Day 3 - Sophie's Choice

Meet Sophie. She's a soft, lovable, and cuddly pink and white dog we've been sleeping with for the last several months. Although I felt somewhat silly bringing a stuffed animal to bed for the first time in probably 20 years, I have to say I've grown attached to her. But Sophie was not meant to remain with us forever. We said goodbye Tuesday morning as I carefully packed her away with 2 new onesies and a new dress for our baby girl, and a note of thanks to Mia's nanny. She's leaving Saturday with the Bayly's for Ethiopia and her mission is to impart our smell and comfort to our darling girl. Before, when I thought I'd be holding her in a matter of weeks, I hadn't really put very much thought into this 2nd care package. I was trying to leave room for other families whose wait might be longer than ours. Now, however, I wish I'd had more time to prepare a better gift. I wish I'd prayed over Sophie, written a blessing to be prayed over Mia, something else.
Tonight, I wish I could hold my baby. I wish I could know how much more my heart will love her, and how my life will be changed forever when she finally comes home. But for now, Sophie will carry a small part of me across the ocean and into Mia's arms.

Gracious and Heavenly Father, tonight I ask a blessing on Sophie. I pray that she will bring comfort to Mia, as she brought to me. Please continue working in the Ethiopian government. I pray that you would put a fire in the hearts of the officials working there, that they might feel a passion to end this investigation quickly. Thank you for all of our wonderful blessings, including this opportunity to spend more time with you. I can already see how much more I've grown to know you through this trial. In Jesus' name, Amen.