that there will be tougher issues to face and other trials to deal with... but since we don't know what they are, we just pray that God gives us the wisdom to handle them correctly when the time comes. We are praying for Anna as she prepares her mind and heart to come here. We have been in constant preparation through prayer since we started this journey... and I don't think it will end anytime soon! In fact, I think it may only become more constant (if that's possible!) once she arrives! Please don't think that we think this will be some sort of fun walk in the park. If it is - FABULOUS! If it isn't - FABULOUS! With the Lord's help... we will be prepared either way and will deal with any situation as it arises!
We have been learning so many interesting things about Anna and I'm just so curious what she is thinking about us! One thing we have been told is that we should not be surprised if she just stands at the fridge with the door open - staring in to see what's inside. The concept of an endless supply of food is foreign to many of these poor children... so a fridge! Can you imagine! Another thing that we have been made aware of is that NOTHING is private! They share EVERYTHING. Again, can you imagine!? If not, let me help you... Some of these children get a pair of shoes (that may or may not fit) in the morning that are on a different kid's feet the next day. They get one outfit a week and then it could belong to another child the next week. The backpack she will be bringing with her - is probably borrowed. Nobody has their own room... nothing is their own. I can not even begin to understand this, yet for them, it's life. I just have to take a deep breath in every time I ponder these things. We have been warned - expect to be thought of as millionaires. She will think we can afford everything. Little does she know! Though, how can she not think this? We have a room that is totally empty and waiting just for her! We have a fridge that has a seemingly endless supply of food. We have space that we can call our own, clothes that only we wear, and shoes that fit... many, many shoes that fit. Materialistically, to her, we certainly "have it all." It sure does put things into perspective, doesn't it?
I count my blessings every time I think about Miss Anna. I can not wait to meet this young girl!! I want to keep talking and talking, but I fear - I'm exhausted. I guess I will have to wait until another time. Perhaps at that point, I will be telling you all about her rather than wondering what she will be like!
Until next time!
