Hello friends, how are you doing today?
This morning I feel a need to reach out to you, asking for your understanding and support. Many of you are people who pray; will you pray for us this season?
Everything will be well. We are ok, joy and tranquility are present. I would like to express to you the reality of our lives, that we feel intense pressure as well.
Drew works long days managing a team, resolving problems and meeting deadlines. He has little rest or recreation, and almost zero alone time in a week.
Titus is frustrated by insufficient playtime in his day. We arrive home from school at 4 or 5pm and he has at least one hour of homework. We eat supper at 7pm when Drew arrives home, and the kids sleep at 8:30.
Mike feels neglected because Titus and Mom are preoccupied with Titus' schooling and other matters.
I wonder how Reuben is today? Wish we knew.
I, Rachel, feel anxiety overseeing the wellness of Drew, Titus and Michael. I feel lonely and sorry for Drew. I feel heartbroken when Titus explodes in anger and Michael is longing for attention.
Recently, adoption paperwork has been time-consuming: Seven visits to different police offices for background checks and two full mornings getting health checks.
This is a season of learning to be sensitive to one another's feelings.
We welcome and hope for your words of understanding and encouragement, and also for your prayers. Thanks so much!
UPDATE: Yesterday was an especially rough day both for Drew at work and for us at home, so I am very thankful that you were praying us through it.
counting the graces
thank you Father for
relationship strengthened with Wang Ayi through mistakes and affirmation
tears that soften the intensity of anxiety
true growth -- it's the journey not the destination
empathy gained through living like my neighbors, with kids in Chinese schools and husband in Chinese company
finding our handcrafted wooden go-cart which was previously believed to have been stolen
morning hugs with warm sleepy bodies
access to knowledge that equips -- nutrition, wellness, God's character and will, pedagogy, history, child development
intimate friends who I admire
my deliverer is coming
Ah, Rachael.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate reading your blog. There are three people I look forward to hearing from, who work in China. The reason is that I know what you are writing is Father focused. Because we have children there, we know there are lines to read between, long days, tired and weary people, different culture challenges, missed family and occasions, wondering about moving...the list goes on. And yet you stay Father Focused. Thank you for what you do, where you do it and who you do it with. You are more than a wife, mom, friend, mentor, daughter, sister. You are a bright beacon of hope to all whose lives you touch. Mine included. I still have my bamboo shoot from your wedding. It reminds me to lift you up to the One who knows, sustains and blesses. Thank you for sharing your heart, keep loving your cherished ones. You are a blessing to many sweet daughter of the King!
The family picture is beautiful, thanks for sharing it.
Chris
Chris, (deep breath), thank you. Thank you for really listening, and knowing. I feel understood and heard. I feel upheld. Thank you.
DeleteOh Rachel, we love you guys so much! I think about you almost every day. Is there anything we can do? Love, Kristin C
ReplyDeleteKristin, I am so surprised and so touched to hear from you! I feel encouraged by your generous love. What can you do...let's pray for each other. I can only imagine the challenges you face on any given day as well. It would be good to catch up in email as well.
DeleteLove you too. :)
I will pray, each day.
ReplyDeletePeace...
Bridget in Hutchinson