Well, there is so much going on in our lives these days and much more to come. This was the only way I could think to keep everyone posted and up to date...if they want.
Where to start...our story begins a little over a year ago when God began to challenge us and call us to some things that were going to stretch us beyond our imaginations and in every way possible. Not just spiritually but emotionally, physically, financially...every way. It took us a year to obey on the things God had put before us, but once we did...HOLY COW!!!!!!! One of the challenges God had put before us was to foster street babies who needed to be loved and provided for, so we did everything that entailed and before we knew it we received a phone call about a 6 month baby boy who needed a family. We hung up the phone, looked at each other, and called back within 5 minutes and said yes, he needs to be with us. So, we went from having one child to having two in about a 4 day period...no prep time for this new addition. God has been so faithful in his provision not only tangibly but emotionally. This little guy came to us with huge trust issues. What 6 month has trust issues? How do they already know what it takes to just "survive"? Is every human capable of adapting that quickly to not connecting and go through life just surviving? I have learned a lot about the human spirit and just how remarkable it is in it's ability to evolve to what will be the easiest way of "making it" and it's ability to learn how to connect and thrive in a healthy family environment. As emotionally draining as this little guy has been, the reward of seeing him grow and come in to his own has overshadowed all of that. When before he did not look you in the eye, did not care to be held, in fact, would stiff arm you if you tried to hold him close, did not need to be comforted when he hurt himself and seemed to have no personality...he now locks on your eye, smiles ear to ear all the time, LOVES being held and snuggled to sleep, and has more personality than ever thought possible. WOW, is God good or what? His faithfulness is beyond words and His love for the orphans and street babies is overwhelming. As difficult as these last, almost 3 months has been, I would not change anything about it and I will hold what I have learned forever.
Wow, I love your post. It is so encouraging to see that I'm not the only one who takes a while to be obedient to God. :) What really caught my attention was that ya'll are taking care of children! I have always longed to foster/adopting children and hope that God will use me in that way. I hope you will post more in the near future!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, this is Erin Landrum, I saw on Chrissy's blog that she was following you. :)