Be Still My Heart

I heard U's voice.

Well, it's more like a grunt but I heard it.  We have a 17 second video of him kicking a blue balloon like a soccer ball and when he picks up the balloon he makes, what is mostly definitely, the single cutest little grunt that this mama has ever heard.  It feels like heaven falls down to earth ever time I hear it.  Cheesy but true.  Every time.  I've watched that video more times than I can count (Ask R, I watch it over and over again...kinda like how the girls listen to the Frozen soundtrack) but every single time I hear him I can't help but laugh with sheer childlike joy.   

It is said that having a child is like watching your heart walk around outside of your body.  It is one of the single greatest blessings of my life to be able to watch Mr. U walk around with my heart in tow...even if just in a video.

I know it's not his first steps that I'm watching but it feels like it is.  I know it's not the first noise he's ever made but it feels like it is.  I wish I could post the video on this blog.  One day prayerfully not too far off from now I'll be able to.

Along with the video we also received a lot of information about where he is now living, the wonderful foster family that is caring for him and little details about U's personality. 

He is an extremely social boy, very happy and outgoing.  He smiles a lot and likes to be around people.  He also enjoys playing with the older kids next door.  He is short for his age, eats a lot and "his smile and laughter are adorable."

The father of his foster mom is a retired pastor and said that he thinks of the 3 foster children like his grandchildren.  He was very happy to hear that U is going to live with a Christian family that will raise him in the church.  I love that that is what his main concern was.  My prayer for some time now has been that if U wasn't going to be with us that he would be with people who would show him the love of Jesus as much or more than we would do for him.  It seems this family is that prayer answered.

All of the information we received is thanks to an adoptive mom of one of the other foster children in this home.  She had the honor and privledge to meet her child and the foster family for two days last month.  She said, "while the physical conditions are not perfect, I could not imagine a more kind and loving family.  It is evident that they treat the kids very, very well.  I feel like the physical things can be overcome, but the spiritual and emotional effect of nurturing is longer lasting."

Lord, Bring healing and wisdom to the Congolese government.  Protect their children.  Open the doors to allow U here with us.  Amen

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father.  He loves to help.  You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it.  Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. - James 1:5 (The Message).