The Spirit Within

Still no word on the local police clearance. I called my SW worker today and she assured me she would handle it. Now that I think of it, my siding piece isn't fixed either...lol..deer season is a holiday all in itself here in Shrewsbury.

So, it's 5 am and I have been annoyingly awake since 2:30 am...Mom always says that when your spirit feels restless it's the Holy Spirit trying to get your attention. Experiencing this to be true in past circumstances, I am always inclined to pray. Sometimes, I wake up with a person on my heart and I pray for them. Other times I'll give prayers of repentance, guidance, spiritual growth or anything else I can think of. So that's what I did this morning. I prayed, and prayed and prayed. I covered each child, friend and family member that I felt led to. I repented over each 'wrong' I could think of. Still nothing.

As I sit here in my bed this morning journaling my thoughts, I have a little warm body next to me. Now, I have to tell you that in my house we play musical beds. No one is ever in the right bed. You never know where a Pierro child may end up sleeping. Except for Nicholas. Nicholas will seek me out in the night no matter where he is. The house is pitch black, but no lights are needed. Ever since Nicholas could walk he has always wandered about the house in the middle of the night looking for me. We always called him "bat boy". He doesn't need to see--like a bat he feels his way back to his nest. There hasn't been a day I can remember without him next to me when I awake. Nothing pulls at a mothers' heart strings more than to feel a chubby toddler arm around her neck for cuddling. My dad asked Nicholas 2 weeks ago why he always wants to sleep in mommy's bed. My little guy replied, 'Because I like to. It smells like mommy.'

I look at my son laying next to me, sleeping peacefully and wonder when I will finally get to see Jace in moments like these. Here is Nick sleeping so soundly that even in sleep he is comforted by his mothers' smell. With every breath that rises and falls from his little chest he has a sense of security and belonging. Security that only a family can bring. Will Jace ever have that? Will there come a day that he will also know that he is loved abundantly? Even subconsciously? Will he feel safe and have a sense of belonging?

That will be my next prayer this morning. I will pray that the Lord will prepare the heart of this little one from China. Prepare him for tumultuous times and changes ahead. For a trip around the world into the arms of a family that will adore him. A family that will nurture him and embrace his special needs. I will pray for this family to be patient and sensitive to the habits and behaviors that life in an institution brings. Behaviors of survival. That's all he knows, really. Lord, prepare our hearts as well. Give us compassion to see beyond the behavior and help us to heal a broken spirit. A broken heart who must have known his own mothers smell in his beginning months. Help me balance the love throughout this house and fill all the 'love tanks' within it...

It is in Jesus' name I pray....Amen

Oh, Deer!!!

USCIS paperwork is off to Texas!!! I finally received the home study...but I still have to wait on a local police clearance letter. Wanna hear why? Ok, get ready for this one...

Because I live in Mayberry....uh, I mean SHREWSBURY...I do not have a local police department. Shrewsbury Regional covers Shrewsbury borough--I live in the township. Follow me so far? Ok, Shrewsbury township is covered by the PA State Police department. The very same state police that ALREADY ran us for fingerprints, FBI and background checks. For my dossier to China, I need a letter of 'good conduct' from my local police, WHICH is the PA State Police...still follow me??

Ok, I call the state police and explain what I need. The sergeant who answered the phone had NO patience with me and didn't want to be bothered. He then transferred me to his supervisor who told me that they 'don't do that and that if I am adopting out of the country I really need to speak with an attorney.' After I took a deep breath, I assured him that I didn't need an attorney I just needed a letter-and that they had already cleared my background! He told me he would have to do another background check, devise a letter, and have his lieutenant sign it. He also told me not to 'count on it', but that he would try. After all, 'it's deer season and the lieutenant is off for the week'....LOL!!!! So I can't get my letter any time soon because it's deer season!

Now, let me back up...my kids were off school for a week because it was deer season....I also tried to get siding work on my house but was unable to...guess why?? BeCaAuSe It'S dEeR sEaSoN!!!!!

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Jace's Care Package

Ok, still no home study BUT I did get a picture from the company that helps get care packages to all our China dolls.. The girls that run it are sweet (and Christian) and they really want your child to get the care package-very supportive and compassionate. I cried when I saw the picture~~it made me feel closer to him! Crazy!

Please pray for us that Mei will get to review our final home study so that I can have it in my hands this week!!! Mei has to go to China in the next few days, so as stressful as it is to her, I know it may delay things for us too. I know, God's timing is always perfect...doesn't make it easier to wait!!

Sigh...I am endlessly checking the mail and my email for any news. AND for the UPS guy...lol Thank God my kids help to keep me busy!

I'll be posting ANY updates!! Thanks for reading!!!!!

Blessings to You and Yours,
Shannon

ps....a million thanks to you for prayers about my family's support!!