It makes you wonder.

Last April, I was in Ethiopia and made the biggest decision of my life--to become a family.

Yesterday, I got confirmation of my embassy appointment. I can't believe my time is here to travel again to this place that has a big piece of my heart and meet my son for the first time.

I started looking back at my adoption timeline and got goosebumps. I know I'm a little more sensitive to these things than most, but I can't help but wonder about the coincidences and meant-to-be's.

On April 27, 2009 I faxed my application to my home study agency, officially starting my process.

On April 27, 2010 I will board a plane that will take me to meet my son.

On May 4, 2009 I was officially accepted with my international agency.

On May 4, 2010 I will have an appointment with the US Embassy in Addis Ababa where my son will be issued his visa to come in to the United States.

But, I think the thing that struck me the most, and it's with tears in my eyes that I write and remember this... in early November 2009 I wrote this. This post, I found out later, was written within just days of my son's birth and the decision made my his birth family which will ultimately make my family.

It is so heavy and difficult and painful and breathtaking and beautiful.

I have found myself extremely emotional for the past few days. As I get closer to this big, this huge, this hugest thing I am in awe more and more of the strength and love of Abel's birth family.

This is big, friends.
I'm going to meet my son.

P.S. To make it all extra amazing and tie it up with a bow, we return to Chicago on Mother's Day!