Gimme $1, I'll give you $54

This is more of the engineer coming out of me.  Let me back fill the title and it'll all make sense...I hope. I was listening to a friend recount how his pastor came to be a pastor.  Basically, one day he was drivin' his delivery truck and he came (or was lead) to the conclusion that he wanted to be a pastor. Upon sharing this potential  career choice with his wife, she stated an emphatic no. Apparently she had seen or lived through the life of a pastor's family and the "glass house" aspect did not excite her.  For 6 months the husband prayed that the Lord would move her heart, but he never mentioned another word about this new passion.  The husband stated he lacked the words to change her mind and heart.  One evening the man came home to find his wife in tears on the floor.  When she saw her husband come in, she came up to him and said the Lord had been pounding her heart and she could not take anymore.  If he still wanted to be a pastor, she would support him.  That was 27 years ago.  So my point is, he gave up 6 months, to gain 27 years.  That's a return of 5400%!

In our situation, we have been waiting for 9 months (we were matched with Vova back in June 2011).  By the time we finish, the total process will have taken close to 10 months.  Now if you are askin' me if I am patient, nope, just ask my kids.  We pray for daddy to have patience.  But if you're askin' me would I be willing to give 10 months, to gain 45 years or more with another child in my family, HECK YEAH!

Hmmm...wonder what the ROI is for eternity?  I digress.

So I have another friend who keeps me grounded or lifts me up when I need it and he sent me this passage: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

Timely words considering the uncertainty we are facing.  Even faced with the heart wrenching possibility of not returning home with Vova, we still have to thank God for his provisions.  For keeping us safe.  For the home and three healthy, loving boys He has already provided us. For food.  For the ability to travel with no complications.  For all we have.  This is like riding a tandem bike, only we are sitting on the back seat and Jesus is in front.  All we hear is "hang on" or "lean left" or "hard right", but we can't see the path ahead to know which direction is best.  We have to have faith.

God give us the strength as we head across the Atlantic and start down a path you have laid.