Farewell Riga

It's Sunday night, we leave for the airport at 8am tomorrow, we're 'mostly' packed. It's hard to believe this time is coming to a close. We spent several months thinking about and anticipating this three week stay in Latvia that was required for our adoption. Now it's a memory.

There's so much I could say about it and so much that I'm feeling regarding coming home. I have really loved being here. Old Riga is like being on the set of a movie. I've never been in such a place. It's amazing I didn't twist an ankle trying to get around on these 800 year old brick streets. (and I'm wearing flats.. the Latvian women wear only high healed boots!)

I've eaten more pastries these three weeks than in my entire life, I'm sure of it.. and I will confess that we have just enough time to run & grab a few for the road in the morning and you know we will ;)

My eyes have been feasting on the fall color here.. again, it's unlike anywhere I've been. It's so rich and its as if peak season has been each day that we've been here. I learned just today that Latvia can expect only about 60 days of sun per year and 30 of them are in the summer. In that case, I'm pleased to have enjoyed a few of the yearly allowance of sunny days.

Of greater importance, this has been a precious time for our family. A true gift in many ways and a miracle that God provided for all of us to be here. We're so grateful.

It's been great to know and understand where Irena is from and yet to also experience some of her country with her for her first time as well. What a gift to have this time as a family.

As I head home tomorrow my heart feels some sadness for Irena as she leaves the only 'home' she has known. She is certainly sad to leave her close friends and caretakers. I feel some sadness too that this unique time for our family is coming to a close.

My heart is also a bit scared for the days ahead.. they are filled with unknowns.. not just for Irena but for all of us as we adjust to new roles. Please keep us in your prayers while we make these transitions.

It's good to see how we can bring some of what we had here back home. While 'home' greets us with many responsibilities and schedules, etc. that we did not have here, I believe we can have greater intention to connect even in our home context.

I am also excited! Excited about the privilege of gaining a deeper understanding of my position in God's family as we imperfectly bring Irena into ours. Excited to share with her and help her to see and to know the love of her Heavenly Father. None of us will be unchanged.

I love the first verse of this Third Day song, Children of God:

Praise to the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Our God and our King, to Him we will sing
In His great mercy, He has given us life
Now we can be called the children of God!