Sunday, February 22, 2009

Unbreakable


Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12


Last Thursday night I was literally at the end of my proverbial rope. I was frantically trying to help Nathanael construct a mosaic for an ancient Rome project and Samuel cook Tiger Sweets for an ancient Egypt project. Somewhere in the midst of supervising wet cement pouring and cooking one of the oldest known recipes to man, I felt myself unraveling. Hannah still needed help with math, Kristina wanted to bounce ideas off of me for a project due next week, Joshua needed a special lunch packed for his field trip the next day, and a stack of ungraded essays beckoned impatiently from the other room. God has brought the above verse to mind when I've felt overwhelmed in the last few weeks. He has reminded me that I'm not alone.

Robert came in Saturday morning and I can honestly say "phew!". We are all so happy to have him here for a few days! We've easily fallen back into our comfortable routine. Robert and the boys watching old horror movies, Robert teasing Kristina like a smitten eight year old, the humor of filling up an entire row of pews at church. It's good to be together again.

Even with all there is to keep me busy, my heart has been heavy recently with adoption issues. We've been talking about adopting again for some time and so the topic isn't necessarily new. I immediately broached the subject to see where he was with all of it.

"Honey, I really feel burdened to return to Ukraine. I know the timing is terrible and finances couldn't be worse, but I really want to go."

"Okay."

"Okay? I mean, I'm not necessarily talking about returning to Odessa. I feel like there's another area I should visit with children in more dire circumstances."

"Okay."

It was the same nonchalance with which he greeted my suggestion about adopting an older child two years ago. Such a sweet man. He humors me, but I know he would buy the plane ticket tomorrow if we could and let me follow my heart. I am so grateful to have a husband who shares my desire to love these children.

And there is a child. This child may simply be another "Sophia" meant to lead our hearts in trusting God, but the child is there nonetheless. I've stared at the photo saved to my laptop repeatedly over the last month. I check my email constantly hoping for some further information or photos from other families who have recently visited the orphanage. Why now? Why am I so drawn? I hesitate to even share this, but I'm hoping you'll pray. Pray that God will make His will clear and fill us with faith for whatever He calls us to. It is not good that any child should be alone. Pray that God will provide a family for this child . . . to lift up, to keep warm, to protect . . . whoever that may be.

9 comments:

Leah Spring said...

I know you have a particular child on your heart. Perhaps you know of someone for the child I've been praying for? Seeing her picture haunts me. My husband and I are in no position to adopt, but she's still on my heart. My husband won't even consider it. At 51, with only one child left at home, he's feeling "done". But still, I pray for this child. An older girl, who will be turned out before long.
http://gardenofeagan.blogspot.com/2009/01/significant-risk.html

Leslie G said...

Leslie.....I will be praying.
I understand.
I am going through the same right now, although we have not shared with anyone else yet.
Rest in the assurance that God's timing is perfect. If we wait on things to be the "perfect" time, they would never happen LOL.

Tami said...

For some reason I missed Sophia's story the first time around. Don't you just love how God works to open our eyes to his plan and will for our lives. Without Sophia you may have never followed his leading to adoption. And life without Kristina is unthinkable! :) We will continue to pray for God's leading for you. Your child is out there, waiting. Whether it is the child you see on your screen, or another one - He has a plan and a purpose. I, for one, can't wait to see what it is! :)

adoptedthree said...

Hi Leslie
I understand completely!

Every child's picture that needs a home, older, younger SN kids it doesnt matter they are all pulling at my heartstrings!

Now is not the time for us either. I wish it was but it is not. The time will open it's door again...when is the question.

Oh btw I have more pictures that Masha sent me of the one little one...

Leanna

junglemama said...

God is so amzaing. Iw as just coming over to check up on what is happening with your thoughts about adopting again and I read this. You are very blessed to have ahusband who is willing to follow your dreams. Is the little girl still theone I think it is?

Ashley said...

I will certainly continue to pray for God's will to be done. No time ever seems perfect, but God loves doing the impossible. He can make a way when there is no way.

As the Isrealites couldn't cross the Red Sea, God wanted them to trust Him. There was a road that no one could see. It was impossible. There was nowhere to go. But, God had a road...right under that ocean. wow!

So glad all of you are spending time together.

This is our verse for our Sunday School class. Ecc 4:12 We are called N1Accord...love it and thanks for sharing!

Let me know if you still want to come speak and I will try to get some things set up. I also would like to run something by you and see what you think. :)

Debora Hoffmann said...

Can't wait to see how the Lord leads you! I have had various children on my heart that we have not been able to adopt for so many reasons, so I've prayed for them, and the Lord has provided families for many of them already! You are an inspiration to me. I hope we meet in person one day...and so our girlies can reconnect. :-)

Unknown said...

I am glad I stopped by your blog tonight. I will be praying for you. If you are open to ANY child in Ukraine, would you consider two brothers? We posted about them when we were there a few weeks ago: Igor and Adak. They are precious and I pray they find a family in American soon! If you are not the family for them, would you consider helping me spread the word on their behalf? God bless, Jen

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