“And as the dawn breaks and the clouds clear, in an open space, together we will run.”
-Steffany Frizzell
Suzanne and I hit another estate sale Friday morning. Two, actually. The first one was in Deer Creek, a neighborhood about 15 minutes from ours. I’m still giddy about the ($20) painting I found in the kitchen…
…and the ($3) purse I found in one of the bedrooms…
…but what I really want to tell you about is my chicken. I found him on a card table in the screened-in porch.
I knew he would be for sale that day, because I saw a photo of him listed on the EstateSales.net site a few days before. There was a sticker that read “$8” stuck to his chest, and I was absolutely smitten with his (inexpensive) farm-style self. I texted Suzanne about Mission: Chicken on Thursday night, and when I woke up on Friday, this was the first picture that popped up in my Instagram feed:
One of the fellow adoptive mamas in our Three Angels group had posted it. She and her husband have since flown back home to Ohio, but at the time, they were in Haiti meeting their daughter, who also lives at our son’s orphanage. I quickly left her this comment on the photo…
…and then I raced to get ready, and dashed over to the estate sale house to meet up with Suzanne. When I saw that Insta-photo, I was REALLY determined to get that chicken! 😀 By the time I arrived at the house, a long line had formed up the sidewalk that led straight to the front door. Suzanne joined me in line a few minutes later, and we both noticed there was a much shorter line over on the side of the house, near the garage. Right as the clock struck 9am, we decided to scoot over to the shorter line, in hopes that it would be a quicker route to the screened-in porch…wherever that was. As we all moved forward, (fighting the urge to run- ha!) some folks decided to stop and check out what was for sale in the garage, but Suzanne and I kept walking toward the rear of the house. When we turned the back corner, we spotted the porch. A few people had already overflowed into it from inside the house. Those estate sale shoppers are fast! I did a quick scan of the floor (because that’s where I had seen the chicken in the photo on EstateSales.net), but he was nowhere to be found. I circled back around and scanned the top of the table next to the door we came in through. There he was! Right on top, next to an identical chicken that was painted bright red. By this time, there were several more people in the porch with us, so it was a bit of a challenge to get to the my chicken without bumping into someone. And isn’t it funny how when you’ve got your heart set on something like that, you’re positive that everyone else around you is there to scoop up the same thing? LOL! 😀
Suzanne and I met up with her mom at estate sale #2 a little later that morning. I found the perfect ($14) like-new rug for Sweet P’s bathroom, and Suzanne picked up an awesome old console table for her entry way. I can’t wait to show it to you. We need to modify it a little, and then after we decorate around it I’ll post some pics.
When we were done wandering around that house, we walked out to Suzanne’s mom’s car. We were loading some things into the back when my phone started ringing. I pulled it out of my pocket and saw the word Lifeline lit up on the screen. It didn’t surprise me because we usually hear from our caseworker (Meredith) on Fridays. For 62 Fridays, she has had to call (or email) and tell us that there hasn’t been much movement with our son’s paperwork. Updates on Fridays have been tough for the past 434 days, and I know reaching out couldn’t have been easy for Meredith either.
She asked me if Kevin was with me. I told her “no, I’m at an estate sale with my friend, Suzanne and her mom“. I rambled on and about how much fun we were having, and about how much I was hooked on estate sales now, yada yada yada. Anything to keep the conversation light-hearted so she didn’t have to feel bad about giving me another “no movement” update…and to protect my heart from possibly having to hear another one, I guess. She giggled about my estate sale ramblings, and then asked if there was any way to get Kevin on the phone. That’s when I felt my brain-brakes come to a screeching halt. “Oh! There’s an UPDATE-update? Like, a REAL update?“, I asked. “Yes. There’s a real update“, she replied, with a smile, I could tell. I wanted to hear it right then and there, so I told her she could just tell me and that I would call Kevin and share it with him as soon as we hung up.
Y’all.
We got the last signature.
THEY WANT US TO FLY TO HAITI AND BOND WITH OUR BOY!!!
My legs turned to spaghetti as the words came out of Meredith’s mouth. I dropped down to the curb and slammed my left hand over my mouth. Tears streamed as I half-listened to Meredith for the next minute or so- my brain-brakes in wide open mode at this point…a thousand thoughts racing every which way inside my head: “Is this really happening? Am I really getting THE phone call? I can’t wait to tell Kevin! I have to board a plane again. I get to hold my baby! The date my Grandma showed was 2-26…will we be there then?”
I called Kevin as soon as I hung up, and when I got home, we hugged and danced and cried and smiled our faces off. 🙂
I’m not exactly sure when we’ll travel yet, but it’s looking like late February. Can you believe it?
It won’t be long now, Sonny boy. The dawn is breaking, the clouds are clearing…and SOON, in an open space, TOGETHER we will run.
Bonnie Schulte
Oh Wow, Congratulations..I have tears in my eyes too, reading this. I am so very happy to hear this news. It has been a long wait for you and Kevin. Can’t wait to meet (see) your little guy!!! Oh, he’s gona be so happy too. Great fun days ahead for the three of you!!!!!!!!!!
Elizabeth
You will never see that chicken the same way again! It will always bring you back to that moment when you got good news. Congrats 🙂
Marilyn Palmer Hewitt
So very excited for you and Kevin! I wonder if someone over at the Orphanage has a guitar available? It would be so neat to have Kevin play and sing and you could see little P, and his buddies, sway to the music!!! I come from a musical group of Palmers! So happy for you three. I hope the time goes fast!
Layla
Thank you, Marilyn!! Kevin is bringing his travel acoustic with him when we go. Sweet P has seen him play on video, and you should see the way his eyes light up!!
Emily
I’ve been reading your blog for years, but have never left a comment until now…I had a dream last night about you getting your signature and making your plans to travel to Haiti to meet your son, and now I read this and it’s happening! Wow!
Pamela-FromMyFrontPorchToYours
Oh what wonderful news Layla!
Stephanie @ Sandpaper and Glue
HOOOOORAY! 🙂
Cathy R
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Jen @ Lita's World
OMG BEST POST EVER!!!! So excited for you both!!! and for the little, lucky angel!! WOOHOO!! Reading this is such a great way to start my day!
Maryjane from MB
With teary-eyes-of-joy, I’m happy dancing for “y’all” up here in the “snowy great white north” 🙂 Now I know why we’re having a heat wave today (its only 8 degrees F!)…its all the joy.
Woohoo!!!!!
Maryjane
Robbin
LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!!!!!! Yesssssssssssssssss!!! So very, very excited for you all. Cannot WAIT to see pictures of your handsome son together with his parents. What a blessing he is to you, and what a blessing you are going to be to him. God is so good!!!!
Courtney
So happy for you! We started our journey to adoption a few months before you did and have followed you, smiled with you, cried with you and prayed for you. We got our babies 4 months ago (through fostercare). Unfortunately, our journey will end this month. It was such an encouragement to see this post and remember adoption is a joyful, wonderful thing because so much of it is waiting and heartache. Rejoicing with you!
Suzanne
Chills all over the place right now! So happy for y’all!!! 🙂
Francis C. Moore
Tears came into my eyes as I read your post. Congratulations!
Charlotte
Crying happy tears for you guys!!! So excited to hear the great news. My coworkers and I have been following your journey and are wishing you all the happiness you so richly deserve. 🙂
Lisa
2/28 will be the 10 year anniversary of my daughter’s adoption. It was four years before I knew I would be able to adopt her. The wait tested me on every level but when she hugs me now, all I feel is the strength of our bond. Many Blessings Layla and Kevin.
Sara
I’ve been waiting for this post!! Congratulations Layla & Kevin, so glad you’ll soon be with your sweet boy! Safe travels and God bless you!
Joanne
I cried tears of happiness for you both. Prayers coming your way and hopefully your family will be under one roof soon.
Linda
Oh Layla….what a journey….I sit here in my living room reading this with tears ready to spill over! I don’t really “know” you but letting all of us be apart of this God moment is so special. Thank you. So excited for you two!
Melissa R
2-26 ahhhh….. nice!
Celeste
I’m just so happy for you and Kevin. I can’t wait to hear all about your trip and meeting sweetpea.
Dawn
Yea! Soooo excited for you guys! I am so glad that you shared the whole story with us! May God’s blessings be upon you as you go to bond with your boy!
donna
Congratulations!!! We are so excited for you.
I LOVED the picture of your son in his “Don’t Quit Your Daydream” shirt. What precious, chunky little arms! Thanks for keeping us updated.
Melissa
Wonder if you realize how many people (that you don’t even know) are crying tears of joy hearing your wonderful news? Beyond thrilled for you and for Kevin and for your very lucky Sweet Pea!
Denise
Y’all are the most patient people ever! I have loved sharing your journey and rejoice with you that the best day ever is just around the corner! God’s timing is perfect . . . no matter how long it takes!
Suzanne
I am so excited for you, Layla and Kevin. 🙂 I will pray for you and for Sweetpea right this minute.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
(Proverbs 3:3)
brenda
one more name to add to those celebrating with you and adding our prayers of thanks.
Vivian
I LOVE it! I am SO excited for you guys! I know you will be the best parents ever! How wonderful our Lord is!!
Linda
So HAPPY for you guys. My baby boy was adopted almost 40 years ago! He is such a blessing.
Lisa W.
I’m so excited for you TWO, I’m so happy for you TWO!!!!!! This is magic and we are all so enjoying the ride!!! Prayers enclosed:)
Terry
God is so good! So happy your time is near!
Anna
Congratulations! That is wonderful news. I have a daughter from China and adoption is – by far – the greatest thing I’ve ever done!
JennyBC
That little boy has NO IDEA that his whole family heritage has changed and that he has been chosen to become your son!! One day, this will sink into his brain and he will see the beauty of being chosen. How very amazing!! Praying the days pass quickly until he is home.
Annette
fantastic!!!! So excited for you three!!! And….about the plane flight jitters…. my friend has the same problem and just discovered Bach’s Rescue Remedy….she used it two weekends ago on a flight out to me and it helped TONS. She still felt a little off…but she was able to get on the plane this time…previously she had to cancel the trip. It’s like $5 at stores like Whole Foods or other health food stores. Might be something to look into. 🙂 It’s made from flowers. 🙂 GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Barbie
Oh happy day!
Sharon
So happy for the two of you!
Narelle
I am soooo excited. I have been waiting to hear that news and feeling your frustrations. Can’t wait to hear of you all finally getting together. I love all your posts by the way. You have been such an inspiration to me in ways I can’t begin to say. Thank you 🙂
JeannieBriz
I can hear….….Mommy and Daddy will be here soon!
My eyes are leaking and my heart is so so happy for the three of you!
This is such wonderful news, I pray Sweet P feels your love, connects immediately and that the days move swiftly by until you hold your little boy in your arms!
Ashley
I’m in tears over your news!!! Sooooo happy for yall!! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip to see him!
Cyndia
I’m late to the party, but I’m crying with happiness for y’all!
Cathie
Dear Layla and Kevin,
Wonderful news ! I had my eyes filled with tears as I was reading your post !
I am so happy for you !
Cathie
Danielle
Yay! Layla, I have tears in my eyes reading this! I’m so happy for you guys. x
Wendy
Congratulations Layla and Kevin!
Karen
Someone is cutting onions at work! Seriously, tears were streaming down my face as I read this. I pray the days move quickly until you get there, and then time stands still as you are with him.
Marie P.
I only know you through your wonderful blog, but couldn’t hold back the tears of happiness and relief for your amazing family. God bless all of you on this fantastic next step!!!
Heather
I’ve NEVER commented on one of your posts even though I read them all! THIS ONE THOUGH…Oh my goodness….tears streaming down my face. Design and crafts are amazing and fun but THIS, this little love bug is THE BEST BLOG POST EVER! Of course this would all happen in February…the month of LOVE. Love is patient, love is kind. Bless you! Praying from Sunny SoCal!
Beth
Crazy happy for you all!
Run…run….run!!!!
Becky
like so many others I have followed along on your adoption journey. My adopted babies are now twenty-nine and twenty-seven. You know what, it gets even better. One day your sweet boy will give you grandchildren. I now have two, ages four and one. The gift that keeps on giving. All good wishes to you and Kevin
Becky
every time I read your updates about your baby I cry , I’m so excited for you , being a mother is this best thing in this life, you will never experience enything like it ever again have a great and safe trip bonding with your baby
Cindy D
What wonderful, incredible news! My eyes filled with tears of joy for you guys! Congratulations!
Andrea
I think this is my first time commenting on your blog, but have been a reader for years! I am so happy for you both & wish you the best on this next step of your journey. I couldn’t help but shed some happy tears when I saw the pic of your boy in the shirt you designed–I wear that shirt all the time and think of y’all. My husband and I have always thought about adopting one day (no kids here), so it’s been awesome following your journey. Best wishes!!