Last week, we decided to make the journey out west, across our state and into the next, to hug our friends as they celebrated their daughter’s life. We were able to leave the kids with Aaron’s parents, a visit which we had planned weeks before, but had no clue about the circumstances under which we’d need them.

We drove. Aaron did most of the driving, as all my exhaust seems to hit me as soon as I sit down in the car. And, I had no clue how badly I needed this little trip until I woke up in the early morning fog at the foothills of the Rockies. The fog was so thick that we couldn’t see the mountains that we knew were just ahead. But, it seemed appropriate for a day when you will be celebrating the life of a little one, for whom the veil of heaven has just lifted. It made me think of the Corinthians verse that Bekah’s mom recently referenced in her own blog.

We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

1 Corinthians 13:12

Bekah’s funeral was beautiful in all of the ways that a funeral for a young child can be. Devastating, yet a reminder that this is not the end. Bekah’s dad, Jeff, spoke with such courage and love. He even mixed in a bit of Bekah’s joy and humor. Most of the funerals I’ve been to have been for people who’ve lived long lives, loved God and were ready. Bekah had a short life and I don’t think that anyone was ready to see her leave this world. But, somehow, in spite of the pain of her loss, her funeral was full of joy. And, completely full of hope. The sort of hope that you have only in the Holy Spirit, knowing that Bekah’s now flashing that beautiful smile in heaven.

I got to hug two ladies who mean so much to me. Erin(Bekah’s mom) and Lisa. The three of our families’ stories are woven together because of our Russian adoption. And, I am so blessed to know both of them. They are encouraging and loving and always two of the first people to say “I’ll pray for you.” I could go on for a very long time, but I’ll stop. In short, I look up to both of them and always find them pointing towards God.

Our weekend was packed full, which is how we always seem to do things. The longest amount of time we’ve spent alone together since we were in Russia and it was good. It was a bit like life pre-kids. Road trips and hiking. Our life is currently molded by parenting young children and it’s really nice to remember that we actually like each other, when all of the chaos is removed from the equation.

Life seems to make a lot more sense from 9,000ft than it does when you’re standing in the middle of your messy kitchen. Coming home meant the literal unpacking of the car and also the figurative unpacking of a weekend away from normal life. I’m still “unpacking” all that has happened in the past weeks, especially with Big L. There’s so much to digest. Many of you have asked me what this all of this news means and if I have any updates. We really don’t know. When we know, I’ll share as I am able, but I appreciate you praying in the meantime.