Walking In The Truth: August 2012

"Come and see what God has done: He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man." Psalm 66:5

Awesome. That word is so overused in today's verbage, but it should really pack a punch. God's works are awesome and do inspire awe in us as defined by Webster as wondering reverence tinged with fear. He has done great things for us these last seven months.

I am really awed when I think about it. The God of the universe, the One who holds it all together, Who fixes the galaxies into place, this God, by His Spirit, worked in all seven of our hearts to make us a family! He HAS done awesome deeds. His love and concern for us, for me, is overwhelming and humbling.

The Elsa update: She continues to make us all laugh with her antics. We loved celebrating her 3rd birthday (and first one at home!) in July. Her English is coming along well. Friends and family who don't see her on a regular basis are amazed at how well she speaks. I am grateful for those words of encouragement. She still has her hold over words that come out more naturally for her like: "bow"me instead of hold me, "joe-joe" for sit down, and "gua-gua" for any type of fruit. She strings words together for simple sentences as well. Elsa loves playing with Annika and will follow her around all day! She wants to wear what Annika wears, eat what Annika eats and play what Annika is playing. All a part of learning......Annika is very gracious about it all! We had our second post placement home study in June. The information our social worker takes from us is sent to China and to Elsa's orphanage. We pray that her foster family knows just how much she is loved through the pages of the report! She has definitely bonded with us and is working on attachment. Some days she seems to have it and not others.

Attachment is a tricky thing. She remembers a time when she didn't have a family, a time before she had a dad and a mom. I was just talking about this with a friend at church today who is also an adoptive mom. She related to me that her husband, one of our pastors, drew a wonderful spiritual parallel to this process recently. As believers, we also have a memory of a time we did not have a spiritual Father. Just as Elsa needs to be reminded that we are her FOREVER family, that she is ours and we are hers, so it is with us. Many days I need the Spirit to remind me who I am in Christ; that I am loved (John 3:16), chosen (Ephesians 1:4-6), bought (1 Corinthians 6:20) and royal ( 1 Peter 2:9-10). Elsa will have days where she doubts her place as a Lindquist. We will patiently reassure of who she is and point her to the One who cares for her so deeply and completely that He died for her. What a privilege we as parents have. Parenting really does drive us to our knees!

On a lighter note, God has blessed us with some wonderful family time this summer. With Mari home, we have spent time on the water, at the cabin, with friends and with family. I will add a few photos here to let you in on the fun.