Love God Most

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." -Deuternonomy 6:5
We have been both excited and nervous about hearing some wonderful news yesterday: the Visa Center in the US emailed our approval to the US Embassy in Bangladesh on Friday at 12:15 p.m.! This means that we can go to apply for Kalina's visa which we were told would be processed and approved in 2-3 days! We are so excited at the thought of coming home soon! However, we are also nervous because so far every step has been met with difficulties.
Yesterday Nadeem and I spent some time talking about our homecoming. We tried to imagine how Kalina will respond to her new environment and new loved ones that she'll meet. We wondered how our cats would act. Just yesterday Kalina has started something new-roaring like a little lion. We've all laughed at the sound, so of course, she feels this is quite adorable and to be repeated frequently. Poor kitties!
Part of our discussion involved thinking about the supplies and resources we'll have at home for Kalina. In America, there are so many choices! Here Kalina has a handful of outfits that we wash and hang to dry each day. She has very basic supplies-a few bottles, a couple of rattles, 2 washcloths-you get the picture. What does she "need" when we return? What do any of us "need"?
James 1:17 says that "every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." I believe that God delights in giving to us! The problem comes when we love the things better than God. I want Kalina to enjoy her toys and belongings. However, I don't want her to be greedy or demanding or a spoiled brat.
Every place has its own unique struggles. We've shared many of the struggles we've faced while here. In America, a struggle we all face is to not fall into materialism. It's so easy to get caught up in shopping and wanting more in a land of abundance. I John 2:15 says "Do not love the world or the things in the world." The challenge is to love God first. Then we're free to enjoy all the things that He gives us. They'll be in their proper place.
Lately when I've woken up I've wanted to race to the computer to check the news from home. Have we been approved? Has the approval gone to the visa center? Has it come here? This is all a gift from God, but does the outcome affect my mood for the day? Do I place more importance on good news than on loving God and experiencing His joy each day?
While we've been here, we've come to know God more. At the same time, I have more questions than ever, and I realize more than ever just how far I am from being Christ-like. I heard a preacher say once that if you love God and love others, then your day is complete. It's a simple message, but one that's really hard to do!
We're so grateful for all of you and your prayers and love for us! Thank you, God, for this beautiful gift!