Lots on my heart and mind tonight...

Lots on my heart and mind tonight...

We don't try to browbeat by standing on our adoption soapbox all the time here, but tonight in my internet clicking I came across this verse in Proverbs 24:12: Once our eyes have been opened we can't pretend that we don't know what to do; for God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we know and holds us responsible to act.

It's not a fad or a passing fancy. We have two living, breathing reminders in our home every day that there are dozens of children in just Ellie's and Reni's former orphanages going to sleep tonight without someone to read them stories or say prayers with them or offer a bed to crawl into should they wake up scared. When the time is right, if the Lord permits... we can do more.

Today I'm rejoicing to hear of a second friend leaving on January 13 to bring home her son from China. Soon there will be three less orphans between these two families. Thanks to some bloggy friends passing on the word, I found some links to creative products and services other families are selling to raise money and bring home some more kiddos. I bought a travel mug and inquired about a design service. We can do and will do more, though. We are excited that Nathan has been invited to share in Asbury's chapel this semester. In 11 years at the center, this is a first. Guess what he's going to share about ? (he was asked to share about this topic, by the way) ;-) The date has changed once, so when we know for sure that it's not changing, I'll post a link where you can listen live or download the podcast.

Also contributing to these thoughts.... an article I read on my phone while laying on the floor in Ellie's room as she fell asleep tonight -- it's always particularly touching to me to read of an older child finding a family. This post pertains to three siblings from Uganda: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/12/25/881216/for-the-holiday-a-gift-of-joy.html

Shifting gears...

This Christmas I got a sweet, unexpected gift: the opportunity to meet (online) the mother of another double-amputee child. In the past month I began seeking out resources for families of children with limb deficiencies. My unscientific research concluded that in this relatively small "special needs" category, most of the populace is missing a hand, partial foot, or digits. Outside of (adult) veterans, very, VERY few children are missing both legs. I don't know numbers, but let's just say there's no Yahoo group that I've found.

The connection came as a result of our agency requesting permission to share Reni's story with their staff. Our former liaison for Ellie's adoption read the account and e-mailed me directly to say she knew of a family in her daughter's wheelchair basketball league that had a school-aged daughter missing her legs at the same place as Reni, and that this little girl also shared hand differences (Reni has an anomaly on his left hand). Needless to say, I felt this connection was providential. It's been wonderful to see her photos of a very happy and active (and beautiful) little girl and learn about all the different ways she gets around. What an encouragement! Her mom told me that they had never met another child who shared the same issues.

Final note of the evening... we've had an encouraging past few days with Ellie. I may have shared here before that transitions are particularly difficult for her. After nearly 2 weeks on the road, we were anticipating a difficult first day back at school. On top of that, her brilliant mother scheduled a dental appointment for her orally averse, medically-anxious daughter on the same day. Imagine our surprise when we got a good behaviour report from school combined with her absolutely best handwriting sample ever. Not only that, she had exemplary behavior at the dentist's office, allowing them to not only count her teeth, but polish them and apply fluoride with a toothbrush! She asked Nathan if she could get her balloon (our promise if she cooperated without crying). She barely held it together, but Nathan told her they would stop for the promised "shiny balloon" on the way home. With that confirmation, she thought she'd push it one further. In front of the dentist she asked, "Can I get candy too?" :-)

Thanks for reading! Stay warm!