Life With Janaa

Even though these last few days have been very unsettling, I have felt as if there was a greater reason.  I came to Thailand feeling as if there were more to this than just the 3 of us becoming a family.  I am sitting in Chiang Mai at the moment trying to process the day.  About 8 hours ago I met my precious Janaa's birthmother.  All I have thought the past few days is, "Who can know the mind of God?" 

I had prayed that we would at least see her village if nothing else, and we did.  However, as we left that day I felt incomplete.  I had a deep desire to meet her mother, but felt as if the Lord was saying that it wasn't the time.  I left Chiang Mai feeling as if I needed to be content never meeting her, but I couldn't stop praying that one day it would be possible...expecting years down the road to visit.  I was very frustrate with the INS office, but felt again that there was a very specific reason.  I NEVER thought that I would board a plane fly back up here and meet her mother.  God IS so good.

She is a precious lady who loves Rotjana very much.  I will never forget the tears that filled her eyes the first time we met.  She is soft spoken with a kind and loving demeanor.  I had also prayed, NEVER thinking God would answer this, at least on this trip, that I would be able to get a photo of her with Rachel and I.  Yet, if I can get the site to work you can see for yourself. God is bigger than anything we can think or imagine.  What an incredible time and opportunity. 

Above all else Rachel was able to share with her that we are Christians and that Jesus loves her.  Jesus loves Janaa.  While she wasn't there Jesus was and has taken care of her the last 4 years.  She was also able to give her mom a short book explaining her value in Christ.  I think we both feel as if she has already read it, but please pray she has.  She seems to have a very tender heart and she knows that we love both she and Janaa.  Please pray that Rachel will have an opportunity to be involved in her life and continue to share Christ's love through Janaa's story.  We also have an open door to send her mail so pray that I will have the right things to say and send to her.  Though God's plan was not for her to live her on earth with her, I pray we will have eternity to glorify God for the great and wonderful things He has done.

I fly out tonight at 10:15.  I'm feeling about as exhausted as I've ever felt in my life.  I know the Lord is carrying me through.  There have been moments where I thought I just couldn't take another step or open my eyes.  Such as my trip to Cambodia. Yep, never thought I'd go there. My visa expires tomorrow so Ed took us up to the border and I've seen Cambodia, not much to report.  I only saw a few yards and they were very filthy, but I do have another stamp in my passport. 

We hope to fly out on Thursday.  Pray that our papers are accepted tomorrow and we can come home.