Easter and Redemption in Uganda

Easter always brings to mind some important 'R' words to me, like the oh-so obvious 'Resurrection', and others like 'Reconciliation', 'Rescue', 'Relationship' and 'Restoration'. This year, though, it reminds me most of the word 'Redemption'.

The first definition for 'redeem' in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is "to make better" and as a Christian as well as an adoptive parent, today this word and definition mean something extra special.

My son has already spent much of his life in an orphanage, and this homecoming story that is playing out is all about making his life better and improving my own life as well. Being his mama has already made me a better person, so he and I are both being redeemed - he from a life of institutionalization and I from a life of complacency and ease.

Redemption is also something I experienced recently when I started having those fears creep in about if I could parent, how I would raise a toddler from another country/culture, how I could care for another little being besides myself, if he'd learn English fast, if he would keep pinching, etc.! I let some pretty ugly fears and darkness creep in, and needed redemption something fierce before our court date. The good news is that my God is in the business of redemption, and he came to my rescue. Thus today I celebrate a redemptive risen savior in full confidence with my soon-to-be-son.

But enough about me, (I will try share more about this redemption I recently experienced another time,) because I know you all want to hear about how Sam is doing!

Here's a little glimpse of our Easter:

 
Sam got a small Easter basket with just a little candy, (didn't want to overwhelm or overload his first year)! And Tony and I got to worship at Watoto Church, so everyone was a winner this Easter Sunday!

Sam is doing well and he really enjoyed his first 'Peep' candy ever! He called me 'Mama' a few times today, without prompting, which is new! We had a fun day of play - Tony chased Sam around and around in circles  for hours, and there was so much giggling! Sam even got to enjoy some soda, (this will not be a common occurrence, but it was Easter, so...)!

We're all doing well but keep us in your prayers for a speedy process... we'd like to have all three of us return home together, and I'd love to have extra time with him at home to get him used to life in America! So please keep praying for Godspeed! We can absolutely feel your prayers and the are seeing the results of them - we appreciate them (and you) more than you know!

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people." Luke 1:68

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-As-Redeemer#sthash.D4Mn2m6N.dpuf