Monday, February 2, 2009

We're Expecting!

Friday morning Ben and I left tiny-town for a couples retreat in an actual city. The first session didn't actually start until 7:30 Friday night, which means we left are home as soon as humanly possible in order to make the most of our time.

Friday was also THE day that I was to hear from the school. We we're hoping to know by around 10 AM. Every time my cell phone rang my heart raced. I jokingly said to Ben, "You wait, that Principal will wait till the END of the day to call."

And...he did.

I was standing outside Banana Republic when I got the call. And we got the slot! Which means in August we will become pretend parents to a lovely 17 year old girl from Norway, named Julie!

YAY! Did I mention she's adorable? And smart? And friendly? Well, at least I think she is from her application ;) We now have the all clear to communicate with her, so we're awaiting an email. We'll have six months to communicate before she arrives.

I've very distracted with girlie bedroom decorating plans.

I do want to share some of the stuff I learned while waiting (other than the fact that I really don't enjoy the waiting)

  • Knowing God is in control of the situation, and acting like He is are completely different. Knowing is easy. The other: Not so much. I found myself continually handing it back over.
  • I spent a lot of time copying down different Psalms because it brought me such peace...calmed the anxiousness that I could not calm on my own.
  • God does not make we wait in order that He can see how I'll react. He already knows. The waiting is so that I can see my own heart.
  • I have learned that no matter what I think should happen, I ultimately want to be in the center of His will, not mine. No matter what.
  • God is in the details.

I can't wait to share more with you all on this journey. I sent Julie my blog address. Hopefully she doesn't change her mind about coming ;)

Now...I have about 30 loads of laundry to do. Exciting stuff.

PS - Ben and I had a great time on our short getaway...the topic was Love and Respect...more later.

Posted by Sarah@Life in the Parsonage
Labels: ,

40 comments:

  1. Rach@In His HandsFebruary 2, 2009 at 7:59 AM

    Yay!!!!!! Congrats on this opportunity with this great gal!

    Thanks for the waiting tips. Just when I think I'm an expert, I get slammed. ;-)

    Did you get anything at Banana Republic?

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  2. MindyFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:06 AM

    Congrats!!! How fun for you all.

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  3. Heather of the EOFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:08 AM

    woooo hooooo!!!!

    It's so good to get good news. And then good news right outside Banana Republic? Even better :)

    So happy for you,
    Heather

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  4. SherryFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:31 AM

    Congratulations on your soon arrival :)

    We've had quite a few exchange students who became a part of our church during their stay. The exciting part is, many of them excepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior while they were here. Yes, there are rules about the spiritual stuff, but God has a way of ministering through, around, under, over or whatever, to a heart that's open.

    What an awesome opportunity for you and Ben to be a "light" to her.

    Blessings

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  5. UnknownFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:34 AM

    Yay for you and your family!

    Girl, you have got some insight. God sure did show you a lot in that one situation. And good stuff too.

    Love the God now making us wait to see our reaction. That's good stuff!

    And, I do the same thing of handing stuff over to Him and then taking it back when it's not happening quick enough for me or I'm not seeing an answer. Then, God brings me to my knees and I have to hand it over again. Back and forth, back and forth. Will we ever learn?

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  6. Wendi@EveryDayMiraclesFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:34 AM

    Great news Sarah!! I just know she will LOVE you and I can only imagine the great fun ya'll will have. :) Exciting stuff.
    Ohhhh - and girly room decor!! Be still my beating heart.

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  7. ElizabethFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:42 AM

    I kept meaning to comment and tell you how excited I am about this adventure your family is starting. Our neighbor had an exchange student when I was a little girl and she was a huge part of my life. And she was from Norway! I thought she was so grown up, but I'm sure she was about 17. She was blond and blue-eyed and had the most beautiful accent. I haven't seen her in 20 years, but she sent me a wedding gift and my mom keeps up with her and her family. Blessings on this exciting adventure! I know it will be a fantastic part of your boys' childhoods and your memories as a family!

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  8. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:00 AM

    I'm so happy for you guys! How exciting and what a wonderful thing you're doing for this young girl. I think it's great! Can't wait to hear all about her.

    -FringeGirl

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  9. ShelliGibFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    CONGRATS!!

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  10. Jodie | VelourFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:17 AM

    HOORAY! This is so amazing Sarah - gives me chills... although I did have a tiny heart attack when I read your title. You little trickster. Ya tryin' to kill us? ;)

    I'm so excited for you and I just know her room will be great. ;)

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:18 AM

    That's awesome news! Congrats!

    I have to say my jaw dropped a little when I read your title. :)

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  12. Colored With MemoriesFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    yay! i can't wait to read about her adventures with you guys!

    at first i thought you were PREGO!

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  13. Sara@iSassFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:42 AM

    Sarah, that is SO exciting!
    I can't wait to hear more about her and your love and respect getaway.

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  14. LoriFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Dear Julie,

    Hopefully you'll read these comments as well as Sarah's blog, because then you might get a little idea of how adored your host mother is!! Congratulations to you!!!

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  15. The Organic NestFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    Awesome! I pray it will be a divine appointment for all of you! That the Lord will use you mightily to sow seeds into her life that she'll return to her family forever changed by His grace. :) Happy Decorating for a girl! So fun! ~Jenny

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  16. UnknownFebruary 2, 2009 at 10:05 AM

    Congratulations on your impending arrival! :) I'm sure Julie will love being a part of your family. And I have to say I'm a bit jealous that you'll have a GIRL in the house. :)

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  17. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2009 at 10:56 AM

    Congrats you guys!!!

    So Super Excited For You!

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  18. CarlaFebruary 2, 2009 at 11:09 AM

    YAY!! I am so excited for y'all!!
    A GIRL!!! WOO HOO!

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  19. HethFebruary 2, 2009 at 11:28 AM

    I was thinking about you all weekend! I almost texted you yesterday but then I decided to be patient and wait until you blogged. Wheeeee! I'm so happy for you guys.

    And also, your bullet points kicked my butt. Thanks a lot.

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  20. Mocha with LindaFebruary 2, 2009 at 11:48 AM

    Whoohoo! Our church has several families with exchange students. They've all had great experiences.

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  21. CathyFebruary 2, 2009 at 12:31 PM

    "God does not make we wait in order that He can see how I'll react. He already knows. The waiting is so that I can see my own heart."
    This statement of yours really hit me. I've never thought of it like that before. But you're right. Thanks for sharing that.

    Congrats on getting to have this exchange student in your home. Looking forward to hearing all about it. Have fun decorating a girly room.

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2009 at 1:28 PM

    God is FAITHFUL!!!! This is sooo exciting. Trent and I had a getaway as well. It's good to spend alone time together.

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  23. JulieFebruary 2, 2009 at 2:00 PM

    Sounds exciting! I love how our God is way more into the process of our life, than the end results we wait for....

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  24. LuAnnFebruary 2, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Congratulations on your new addition!!!!! How fun for you to have the girl experience - think about showing her all the shopping!!
    My God conitnue to be with and Ben on your journey

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  25. LorieFebruary 2, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    How exciting- girls are awesome and I think you can bless her life as well as her blessing yours.Can't wait to read along!!!
    Be blessed!
    Lorie

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  26. AmieFebruary 2, 2009 at 4:43 PM

    Congratulations!!!! :) I feel like I need to start shopping for a baby gift because of your title.

    She will love you guys! :) I think I should take you both out for coffee.

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  27. Elizabeth Byler YountsFebruary 2, 2009 at 5:40 PM

    wow! how wonderful! keep us posted for sure!

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  28. Sarah M.February 2, 2009 at 7:27 PM

    You are cruel :-) My heart was racing when I read your title, but even before my eyes dropped down to read the body of your post, I realized you were talking about your girl, not a baby....
    Really, I am so excited for you and excited to meet Julie!

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  29. saraFebruary 2, 2009 at 7:52 PM

    congrats!!! You will make a wonderful host mom!!!

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  30. SusanDFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    That's wonderful news! Congrats! "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Ester 4:14b Blessings, Susan

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  31. Brenda SusanFebruary 2, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    Yay for you! A "pretend daughter" is better than none at all, right? Having another female in the house will be interesting I'm sure. The only other female in my house has been a dog! have fun!

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  32. Kelly @ Love WellFebruary 2, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    Congrats on your coming addition!

    And you don't even need diapers for this one.

    I look forward to the stories you'll have. (Does this mean you'll have to serve lutefisk for dinner?)

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  33. melanieFebruary 2, 2009 at 10:29 PM

    CONGRATS!!!
    but you keep freaking me out with this "expecting" news.....

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  34. StaceyFebruary 3, 2009 at 6:53 AM

    Yea!! You'll have such fun! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

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  35. mistyFebruary 3, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    i got all excited from the title... yea! she is going to have a baby. and maybe this time she will get a girl!!! ha ha

    you are getting a girl but your getting to skip the getting up in the middle of the nights phase, changing diapers, feedings, etc...
    how fun! and maybe ya'll will be the same size & you can share clothes! have you thought about that yet???

    congrat's on the good news. you will be an awesome parent/friend/mentor to this young girl. you will change her life in some many ways!

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  36. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2009 at 11:33 AM

    Funny to read all the comments:)

    One thing. Lutefisk is like Kangoroo filet in Austalia. Not everyone likes it.
    Lutefisk is dryed fisk and a LOT of salt. (not very good)

    And just to answer "Lori"
    Yes I have noticed that my host mom is adored, and i do understand why.

    Relly funny to read all the comments, and the text itself. Not to mention the site:) I see you like colors.

    Love Julie, From across the Sea :)

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  37. The Lilly PadFebruary 3, 2009 at 3:32 PM

    What a blessing! I am so excited for you. You had me on pins and needles waiting for the call!!!

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  38. MichelleFebruary 4, 2009 at 7:05 AM

    oh how sweet! y'all are gonna have so much fun!!! and she is a cutie!

    (has anyone else mentioned that your blog post are not pulling into bloglines...it's just been the past couple of days...may be something on my end)

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  39. ShalomSeekerFebruary 5, 2009 at 12:10 PM

    "Julie from Across the Sea"...it sounds like a poem, or an old English madrigal. Lovely. And so exciting! :-) Adventures ahead, I suspect...God loves a good adventure, and I know you do too! :-)
    Smiles!
    -J

    P.S. My word for verification today is "Shollax." I think we should give this a meaning; it sounds too cool not to actually BE a word! LOL! ;-)

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  40. SarahFebruary 20, 2009 at 8:37 AM

    Fun stuff! I will look foward to hearing about the Adventures of Sarah and Julie! :)

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