The time is upon us

Yesterday was an emotional day as Barry's brother, Joey, came over with his two boys and our beagle, Biscuit, who is now their dog because of our dumb neighbor... ANYWAY that's not the point. Joey and his family are moving to Texas while we are in Micah's country, so they came to say goodbye. This is only months after Barry's mom moved to NM, so we are the only Ray's left in California. It's been a trying time for Barry who is very close to his family. Amidst this sadness, we got to love on Biscuit, Zachary and Tyler for a few hours and it was a great day. Saying goodbye was hard because we know we won't see them for a really long time.... possibly even years.

And as our departure gets closer, we are both just getting emotional anyway. Going so far from home for so long (two months for me and one for Barry) is something we knew we'd be doing when we committed to Micah, but having it start tomorrow is a different story. Taking Annie with us is a huge blessing, but leaving our other children behind is much more difficult than anyone could imagine unless they've done it before. Even leaving Fischer is hard. Everything is organized and in motion; we are on track for packing and items on our lists are being crossed off each day. I really don't feel stressed AT ALL, which is a miracle. I haven't procrastinated, and all the plans for our trip have gone quite smoothly. We know God is in control of this entire journey and everything has gone according to His plan. We are excited to be going to get our little boy. But we are sad to leave the biggest part of our hearts behind to wait for us to bring him home. We are hopeful that there won't be any delays in country, but if so, we have been blessed by a miracle of donations exceeding $2000 in just two days to cover any unexpected travel fees if Barry should need to make a second trip. Praise the Lord!

The girls are so happy to have Micah finally come home. Annie lights up when she sees his picture; Chloe jumps up and down with excitement every time we talk about him; and Gracie is just the sweetest protective big sister you've ever seen. Please pray especially for our sweet, tender, emotional Gracie. She is very happy we are getting Micah, but she is very emotional about us leaving. She's excited to go to Gina's house, but not sure really what two months means. She is attached to her daddy at the hip and each day becomes harder as the d-day gets closer. We are all cherishing every moment and cuddling as much as possible. Even Chloe fell asleep in my lap yesterday for naptime... which NEVER happens.

Then, my mom left the sweetest post that said "be on the wings of God." It made me break down into tears. I love my parents so much, and my mom knows how much I love my Lord and Savior. There have been several decisions I've made in my lifetime that have not been pleasing to my parents; we've not seen eye to eye on many things through the years. But in this journey to adopt Micah, we have had their complete support, and it means the world to me. My mom's tender heart for the Lord and for children with disabilities has been inspiring to me. She was worried at first, but when I explained to her the whole "why", she was immediately on board. It has been a tremendous blessing. I know God is in control, and we will remain on the wings of God. He is our constant support and guidance. Our faith is strong in Him, and will continue to be so. And we will let him carry us to Micah and all come home safely and be together as a complete family after this incredible journey. We are looking forward to getting our life back in order and moving forward with our new son.

From the bottom of my heart, and I know Barry's, we thank you ALL so so much for your countless hours of prayers, support, and donations to help save an orphan. Not just any orphan, but a child with Down syndrome who wouldn't otherwise have a chance at a regular life with the love of a forever family. He was destined to be in an orphanage until the age of 5, then spend the rest of his life in a mental institution, merely because he had one extra chromosome. He would be treated as an outcast and not accepted in society in his Eastern European country, all because he is different from everyone else. Well, because of God's grace and our ability to listen and accept His call, we are that forever family that God designed us all to be. Micah was meant for us as much as we are meant for him. Even down to his whispy hair and silly smile, God made him to be OUR son. We have loved him since the first day we saw his picture on Reece's Rainbow's website on November 2, 2010. We have fallen more in love with him each passing day. And now the day is upon us to fly to his country and start the adoption process there, one that will take up to 8 weeks.

Please pray for all of us. Pray for the children remaining in California and their caregivers, and pray safety and health over Barry, Annie and me as we travel to another land. Pray for Micah and his caregivers. Pray for our judge that his or her heart will be soft toward adoption and to us, and that our petition will be approved. Pray for a quick court date, avoiding any additional flights or costs. Pray for an eventless 10-day waiting period and a quick turnaround for the final documents. And finally, pray for a smooth flight and an easy transition home as we all get acquainted and adjusted to each other and a new brother and son.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. We have felt them. We know you love us and we love you too.

Lastly, I want to quote a bumper sticker I found. "You all laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you're all the same." Support Down syndrome awareness. Don't be afraid of learning something new. It might change your heart, and it might change your life. It did ours.

Love in Christ,
Shelly