Thankful Thursday

This was the very first picture I saw of Liang Xiao Yue...Hudson, on October 9. It has been a long 2 1/2 years and an even longer 5 1/2 months since we first saw the sweet face of our son. Next Thursday our family will be on a plane to China, a land that will forever hold a special place in our hearts and so I wanted to take this time to post my last Thankful Thursday, pre-Hudson.
THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US!!
-Granting me one of the greatest desires of my heart when after many, many years of praying for Mark's heart he told me he knew we were called to adopt.
-Working in the heart of Jordan who I know will be Hudson's greatest hero.
-For teaching Jordan, Madalyn and Kailee about sacrifice, giving and waiting. They have been troopers through it all and make us proud!!
-Keeping us here in Sherman when we thought a move south would be a better plan.
-The many ways the Lord provided finances for what has turned into a $30,000 investment. We were overwhelmed as the costs at first but took one thing at a time and every penny has been there when we needed it.
-The GIFT of Jordan, Madalyn and Kailee being able to come to China with us. It wouldn't be the same without them.
-My parents being able to come along. I am thrilled after many years of living on opposite sides of the US that we can share this together. It will make it all that much more special.
-The many trials along the way. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done but the Lord has increased my faith, worked out a lot of "stuff" in each one of us, and taught me many things along the way. One of those being His father heart for us as He pursues us to adopt us as His own. The last few months and especially weeks have at times been agonizing but a small glimpse of what the Lord must feel while He waits for us. Loving us so immensly, waiting for us to recognize His place in our life as our Father.
-For Kay and Sammie, Mark's parents who CHOSE Mark and David to be a part of their family and showed them what love was.. You raised an incredible man, one of integrity and humility, who fears God and loves his family! (And the other Teague women who loved them as their own).
-For our families from TX to Alaska and everywhere in between. You have each been so supportive and encouraging and we can't wait to bring Hudson home to meet each one of you! He is SO loved!
-For our many, many friends. Some life long and some new. You have prayed for us so faithfully and each one of you are part of bringing Hudson home!!
-For the posse.....through the joy and tears, you have been with me every step of the way. Thanks for bearing my burdens with me!
-For both of our work families. You are all truly family to us. We have incredible work environments and you have all been so gracious to us in so many ways.
-For our incredible agency (AWAA) who's heart for adoption won me over quickly.
-For my incredible blogger friends and co-adopters. Those that have gone before us, with us and after us. This is a community unlike no other and your encouragement, support and prayers are priceless.
-The "gabby girls", you know who you are! ONE DAY CLOSER!! I love you each dearly!!!!
-For Hudson's birth parents. That you chose life for Hudson. We will never know your story but we pray that you will know THE story so we can thank you for him one day in heaven and you will know this precious boy that we share.

...........And for Liang Xiao Yue, Hudson Xiao Teague.......we love you baby......WE CANT WAIT TO MEET YOU!!!