One Year Home

I can’t find the words to describe all the emotions we felt as Ravi’s SAA came into view on this day a year ago. The drive through the busy streets of Kolkata seemed to take forever. We were filled with excitement and joy but also nervous expectation. After two years of paperwork, approvals and longing we were finally going to hold our sweet boy. We loved this child so much but he didn’t know who we were or the massive change that was about to take place in his life. I remember our driver coming to a stop outside the Society for Indian Childrens’ Welfare and everyone getting out of the car except me. I sat there taking it all in – the sounds, smells and colors – never wanting to forget what Ravi’s first home was like.  

We were ushered into a small room at the entrance of the orphanage. I tried to wait patiently but I couldn’t quite settle myself. Tears were already welling up and I continually kept checking over my shoulder to see if Ravi was coming. The administrator came in to finish up some last minute signatures and hand over a few mementos for Ravi to keep. Once the formalities were complete she made a phone call and I knew… The moment we had waited for was happening. A few long minutes later Ravi was in my arms. My life was changed forever. So was Ravi’s.

The verses that continually kept playing in my mind during our trip were both from Psalms. 

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Psalm 115:1

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100

As I sat there in that tiny room holding this precious child I couldn’t help but be filled with praise and tears of joy and thanksgiving. The Lord provided everything we needed in the two years leading up to the day we picked up Ravi. He moved mountains for us to travel to India during a global pandemic. He continued to provide for our family as we walked through this first year together. The Lord is good. It is His name that should be praised for all that he has done.