In less then twenty-four hours we will be giving hugs and telling our four children we love them and will see them in 12 days. In less than two weeks our family will grow from six to seven and one child will be given a new name, a forever home.
A lot of changes are ahead of us as a family yet all good and beneficial even though I am sure growing pains will be felt. As of now, there is a ton of excited energy as we prepare for our trip and Hope’s homecoming. A lot of love and emotions spilling out and pouring over. Love can be messy, love can be hard, never coming without a cost yet love is always worth choosing, even for one.
We will fly from San Francisco to Munich, Germany Saturday July 21st, land there on Sunday and spend the night. Early Monday morning we will fly to Sofia, Bulgaria. After a day and night to recoup, early Tuesday we will drive across Bulgaria towards the Black Sea. Toward our daughter Hope, this time to bring her home.
God has moved mountains and parted the sea to bring our daughter home. We have witnessed His mighty hand leading us on, providing every step of the way. Since our fundraiser on July 1st, we have raised every last penny needed. We are FULLY funded!! So many have helped us reach our financial goal. So many have generously given. So many have linked arms and hearts with ours and become a part of this amazing love story. God’s love story for One, His love story for Hope.
My prayer for some time has been four simple words, “Lord, make a way”. He has made a way. Unlike the Israelites, after crossing the Red Sea, I pray now that I will not forget His faithfulness, His constant hand of protection, guiding and covering us. I pray that I will always remember that His love is reckless, never-ending and will not stop fighting for me and my family.
Please keep our family in your prayers. Robert and I will spend 10 days in Sofia, Bulgaria preparing Hope for travel. She will have a medical exam and her Visa and passport will be prepared. This will also be a time of bonding. Hope’s whole world is going to be turned upside down, so many changes are in store for her. Please pray that she will have peace and that we will have the wisdom to know how to care for her best in this time of transition. Also pray for protection over our whole family. Pray for peace and comfort for each of our other four children in this time away from us.
We can’t wait to share some of our many firsts with Hope in the coming week. Soon we will be able to share Hope’s sweet face with everyone!
We are so grateful. Our hearts overflowing from all the support and love we have received for our sweet little one. Thank you to all who have walked this long path with us. For taking this journey with us to bring one priceless child home to her fold.
““What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14 NIV
Fran Karlsrud says
Praying through tears of joy at this milestone in your adoption journey. Preparing to stand with you in the challenges ahead.
Holly says
Sending love to all of you. May this Home Coming journey be smooth and may all be well when you return.
Nancy Piercy says
Praying……praying…..praying…..
Kathy Keppler says
I’m am so excited for your family! Adorable pictures of your children! Praise our Faithful Lord!!!! I’m praying for you….
Sharon Ruddell says
Dear Mitchell family,
You are ready for this! You have pined for, prayed, and prepared for bringing little Hope home! Love to you all.