Finally...

Greetings from Kelly & Sean in Ethiopia!

Well, greetings to you through their babysitter, Rhiannon.
They want you all to know that they praise the Lord for safely arriving in the country and delivering their two newest babies to them!

On Monday we received a call from Sean and rejoiced to find that the agency had already brought the children and turned them over to the Jacobys. As is to be expected however, the first day both Malachi and Ava were tenative and cautious. I cannot even imagine the difficulty of finally meeting your little ones, whom you have desired fiercely, spared no expense to reach, and waited with pent-up expectation to have and to hold, only to find that you must wait further still while they their hearts warm to you. All the intention and planning for that first, critical moment cannot make them leap toward you in love.

I could not help but think of the Lord. For in just the same way, He spared no expense. He spared not His only begotten Son. And yet even while we enter into the family He planned, purchased, prepared, provided for, and pursued with passion, we do not love or reach out to Him as we should. This relationship of ours is His glory and all our gain. How merciful and infinitely loving of God to continue with us in the same, unchanging passion though we fail to reciprocate what He deserves, though we fail to hold His hand as He holds ours! "For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Joy came today however, when Sean called again and described, with something like relief, that both children were finally, "clinging." Healthy, happy, rambunctious and clinging. Only the Lord could accomplish such a work and we pray that He continues as He brings all four, and their wonderful "Granny" home.

Everyone is eating well, though sleep is challenging. Ava has ended up in bed between them, every night. They also met the birth mother yesterday, the details of which I'm sure Kelly will fill you in on. To summarize however, Sean said, "It was very emotional."

Grace and Thatcher count down the days, approximately every twenty minutes. And more than once an outbreak of near hysteria has occurred as they realize, "Our babies will be home soon."

We ask that you continue in prayer. For health, safety, and united hearts. This adoption story ripples with the truth of the Lord to more souls than live in the Jacoby house.

I also wanted to take this time to thank all of you who have called or come up to us at church. Your support is such a mercy and I know it will be extremely necessary to the family once they're home.

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:5-6

Grace and Peace!