While in Haiti, Wilson, Sally and I attended the church service at COTP. Dan Willis, one of the house parents there, preached a sermon from James 1:2-4 about the things we learn from trials during our lives.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Sheila, Carla and Christina sang "Blessed Be Your Name"--a song that had brought me to tears many times during the wait. A song that speaks about praising God even during...especially during...the times that are difficult.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
It has been an emotional few days remembering back to the week that Wilson Manno and I finally became a family. It has been a difficult year in many ways but we are all stronger for the things we have been through so far. We have grown in many ways and when things become difficult in the day-to-day of our lives, it is good to remember the lessons I learned during the wait and to hang on to the promises that we are not alone in any of this.