False Positve: Part II

Sweet Caroline

The hardest part about leaving Korea was leaving my husband and two older boys.  We are a close family and have never been apart for more than a couple of days.  The three of them would close up our life in Korea, and Daniel and I set out to begin our new life in Indiana.  Three weeks was a long time, and I counted the days before I could see the rest of my family.

The relief I felt when my feet touched American soil in the Detroit Airport.  My legs were achy from a 14 hour flight.  My tired toddler was testing my patience.  The gratefulness that grasped my heart, kept my temper calm (one lucky toddler).  Despite my fatigue, my heart was smiling.  Smiling because God provided a miracle in our lives.  What a blessing we were beginning our trek home!

Daniel and I's final airplane landed in St. Louis at 12:30 a.m.  The two of us were sleepy, but I was happy to be home.  A very dear friend picked us up from the airport.  The song "America the Beautiful", had never meant so much to me!  Daniel and I were tired, and the fun had just began.

The next morning I woke up in a sleep deprived fury.  I wanted to conquer the world all in one day.  My first job was to purchase a car.  I have always been the deal maker in the family.  However, purchasing a car without my husband's presence was a bit nerve wracking.  To make a long story short:  God provided a beautiful used, practically new mini van, in our price range.

A few days later, I drove to Bloomington, In. We were starting a new life in familiar and supportive surroundings.  My next job was to find us a home.  At this point I was overwhelmed, sick, and having major leg cramping from the flight.  Funny how God's miraculous blessings can also be stressful and overwhelming.  However, as I drove the familiar setting God continued to remind me of his love.  Their were times my head was spinning and I couldn't think.  During these times, God would speak to my heart.  "Remember the blessings!"  To make another long story short:  God lead me to our dream home.  A large home, on a large lot, full of nature.  A dream come true for all of us.  We were homeless from May 26th until July 8th.  We were not living on the streets, but living with friends, and eventually 2 weeks in a motel.  God provided for us through wonderful family and friends, whom took care of us along the way.  We closed on our home July 8, 2011.  The joy we felt when we drove into our driveway and pushed the button to our garage door.  The sign in the yard said, "SOLD"!

The baby's due date was August 21, 2011.  Therefore we had about one and half months to get ready.  We changed all the flooring, painted the entire house, and waited for two shipments.  The first shipment was our household belongings from Korea.  Our beds, furniture, clothes, dish's, etc... all arrived on July 22st.  We were so happy to receive our stuff, but my pregnant body was worn out.  God provided evidence of his love through a message via Facebook from a friend.  My friend Jennifer wanted to bring us a meal.  She wanted to help, knowing how much pressure we were under.  Thanks, Jen, for showing us God's love!  We loved our home and were so grateful for all the blessings God bestowed upon us.

At 36 weeks pregnant I began worrying about our second package.  Our baby could come anytime, and I wanted to be prepared.  My mind began wandering.  Does she have down syndrome?  Are you prepared for this?  Are you mature enough for this?  Are you ready?  My prayers increased tremendously!  Our entire family sent prayers to God for the health of our baby.  I can honestly say, I was prepared!  I allowed God to prepare my heart for our little blessing.

Robert and I were at the hospital bright and early August 12, 2011.  Today would be our little girl's birthday. My midwife began the Petocin, and Dr. Cambell started my epidural.  As the day went by, Robert was by my side.  He held my hand, and prayed with me for our baby.  We prayed fervently for her arrival.  Whatever, lay ahead we were prepared!  Philippian's 4:13 -  " I can do all things through Christ who strengthen's me!"

Sweet Caroline made her appearance at 2:40 p.m.  I  held her and cried!  I kept asking, "Does she have down syndrome?"  Everyone in the room, said, No!  There are no signs of down syndrome.  She is perfect!  "She is perfect", music to my ears!  I couldn't believe it!  I continued to ask the same question to the  nurse, midwife, technician, and  pediatrician, and all responded the same, "No, she's perfect!"

And "Perfect She Is!"

God made himself real to me through out these six months.  He provided miracles, and provided comfort in my time of anxiety.  Most importantly, he taught me to lean on Him.  To place my trust in Him, and to be prepared for His will in my life.  The blessings were provided in abundance.  We were literally overwhelmed with the blessings bestowed upon us.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6