Tonight we had a meeting with the 2009 families that hosted Ukraine orphans last fall. To hear their stories of inspiration, frustration, paper work nightmares....oh it all came rushing back. I remember just over a year ago, walking through my life here but having part of my heart walking around in Ukraine. Wanting so badly to bring Alex home, praying he was safe, wondering what he was doing, and hoping he still wanted to be part of our family. Listening to these parents just brought back all those feelings.
Wow.
People, when hearing we've adopted want to know why? What lead us to adopt? Why when we already have four? And an older child? Our story is too long to tell and to sacred to share with just anyone. Adoption isn't for everyone. It's not a fad, (Once, I had a well meaning family member compare me to celebrities that are adopting-like I was just doing the popular/chic thing. Grr....that didn't sit well with me. We didn't adopt to be like Madonna or Brad and Angela!) it's not easy, and it's not for the faint of heart. If it's right for you, only you will know.
I knew. I knew and I couldn't deny the feelings I felt. When the first whisperings of the spirit came to me, I tried pushing it away, I was sure I was crazy. Then as quickly as my prompting came I also had a quick glimpse of how horrid I would feel standing in front of this person-this person I knew and loved before-in the next life and the sorrow I would feel telling him, I'm sorry. I didn't look for him. I was too scared. I didn't know what to do. I didn't have the money or the time. It was a fleeting moment-this sorrow I felt-but I think the Lord knew I would struggle with doubt. That I needed this reminder about a promise made before this life.
I also think the Lord works in mysterious and wondrous ways. If you had told me two years ago that I would travel half way around the world, live for six weeks in a foreign country, come up with almost as much money as our first house and figure out the hoops and endless paperwork involved in completing a international adoption. I would have asked you what you were smoking!?
But mountains can move. Tonight a family shared with me their mountain that the Lord moved for them. It's not my story to tell but trust me, this was a BIG mountain. Our Lord is incredible and he loves and knows these children. Just as He knows and loves us.
Do I have any advice for these parents, facing the unknown, throwing their hat in the ring, taking on this quest to love, save and change the life of a child?
Hang on! Keep your hands inside-preferable in the praying position-do not let go, do not give up hope, stay seated and just hold on!
It WILL be bumpy, it WILL be scary and getting them home just changes you to a different track on the roller coaster with different bumps, turns and loop to loops.
The secret, a wonderful and famous man once said is:
The secret, a wonderful and famous man once said is:
"The trick is to enjoy the ride!"
And just in case you want to follow along as I retrace our adventure, here's where we were last year at this time:
3 of my blog friends said something...:
You gave me goosebumps! There is no doubt in my mind that Alex was meant to be yours.
Wendy, it's so true what you say. It's so hard for some people to understand the whys of what motivates people to adopt. As I've learned, every person has to learn for themselves if it is the right thing to do. Like you said last night, before you knew about Save A Child, or met Alex, you would have called yourself crazy if you'd seen yourself a year from then.
Great post! We enjoy your wisdom.
Okay, I'm caught up reading again. I laughed a lot!!! I still think we need to get our boys together. I think your Alex hasn't forgotten the language. I was telling my Alex about your Alex forgetting Ukrainian, and my Alex said, "It's locked in a safe in his brain," referring to your Alex. (We have a safe in our basement, and I was kind of amazed he used that word.)
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