Sunday Feb 21 (day in review)

Here is a quick run down of our adventures today.
[We began in Houston and ended up in a smaller town/city along the Gulf Coast; Beaumont. We spent the day enjoying the local community, and hit up Target, Babies R Us and Walmart to see all the "crap" that babies "need". We are just crawling into bed and cant believe that in 13 hours we will be holding our son.]
And on to the rambling commentary...

There is something about the Evangelical Covenant Church. Some enjoy playing the 6 degrees of separation with Kevin Bacon...but those who's church is a part of the ECC think we can make connections much quicker. One of the great advantages of the ECC is the ability to always feel at home. It does not seem to matter what town you are in, or what the personality of the church is, you will instantly find connections and feel at home.
CASE STUDY...The Coopers Adoption Trip.
When we woke up this morning I began looking for Covenant churches in the region. I thought it would be fun, being far from our home to go and experience/celebrate worship with other sisters and brothers in Christ. So I got onto the CovChurch.Org website and looked. Thankfully for us we found a new church plant in Beaumont, the town we were heading to. So we got in the car and made our way. When we arrived...we thought something was wrong because we drove by the location listed on the website...it was a park. I called the number that was listed and Yes indeed the service was on. So Sunni and I drove up to a small pavilion in the park to meet 13 other folk. We introduced ourselves as Ryan and Sunni who were in town from Illinois. We didn't have to say anything more, we were embraced with loving arms. We shared our understanding of their situation. (Their normal rental facility was being used and so they needed to worship in the park. Being a part of Hope/SW Covenant Church...we knew and remembered the flexibility that comes with a church without walls). We shared our reason for being in the region and that we were a part of a ECC church back home. We worshiped together...in a wonderful, authentic service. As seams to be the family embrace of the ECC, I was asked to assist in leading in the Communion service and offer a benediction. As if our time in the park was not enough we were invited to join the whole group for lunch at a local deli. An enjoyable time. As if that were not enough...I had the opportunity to sit next to a family who have adopted their 2 children (same agency as the one we will be at tomorrow:)) now in their late teens. We shared joys, fears and everything in between. What a wonderful experience to see the embrace of God's people sharing life and love together?! If you have not come in contact with the Evangelical Covenant Church...you should. Based on my experience, You will be the better for it.

Following lunch we took advantage of extra time and walked around the baby sections in Target, Babies R Us and Walmart. We have been asked several times "Where are you registered?" To which we had said...we aren't. So we began the joyful and exhausting process of making a list. Funny thing was...we are still in panic mode. We second guess ourselves whenever we look at an item. We talk ourselves out of purchases and registering for the basics thinking that this little boy already has experience with a foster family and we are coming in and moving him. We dont want to rock the boat anymore than what has been. But tomorrow is a new day.

Tomorrow...We plan to meet our son. We plan to talk with those who know him best and ask what type of bottles, nipples, diapers, formula...etc. he likes. And once we have most of those answers we will shop for the necessities. I imagine the sight of us walking the aisles of the local stores will easily compare to the first days we took our little puppy to the local pet store and walked up and down the aisles with a cart. The positive thing for us is that we know whatever we buy must also be transported back home...which is becoming a more daunting thought.

The time is ticking...My eyes are crossing...We are turning off the computer in hopes that the next time we chat with our blog friends we will be able to share pictures and tears about our little one. But for now, I have added a picture of me sitting on the bed in my PJs typing this...(I wouldnt really do that to you. :) )
See you tomorrow.
Ryan and Sunni (a.k.a Dad and Mom)


I CANT BELIEVE I JUST SAID THAT!!!