It’s hard to put into words how devastated we are. Days before we were supposed to board a plane to India, we got the news that Michael tested positive for Covid. After two and a half years of fighting to bring our daughter home, ten court dates, and countless setbacks it felt like a death. I fell to the ground and cried like never before.
I know that no one has actually died, but the weight of the unknown amount of time that this will delay us was heartbreaking. We have heard that someone can test positive for 90 days or more! Michael currently has no symptoms, however, we remember that he had a sore throat and was very tired around January 31st. India doesn’t allow you to get a quarantine exemption without a current negative RTPCR test. The one thing that is encouraging is that the lab did say that Michael has the lowest level possible to still test positive, so that means he’s probably coming out of the virus. We are both getting retested on Tuesday.
We know that adoption is a spiritual battle, not just a physical battle. The evil one doesn’t want children in loving families. We appreciate all those who are joining us in prayer over this precious child’s life. God is sovereign and He can use even the hard parts of our life in this fallen world for His glory. We do not blame God for suffering, however, we wait expectantly for His guidance and are willing to lay down the idol of comfort to follow Him. Adoption is not easy, but nothing worth doing is. Our faith has not wavered. It has only grown stronger through this journey. We know that the real journey begins when Elliotte is home.
The good news is that earlier this month we received our emergency visas, Ellie Pearl’s passport, and her birth certificate. That means we have all of the important documents we need to get custody. Over the last week, I have gone into full nesting mode getting everything ready for our little princess. You would think after two and a half years in this adoption process that we would be completely finished with all of our preparations, but there are so many details we still need to finish. Besides, blaring worship music and putting the finishing touches on several projects around the farmhouse helps keep my spirits up.
We are also getting everything cozy for our dear friend Maggie who will be living here and farm-sitting for us while we are in India. It’s such a relief to know our animals and home are in her loving care. Maggie has a deep connection to Bryarton Farm because her great-grandparents were the second family to love this homestead for over 40 years. They bought this farm in 1949, raised cattle, their three children, and many crops here. We are so grateful for the legacy they left behind, especially their kind great-granddaughter.
I took everything out of the living room to deep clean the beautiful 127-year-old floors. Cleaning also helps me stay busy, so the days will pass more quickly. As I began to put the rug and furniture back into the room, I decided to try a new layout. I feel like I have a whole new living room! I’m loving it. What do you guys think?
We also put the finishing touches on Elliotte’s nursery. Daddy built little doors for her armoire and I stained them to match the 1890’s corner cabinet. it’s a project we had been putting off for about a year while we finished up the restoration of our farmhouse’s exterior. All of that process has been documented on Instagram in our Restoration highlights.
We moved our full size mattress into Ellie Pearl’s room to help with bonding when we get home from India. It’s a tight squeeze in this 9×12 room, but many adoptive families suggested this idea and shared how helpful it was in transitioning a child from a crowded orphanage setting to a quiet nursery alone. We still don’t have our master suite finished anyway. We hope to start work on that project this spring.
Lastly, we finished a gift for our little princess. We noticed that she really enjoyed the rocking horse that the orphanage had in one corner. Many of her update videos showed her riding on it. They didn’t have many toys, but this was obviously her favorite to play with when given the opportunity.
We decided to give an old rocking horse that we already had on the farm a makeover for Ellie Pearl. Below is a video I made of that fun, creative collaboration with my husband. Making or refreshing heirloom quality toys for our children has become a Christmas tradition in our family. With all of the adoption paperwork, this one took a bit longer. Click the link below to watch.
Prayers for your beautiful family! And a safe journey…I know, in my heart, that it won’t be long before you are all together!
Thank you for praying 🙏
Thinking and Praying for you daily ! My husband dont do social media much so I keep him updated. As soon as he gets in from work he ask ” what about the people getting the little girl from India?”🙂 I show him stories and pictures .Then we talk about it at the supper table and keep yall in our prayers.❣Much Love from the Mixson family.
Oh Thank you both for caring & praying ♥️🙏
Oh friend, I’m sorry to hear this, but I know God has purpose in it all…even if only to draw you closer to His heart. Praying for you as you continue to wait and that very soon you’ll be able to go get your girl 💜
I was so happy to receive your email and see how you are doing. My heart is with you on this journey and I will certainly be rejoicing with you when you finally have Ellie in your arms and arrive home with this little precious child. My continued prayers and love!❤️🙏🏻❤️
This just breaks my heart for you all😔 I am praying that you get the all clear after Tuesday and got get that sweet girl of yours. Sending virtual hugs your way my friend … I know you need them ❤️
Still praying for you all.
I’m reminded of Genesis 50:20-21:
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
While this was specific to Joseph and his family, I see this truth played out over and over again in the struggles and disappointments I see in our world. I pray that God gives you both peace and understanding in this time. (Also praying for that negative test next week!!) God bless you and little Ellie Pearl. <3
Thank you for this beautiful encouragement my friend ♥️🙏
Still praying. Your living room is beautiful!
The room looks beautiful and ready to go 🙂
Everything looks beautiful and you are ready. Praying you will go to India soon. God is with you🥰
Thank you for praying and being encouraging ♥️
Praying for you and your family. You will soon have your third child In your arms and what a joyous day it will be.
Thank you for the updated. I deleted my IG account and I miss fallowing along with your journey. ❤️
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you His peace.”
Thank you my friend ♥️🙏
Prayer upon prayer for your sweet family. May God be with you all in the wait.
Thank you 🙏♥️
I was so glad to see I had an email notifying me about your new post! I have been thinking and praying for you guys often and since removing IG, wondering how the adoption has been going since your last post. So happy to hear about the documentation, but so devastating to hear about Covid😓 God works all things out for the good of those who love Him, so rest in that this is all in His sovereignty. Love your sweet family and so looking forward to hearing from You again! (PS, also really love the new living room arrangement!)
🙏🏻❤️
Dear Sara! When I was pregnant, and the pandemic began in Europe, I was so afraid of the future of my baby. Then I have found your blog when I was searching pinterest nursery pictures, and I couldn’t stop to read your blog and whatch your videos. Your quite and humble spirit helped me to calm down, and trust in Gods perfect timing. It was 1 year ago. Today, I had a feeling that I have to find your blog again. Now I understand why. I will pray for you guys, and for this little precious Princess of the Heavenly Father. She’s in His almighty hands, and His timing is perfect for Her life. He’s thoughts are peace and not evil, to give you an expected end. (Jer 29,11) With Love from Hungary: Vicky and baby Lucy
Praying that both of you have negative test results in the coming days. Wonderful news about all the paperwork finished so you will be home quicker.
Thank you for praying 🙏
SARA, Bless your heart…. my heart DROPPED, with your last bit of news. Only God has enabled you to continue to stand.
I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, so I’m just going to say….”I feel pain and frustration for you….” BUT…. the beauty of all of this journey is that you have been given FAVOR.
Your Father has shown so many of us thru You just how Faithful he is to us. This has been tough to watch on the outside, i can’t imagine the inside. You are Strong, only thru Christ. He’s got you and He will see you thru this. He will not leave you. Hold on Sara..
And know that many are standing in the Gap for you. This will be quite a story in years to come when you share with your new baby. You will actually even laugh.
Just hold on Sara, BIG BLESSINGS have only begun. We are to be thankful for all our situations, as hard as that sounds…Cling to Jesus. Last of all, before you hold your baby, GIVE A BIG CLAPPING TO God for this will be a BIG HOME RUN…GIVE ALL YOUR GLORY TO HIM….Bless you Sara…
Always ♥️
Praying for you all❤️
Thank you for praying 🙏
Grandma is trying to wait patiently with hope. I love the room updates.
Thank you for your encouragement and support ♥️
Your living room looks great!! You have everything looking perfect for Ellie! Praying for you all, praying you will all be together soon!!
Before you painted the babies rocking house I noticed the form of an angel she is watching over your baby until you get there , Its on the right hand lower side . Prayers
Anxious to see a new post with all of the updates about your precious Ellie!