Cry Out

It's okay to cry. It's okay to cry when we receive bad new. It's okay to cry when something is burdening our heart. Sometimes we feel like a failure when we cry, like we've lost hope or lost faith. Babies and children cry because they have a need. They cry because we haven't satisfied this need and they want to make sure this need is noticed. Let's rewind to Gotcha Day. Many children cried because they were scared or they missed their previous caretaker. Even after the children accepted their new parents, they cried because they were hungry, tired, or needed changing. Each of these needs are important and recur time and time again. Does it make a child unreasonable to cry? Does it mean they don't believe their needs will be met? Or are these children just showing emotion and asking for attention? Yes, we tried to meet all of Elijah's needs right away but sometimes it took time to know what he needed. It was helpful when he learned sign language and could clearly express what he wanted.  Sometimes it was easy to meet the need and sometimes, as parents, we knew better than to give him what he wanted. 

As children of God, we are children at heart. We have wants and needs. Sometimes we cry because we need to let our emotions out. Sometimes we cry because this world is broken and we need to grieve loss and suffering. I beg you to cry out to Jesus and express what you need. I believe God hears our heartfelt and fervent prayers. I believe God loves when we pour out our hearts and open up our minds to him. Use the language of worship and prayer to thank Him and ask Him for help. He will lift you up, He will restore you, and He will bring you closer. I've never cried out or prayed harder than when my Mom was undergoing tests and surgery. I told God just how much we still needed her, how I didn't want her to suffer through treatment, and how it wasn't time for her to leave yet. Sometimes when something is really important to us, we cry. Not because we've lost hope or faith but because we want to express just how important this need is to us. God hears us. And while you may be asking what if he says no, I'll reply with but what if he says yes. We always have to remember that He knows best. He created us, has a good plan for us, and will one day call us all to join Him. In the meantime, cry out to your Heavenly Father and know that it's okay. 

There is hope for the helpless

Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

Cry Out to Jesus, Third Day
The red lantern in the video reminds me of China :)

On Monday we met with our social worker to start our first post adoption report. I can't believe it's been almost six months since Gotcha Day! Today marks 4 weeks since Elijah's surgery. Thankfully only two more weeks of soft food. Elijah will definitely be happy to expand his food options again!

This is the one we chose for Elijah's baby box. It will contain items related to his adoption, his childhood, and our trip to China for him to treasure forever. So many things to include already!