Since I last shared about the adoption (or lack thereof), the third and final door to Haiti has closed. It is officially the end of the Haitian road for us. If I'm being honest it almost feels like a relief. The constant back and forth pull of staying in Haiti was rather draining. The process is a long, tough road. I will continue to pray for everyone in this process and I know that it will be worth every waiting moment once your Haitian angels are home.I think one of the greatest gifts I have received on this journey (besides my amazing new friends) is the change that's happened in me. My vision of the type of child we want to add to our family has also changed. When I completed my first application and had to consider what special needs were acceptable I don't know that I checked any of the boxes. My version of "acceptable" has changed dramatically as I realize my Father's love for the least of these. Imagine not only being a child without parents, but a child with a healthcare need without parents. It's got to be a tough road.
So here I am once again filling out applications. What do I check? Which of the least of these deserves a loving family? Are there any of them that don't?
- Learning disabled
- Speech impaired
- Visually impaired
- Hearing impaired
- HIV+
- Spina bifida
- Cerebral palsy
- Hepatitis B
- Down's Syndrome
- Cleft lip/palette
- An "older" child
- Other?
As I think and pray about what boxes to check I am happy that my heart has been expanded by the King of Kings. God is good.
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:27
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14 comments:
OH!! I'm so sorry, but I completely understand how it could be a relief as well. I will keep tracking your adoption efforts!
I'm sorry the door to Haiti is shut but I totally understand. As we contemplate our next adoption Haiti is not on the list. I know the Lord will lead you to your child-no matter the country or the need. He makes sure every child ends up in the right family. Hang in there-it is exciting to follow your new journey.
Beautiful to see the Fathers hand at work!
This must be so hard for you... Why did it all happen as it did? I know it was for a purpose....but it isn't for us to figure out, I guess. And you never know what the future will bring....even years from now.
We want to adopt one last time and I struggle knowing Haiti is not where we are going. But each day I become more peaceful as the Lord reveals just a little more to our family. God will lead you. And if you're willing to adopt special needs, China is always a good place to look. My beautiful Chinese son was on a special needs list. We have never been more blessed...
Thanks for sharing this Stephanie. I love how God is working on us, growing us, in ways we could never have imagined.
I love you and will be praying for you and your family.
I know it must be both hard to see that part of your dream end and also a relief to finally know you need to continue in another direction. I hope you continue to have some peace with this and that you also stay in touch with those of us who have "met" you through your Haiti experiences...I am excited to see what God has in store for you.
Sorry you are going through this, but at least you finally know for sure, right?
If you are interested in special needs kids - check out WACAP. We just signed up with their Ethiopia program!
They have so many older healthy kids, and kids with special needs with NO FEES at all. Seriously. All you pay is homestudy, travel and immigration. Check them out.
Hugs.
Salem
www.sisterhaiti.wordpress.com
such peace in relief....and grief in a door shut.....but how exciting the next part of the journey!!!.....i remember how much we have changed in our thinking of what child to adopt....4 years ago when adopting our daughter from china i never would have thought we would be welcoming a 2 year old haitian boy to our family.......i think this "stretching" our boxes and boundaries is exactly what god wants us to do and it is an amazing spiritual experience.....but we also have to know what we can handle and our limits.....the thinking can drive us crazy sometimes...lol....HE wants to lead us.....and HE will guide you to your next child....thanks for sharing the ups and the downs the hurt so much!!!
keri
It's amazing to see your open heart, though you've been wounded. I'm excited to see what God does for you and for your children (present and FUTURE children)!!
May God Bless & Speed Your Journey!
It's so amazing how God can change our hearts. It all comes down to being obidient in the face of struggles and conflict. Reduce us to love, Lord, and show Stephanie and Jeff the direction you want them to go.
Much love and prayers,
Auntie
I LOVE how God continues to refine us and move our hearts closer to His. I am so sorry for the grief and questions you have endured but I know without a shadow of a doubt that He will work all things for good. Praying for God's direction as you continue down this adoption road and that His spirit will speak to you about which child is meant for your home. So thankful for your open heart.....
Glad for the final answer to the questions that have been lingering. Praying for guidance as you seek the Lord for the next path. Hang in there kiddo!
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What an amazing journey. You are such an inspiration to so many of us. We're praying for you all on this new journey!
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