Having the right perspective changes everything.

We completed our international adoption in between waves of Covid. The courts opened up, our adoption case went through, and we were invited to go to India to pick up our son. We didn’t have much notice, and I prayed I would be able to get there and back before the borders closed again with the next strain of Covid sending everyone into lockdown. It was an intense time, especially because my husband stayed home with our other children. We didn’t want to both be gone since the return was uncertain. My ability to cry at the drop of a hat proved helpful when the Indian passport service said they wouldn’t give me my newly adopted son’s passport because my husband wasn’t there (even though they were notified ahead of time and I had brought all the necessary paperwork). A little bit of theatrics shocked my translator but made the director uncomfortable enough to say “fine, you can go.”

My three-week stay in India was an intense experience for many reasons, but the Lord miraculously led me through. When I got to the final appointment with the American Embassy in New Delhi, the finish line was in sight. We waited in line for our number to be called. Another American family was there, and they were called just before us. They were asked about their overall experience in India, and they shared a long list of grievances. They were very unhappy with the experience. After some time, they left and I was called up next. The man greeted me and asked, “How has the experience been while you have been here?” I smiled and said, “There have been some challenges but overall, it’s been ok.” There wasn’t a need to say anything else. It had taken us 5 years to complete this adoption. I was expecting challenges. We were in another country, trying to finish an international adoption. I knew it was going to be hard, so things were going pretty much as expected.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart (have courage), I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Ever since I entered adulthood, I have wanted to live life with intentionality. No matter what comes my way, with the grace of God, I want to be able to live each day well. Some problems have knocked me on my back, don’t get me wrong, but with God’s help, I have been able to get back up and stand firm with Him as my foundation. This longevity is what God wants for us. That’s why Jesus warned us. He said to expect difficulties and to go to Him because He has overcome the world! He is able to help us and guide us through! The Bible says our life is like running a race with our eyes fixed on Jesus. None of us know exactly how long our race will be, but we can run it well because of the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus!