Extreme Family Makeover: Rwanda Edition

My good friend Emily and her family have been in the process of adopting from Rwanda for over two years. On Monday they officially passed court in Rwanda making their newly referred daughter legally theirs. Travel dates were being thrown around like rice at a wedding as they tried to figure out when, how and what is needed for 5 people to fly to Rwanda (that's 5 people because they are taking their 3 children with them. Cool, huh?).

Hope was looking defeated as they thought it would be January before they would travel to bring home their youngest family member. Imagine living your days knowing that one of your children was half way around the world and there is nothing you can do about it? I can't even think of the gut wrenching misery that would overcome my body.

God moved some pretty serious mountains yesterday when they got the call that they could leave for Rwanda on FRIDAY. Friday people, as in the day after tomorrow.

Holy moly.

Bags are being packed, prescriptions filled, errands ran and final arrangements made in 48 hours. These things usually transpire over the course of two weeks and they are throwing it all together over a holiday.

Please be in prayer with me for this sweet family as they travel across the globe to meet a daughter and sister that they've been praying for for two years. Here are some specific requests:

1) Travel, travel, travel. Please pray that all documents needed will be remembered as they hastily pack for 5 people going to Rwanda and 6 coming home. Also pray that packing will not be stressful. Finally, that tummy troubles will not rear their ugly heads as new foods and cultures are experienced.

2) That sweet Sonia will embrace her new family and that her adjustment to her new family will go smoothly. I'm sure I'd be a little terrified if 5 strangers showed up and began calling my name and wanting to hug me. Imagine being less than 2 years old and it happening.

3) Emily's family has a history of migraines. She gets them, her husband, her daughter and one of her sons also gets them regularly. Please pray that migraines stay far, far away from them for the duration of the trip (or forever).

4) That God would continue to be evident in every way as they complete this leg of their journey of obedience through adoption.

You know, even in the midst of all of my doubt it's so clear how God orchestrated the adoption and travel for this family. Thank you God for making yourself known in such a big way.

Bowers, I love you all so very much. Be safe, have fun and enjoy every second loving on that sweet girl!

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If you'd like to follow the Bowers' journey to Rwanda via twitter, click here.