The Young Family Farm »

Every mother’s wish…

05.08.2011

I remember before I was a mom hearing Richard’s Aunt Bec talk about how amazing she thought connecting with other moms when her children started school. She said CHILDREN were the ONE thing these different MOMS had in common…dispite their social or economic status–all of the reasons you used to be drawn to different people “like you” seemed to fade away when children started connecting and all of the sudden you loved one another because your children loved one another.

THAT is what I really love about Mother’s day.

It’s not about the THINGS you have…but the sweet, precious, gifts the Lord has blessed you with in your children. Our dreams for our children may differ from mom to mom–BUT deep, deep down–we all share the same wish for our little ones.

The day before Mother’s day (Saturday afternoon)–I came home from running errands to my children in distress. Our dog had attacked a bird, and they had “saved” this bird and put her in a cage. [Some of you who are friends, family or past blog readers might remember us finding a bird outside Office Max…buying a bird cage, nursing him back to health and then letting him go when he was healed. IT was AMAZING. You can read about it and see the pictures here. Thanks to Princess Tiger (our last rescue bird) we had everything we needed. But…unfortunately for our new feathered friend–this wasn’t going to be enough.

I sat with all of the children and Laney asked me if she could pray for the bird. Laney prayed over the bird the sweetest prayer…for God’s healing to take place, for his broken leg to heal–and then she said, “But Lord God–if this bird isn’t going to heal here–take him quickly to heaven so he can fly forever.” Frank asked to pray after Laney which was a lot of “Dear Lord. Oh Lord. Dear Lord. Bird. Bird. Bird. Bird. Amen.” BUT it was so heartfelt. P-man just sat there…desperately wanting this sweet little bird to be okay. Then I listened to them DREAM…they dreamed about what we could name him…what it would be like when his leg and wings healed…and how we’d let fly away when he was all better.

Now, if you are a mom…your heart is reading…and you are exactly in that place where we ALL as moms connect.

We all wish our children’s dreams would come true.

We all wish their prayers would be answered.

While we all know disappointment is healthy to experience because it will come in life–however, deep down–we all wish our children would never experience disappointment.

We all wish life could be “as it should be”…how it was really created in the Garden of Eden to be…without tears, without death, without sorrow.

I went out on the front steps and sat next to that bird and watched him breath forever as the children played in the backyard with their grandparents. I got down close…watching his little eyes open and close…and while my voice is no birdsong–I thought it might comfort him…and I caught myself singing Amazing Grace as I often sing to my babies when they are having a hard time. For my heart, it is the most healing song. And YES…I WAS singing this to the bird–because I was desperate. I wanted to have this great miracle for my children. I wanted it to be another amazing story. I wanted things to be “right” in the world…and for my sweet ones to see it all unfold through this tiny, perfect little sparrow. She looked to be doing well, and she even lifted her head while I sang.

I got online and did research on broken wings and legs–and decided first thing I’d take her in on Monday to our local wildlife center when they reopened. I went back to check on her later tonight…and she was gone. No little breaths…no movement…she was just laying on her side with her eyes closed. Laney’s last prayer had been answered. And a lump feeled my throat–and I know when they wake they’ll have questions…(And on a side note–can I just say that I’m so thankful to have MY MOMMA here who graciously laid baby bird to rest for me!)

And the questions—they have such simple answers—but the simple answers…lead to bigger questions…and things aren’t so simple any more.

I was feeling so sad as thought of this bird. And I came in the living room…and I sat here and cried. Over a bird. Then I realized the hole in my heart is really–because of Mother’s Day…and the different and deep meaning it now takes on for my mommy heart. That there is a mom on the other side of the world that had a little bird…and she knew that he would never fly if she didn’t find help for him…and while she longed to just sit right there and be the one to sing to him–she called out to God–and He answered her–in the form of another mom. In order for this little bird to live–she let him go. And one day–there will be questions. With such simple answers…but these will lead to bigger questions…and things aren’t so simple any more. EXCEPT–our love. I know we BOTH simply love the same son. I believe God loved my little one so much that He wanted to perserve his life and do a miraculous work with it. And while my love is great for my little ones–it is not perfect–but HIS IS.

As moms–we have all experienced hard things with our children…seeing them experience hard things–watching them struggle with disappointment–discovering a child has a learning disability…or illness…or some type of setback–wanting to see them flourish and thrive and experience JOY…and THIS is where our hearts connect. When we strip off the layers of flesh–pride, comparison, competitive natures–and just see the hearts of the moms that surround us. And this is where the REAL questions come…the good, sweet and deep questions that show each other that we not only get it–but that we really care. And what a beautiful thing to just love one another and support one another and encourage one another.

I’ll spare the details–but the last couple of weeks have been REALLY hard for our family. My closest friends who have been here supporting us I think are surprised how many things can happen back to back to back. It has just been hard, some times comical and other times unbelievable. In those times, I have scratched my head wondering, “Lord–are you SURE this is your timing for us to bring another sweet one home? Can you really do more through our hearts and hands? Will we be able to love all of our children WELL??? Can I really mommy 5 children to the utmost?” One of my little ones had been hit especially hard with some of our 2 weeks of trials and–for those of you who followed our journey to Isaac-then you KNOW how BIRDS seemed to always be a way to speak to me. (I know…it’s crazy–but it’s true!!!)

Last week–my sweet one who I had been praying especially hard for hopped in the car from carpool on Friday and insisted I open my Mother’s Day gift RIGHT THEN…insisting that I could not and should not wait until Sunday! Honestly, I wanted to wait. I didn’t want to pull over and open anything. I wanted to rush home. Put the kids down for nap. Pull the covers over my head–and just be still–because there…not one more thing could happen to discourage. I pulled over anyway and I unwrapped this…

A momma bird with lots and lots of little eggs. How precious.

I’m not sure if any one is still reading or even still following me here–but I guess what I get out of ALL of this…is this: God cares even for the sparrow. He provides a nest even for him. Disappointment WILL come–things won’t always turn out perfectly or like we wish they could…but we can trust our God through disappointment and hardship to carry us through. Watching my sweet ones pray today–was a reminder of their tender hearts–and they reminded me today what REALLY matters in this life. Let us be so cautious to NOT get caught up in comparing ourselves to one another, how we do this or that–but instead…to be quick to ASK about one another and each other’s families, to REACH OUT and slow down enough to do life together and serve one another, and to LOVE one another dispite how we live differently.

And on that note…this Mother’s Day I would love to hear from YOU. Ok…so if you read this far–I’d love to hear one of the following from YOU…

What YOU love most about your children…

What YOU love most about being a MOM…

If your heart is heavy—What prayer request you have this week that this mom and other moms could pray for YOU!

May you each have a wonderful Mother’s Day…among the hard, easy, ugly (tantrums are never pretty;), and beautiful…and fun!

From one mom to another…love,

Andrea

P.S. If you are on the AGCI newsletter list then you already saw this–but if NOT–check out the cutie-patootie in the letter header! That was back when I was attempting to grow out his hair. It did NOT work for us;). But still…those cheeks! SCRUMPTIOUS!

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

13 comments

link to this post

Makenzie - May 8, 2011 - 7:56 am

What a beautiful post Andrea! Since I’m not I mom yet, my prayer is that I can make it through THIS mother’s day without crying and have the patience to wait for the mother’s days I will celebrate with my children.

Sandi - May 8, 2011 - 8:55 am

Just wanted to take a moment to wish you a VERY HAPPY Mother’s Day! Motherhood is the most rewarding job on the planet. However, it involves long hours, sleepless nights, sometimes heartache, no promotions and few thank you’s. BUT, my oh my ,being given the gift of watching your children grow and thrive under your care with a love for God is the ultimate reward! Yesterday my 5 yr old put in a bible song CD and began an impromptu show for us. My 7 yr old was in the process of getting dressed and heard the song. He joined his brother in his underwear. They were rocking out to a lively bible song & it was absolutely hilarious. Those are the moments I cherish-the spontaneous joy and laughter. God bless!

Lara - May 8, 2011 - 9:27 am

Love this, Andrea! This week has been especially discouraging for us as well. Yesterday it was another Momma (of course, an Atlantan) who spoke encouraging words to my heart again. What I love about being a Momma is that automatic bond I have with other women. And I love getting my toddler out of her crib in the morning. Peeking in on them when they’re asleep. Reading books with them. Snuggling and watching a movie (we did this last night.) Kissing boo boos. I could keep going……

Amanda - May 8, 2011 - 12:43 pm

I love my children’s sense of humor. The things they say that catch me off guard and bring about laughter are beyond anything I could ever think of and at the same time is just their innocense showing through.

I love the growth I’ve experienced as a mom. The medical challenges of my children have given me the drive to not only care for them, but to use what I’ve learned out of these difficult times to help others. They have grown my heart and taught me so much.

I loved this post so much. Recently I’ve had times of misunderstanding and confusion with where the Lord is taking me, but I didn’t ignore the strong desire to be alone with him. I rode my bike out to a long stretch of closed off road and told him I was all ears for him. I throughally expected to hear rebuking and/or direction, but instead he lavished me with adoration and love. He showed me the wonders of his creations and let me know I’m loved more than even them. How awesome is our God, in times of confusion and understanding. He IS. Happy Mothers Day Andrea. 🙂

Elle J - May 8, 2011 - 12:46 pm

I am just speechless – your words are so heart-filled and you know exactly how to express them to make your audience tear-up when appropriate, laugh where appropriate, and smile, love, and encourage you all the way. LOVE YOUR HEART – Happy Mother’s Day!

Chelsey - May 8, 2011 - 12:58 pm

Andrea, I’ve been reading for what feels like forever (I think you are friends or a friend of a friend of mutual photog-friends of ours), back when we just started our own adoption journey. And I just have to share, even though you don’t know me 😉 it feels like I know so much of your story that I have to share the recent turn of events over here where just this week we were matched and are now expecting twins due in a matter of weeks. We couldn’t be more happy 🙂 There is always so much to be thankful for. So much to be grateful for. SO much happiness; even when things feel difficult or tough or one-sided, know that good things are in store. I LOVE your Mother’s Day gift. It is beautiful 🙂 Happy Mama’s Day to you!

Kristin - May 8, 2011 - 2:05 pm

Happy Mother’s Day Andrea. I follow your blog daily and have for about a year now. Your post today was incredible! Today, I’m thankful for my four amazing kids. I love how they are all so different! They all have done something different to make me feel special today. I also am feeling a sadness that I didn’t expect to feel. We’ve been home 5 weeks with our little guy from Ethiopia and his birth mother died during childbirth. I’m sad for him, I’m sad that I never got to meet this amazing women that birthed my son, I’m sad I don’t know much about her. I do have a picture of her and we will celebrate her for many years to come. Feeling incredibly blessed that God chose us to parent this little guy. I have to send you a picture of him…he reminds me so much of your Isaac. Happy Mother’s Day!

Laura - May 8, 2011 - 2:36 pm

I started reading your blog because a good friend of mine was adopting from Africa and I started blog reading to find ways to help their family through the process. I love how you have said that maybe we are not all called to adopt, but maybe called to help families that can adopt. I have three daughters from 17yr old to 7 yr old. One of the greatest gifts of being a mom is watching them become exactly who they are meant to be. I love watching them be sisters! I love when my middle and little walk home from school talking to eachother like best friends (they start bickering the second they are in the door, but…) I love how my oldest offers advice because she is an expert on just about everything! LOL I love when the advice she gives is the same advice I gave her years before. You said it perfectly about how wonderful it is to see each little piece of their dreams come true. BTW, my oldest is starting college in the fall. She picked the University she did because they have internships that travel to Africa. I have shared with her Issac’s referral picture and pictures of him now, home, with HIS family, and she knows that it is possible to make a difference. Thank You for helping me teach my girls’ that the world is so much bigger than we are! Happy Mother’s Day!

shanna - May 8, 2011 - 4:36 pm

Hi Andrea,
Happy Mother’s Day! Your post was AMAZING! I am a Mommy to 5 boys. In my heart I have always wanted to adopt a little girl. Ahhh so not what God wants for me. He has place 2 boys on my heart who came “home” to their forever family and 3 months later the family “gave” them up!! Can you PLEASE pray that God will move in my husbands heart. I know that they are suppose to come into our family. I know that they are to be ours…Please pray that God will protect those two boys and keep their hearts open to Love!
Thanks,
Shanna

Christy - May 8, 2011 - 4:58 pm

Oh Andrea, I never get tired of looking to see if your blog has any new posts on it. In fact, I think it’s first in my Google Reader updates for that very reason. 🙂 Thank you thank you thank you for always speaking these true and wise words to my heart. Sometimes I don’t even know what to say but a repeated thank you because your words have touched me and are such a blessing to me. I hope you are having a WONDERFUL Mother’s Day.

As for me, I love being a mom and seeing my kids grow and develop their little personalities and talents for things. They surprise me sometimes w/ what they are seeming to take interests in and it’s fun keeping up and encouraging them through it. And as for a prayer request, as you know, I’m going to Summit this week and my mom heart is aching to do more for children who do not have parents. I’m praying that my heart will be open to hear God speak to me this week and that He will give me some clarity in how He can use me and our family for His Kingdom purposes.

Debb - May 8, 2011 - 9:19 pm

HAPPY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, ANDREA! YOU are one extra-special momma! I believe THAT is why God has lead you to bring yet another sweet babe home! You CAN handle this and love each one of your precious gifts from God! And we will all be praying you through the adoption process and beyond! 😉 THAT is one thing I LOVE ~ how God connects women with similar hearts, no matter where they are on the road to motherhood! 🙂 Although my heart was heavy with the days leading up to this Mother’s Day (not yet knowing who our babe(s) are), God has blessed me with His peace today. If you would be willing to pray that God blesses us with our little one(s) soon, that would so bless me! *HUGS* p.s….praying you have a lighter week than the last few weeks!

Sarah - May 8, 2011 - 10:19 pm

Hi Andrea. I have been reading your blog for quite awhile now though I’ve never commented. You are always such an encouragement to me as you share what the Lord is teaching you and how He is leading your family. I’m thrilled about your news for the new little one coming! Sparrows hold a special place in my heart, too. I have three boys. Our youngest son was born with a rare liver disease and had to have a liver transplant at 6 months old. For the first several years, he was in the hospital more than out of it. During this challenging time, a dear friend of mine gave me two beautiful sparrows with a card and the verses from Matt. 6:25-34. Such a comfort to my heart. My boys are now 4, 5, and 6 and it is a JOY to see them ALL running, playing, and enjoying life together.

Bonnie Nieuwstraten - May 8, 2011 - 11:51 pm

I love my children’s faith. It is so simple, so pure, so full of trust. They minister to me daily!! Thanks for continuing to share your journey.

Happy Mother’s Day to you all you momma’s out there!

05.06.2011

Ok…this is SO my humor. Don’t think I don’t busta rap every now and then. I want to be just like this mom when I grow up;). SO…here’s a happy mom’s day rap for all you ladies in the Mutha Hood!

TURN OFF MUSIC UP TOP BEFORE JAMMING OUT TO THIS:)

Happy Mother’s Day!

XOXO!

Andrea

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

4 comments

link to this post

Elle J - May 6, 2011 - 3:04 pm

HAHAHAHA!! Peace Out!

Catherine Besk - May 6, 2011 - 10:25 pm

I am crying right now. Oh My WORD! Word to ya motha!

Heath - May 6, 2011 - 10:48 pm

OK. That was amazing.

Amy @ Filled With Praise - May 6, 2011 - 11:19 pm

Too funny! Love it!

Also, I congrats on announcing your news! I am so happy for your family. I have been praying for you and your girl. Keep me posted.
Love ya,
Amy

Our journey to our sweet girl begins… {Adoption Physical}

05.05.2011

Alright–I mean, I know it’s been almost TWO years since we did the crazy home study / dossier paper chase for our last adoption BUT oh my goodness…I think I totally forgot how many hoops you have to jump through!!! Isaac accompanied me to my physical last week–where he blew kisses to all the nurses–and it was actually the MOST AMAZING doctor’s visit I have ever been to. A physical? Amazing? WELL–FIRST…the nurse comes in and starts tearing up when she sees Isaac (he has a way with women;)—and then she goes on to tell me about her heart for adoption but how overwhelming it seemed to her. I got to share with her about little ones in our city and little ones across the world–and it was such a sweet conversation. AND THEN…

The doctor came in. It was a new doctor–so she was reviewing my information. Four kids 6 and under??? And you are here for an adoption physical??? I immediately started explaining our journey and how the Lord had moved in our hearts to bring home ANOTHER sweet heart. I assured her by the time she came home our oldest WOULD be 7…so we’d have 5 kids 7 and under NOT 6 and under (which is way easier…right;)! But then I just looked at her and said, “The world really may think our family is crazy, but God gave me a mommy heart–I love children–we love the Lord–and we want to follow Him to the ends of the Earth no matter what He asks us to do. And we know He will meet all our needs. We are so not here to live the American dream–but to live beyond that…do you think I’m crazy? Are you going to sign the form that I’m physically (and mentally;) capable to parent another child doc?”

The sweet doctor stepped back–and she sat down. And she looked at me and said, “What you just said is confirming to me what the Lord has been teaching me about living in this world but not being of the world.” She went on to share with me about her bestfriend who just brought home a 12 year old from foster care…the things that have been on her heart…and what she read that morning about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego living in their culture for 3 years and standing strong to not go with the flow of the culture but instead to stand close to God’s call on their lives. NOT your average doctor’s physical, huh? She encouraged me in our family’s heart and desire to grow again–and Isaac blew kisses to the nurses. I felt like God was just all over encouraging me during that visit–and we even made a few friends while we were at it!

And just as I was paying the copay, Isaac hits a praise song on my phone and starts dancing! {Of course the office ladies were CRACKIN up! He’s such a mess!}

SO…this was my adoption physical in a nutshell:).

Another thing checked off the list:) And one step closer to our sweet little girl.

Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!!!

XOXO!

Andrea

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

6 comments

link to this post

Elle J - May 5, 2011 - 11:58 pm

I so long to be in your next of the woods – to see you in every day living and chat face to face would just be A-mazing!!! Your face-to-face friends are very blessed to have you in their life; I am sure they know that. Just big hugs to you – for just … being YOU!

Jennifer - May 6, 2011 - 12:12 am

Congratulations! I feel like I am finally coming to the end of the paperwork hoops having finished the adoption, SS Card and applying for a Certificate of Citizenship! It will hopefully be easier for you round 2 since you have done it all before! 🙂 If your little girl has a cleft, give me a call and I can share some things I am learning along the way. Blessings!
Jenny

Mama Mimi - May 6, 2011 - 1:18 am

What an amazing start to this journey! Doncha just LOVE when God sends you encouragement in the most unlikely places! Woohoo!

Shelly - May 6, 2011 - 9:23 am

Girl, you know I have 5 kids who are 7 and under! It’s always a three ring circus but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Welcome to Team Crazy!!!

Debb - May 6, 2011 - 11:48 am

WOW! Thanks so much for sharing this story! It is always such a blessing to hear of ways that God shows up BIG…….and He did at this appointment!……touching so many of you with one visit! Go, God! Isn’t it awesome when you know you just received God’s confirmation that you are on.His.Divine.path!!??!!??!!?? Such a sweet story…..

Kim - May 6, 2011 - 12:04 pm

Oh how God is using you and your family to shed His light on others! It doesn’t get any better than that! Love it!

Post 5 – PART 2 – The Best Years of My Life {The story continues…and our family grows}

05.03.2011

Today’s post follows yesterday’s post…

“Where is she Lord? Where do you want me to go? Downtown Atlanta–I’ll go there. Across the world–I’ll go there…just show me Lord–I will go.”

There I stood in my shower of all things talking outloud to the Lord. I had been praying for weeks while rocking my new one to open our hearts to any child who He wanted us to love for His sake. And there in all unlikely of places–I felt I had the call to begin praying to find her. I knew in my heart there was a little girl out there who we needed as much as she needed us…and now–a mommy’s heart was being stirred…and there is nothing to distract a mom who is sure of that call—because if she allows distractions of this world to forget…then neither her nor our story is as beautiful as it could be.

We kept our ears open and our hearts ready–and I think Richard was just as intriqued as I was on the timing of God’s call.

“Now Lord, really?!

We received an email during that month of a sweet 3 year old little girl in Uganda who needed a home. We prayed for her…we even fell in love with her. And by golly, we even sent in our home study to say yes to her–but God said No…this is not the one I am calling you for. Although disappointed, I was sure now God had opened our hearts to bring home another…

The next month, we received an email from a birthmom looking for a home for her little one from a friend of a friend. We knew this wasn’t our little one–but our hearts were led to encourage this birthmom and a beautiful, beautiful friendship was born. It would be through this birthmom that God opened our eyes to where He wanted us to go as our relationship grew. And on one of her visits to our home, I was afraid that she might ask us to be THE family…and that is where God taught me most.

You see, this baby is by the world’s view PERFECT…by the world’s standards. And this precious birthmoms inbox was flooded with emails of family’s who would just do anything to have a beautiful, white, healthy baby. I felt in my heart–this was NOT our child…well, because she was going to be a beautiful, white, healthy baby. That is when God spoke to me again…

Adoption is not about going to where the biggest “need” is. You can’t even SEE the biggest needs–only I can. The poor–you people will always have the poor with you. Only I can rescue them. Only I can provide for them. I am ENOUGH. I do not call you to adopt for ANY OTHER REASON than to bring a child to ME. I do not call you to birth more children for ANY OTHER REASON than to bring them to me. You people of mine–you are all asking the WRONG questions. You say, “WHERE is the biggest need–I will stand there!” as if that is where I would stand. How can you ask that if I see needs differently than the world does. You look at outer appearances–outer circumstances–but I…oh I look at the heart! Does not the beautiful white baby in Beverly Hills deserve to hear the gospel as much as the babe born in a hut in Africa?! Stop looking as the world looks. Because that is adoption for all the wrong reasons. Want to help the poor? Go serve them! Want to be a mother? Then bring them home–and bring them to ME. Let me lead you to your child–and do not worry what anyone else thinks. Do let others tell you where they think the needs are–but listen to me alone. This is for MY glory, for MY name to be known, and for YOU to more deeply trust and know me.”

There I sat…jaw dropped. Perspective rebuked. Heart…opened–and even changed.

I asked the same question I asked on that day months earlier where I was sure I was in the Lord’s presence, ““If it is your will for us to bring home another child–Where is this child Lord? Where do you want me to go? Downtown Atlanta–I’ll go there. Across the world–I’ll go there…just show me Lord–I will go.”

But oh–I meant it in a whole new way…I REALLY meant it…with my whole heart.

God ultimately did not call us to adopt that white, beautiful, baby girl–but I was able to sit in my new friend’s presence and tell her I absolutely would if it were God’s will and I would be overjoyed. What we did do–was begin asking God, “What have we NOT prayed about??”

And I heard…SILENCE.

Instead, I felt like the Lord was asking us to just TRUST Him…to just follow. And we took one day at a time one week at a time. Then one night–I was reflecting on my marriage…while praying for God’s guidance for our family. I started thinking of the night we met–and I had this urge to go find a picture of the night we met. No matter how crazy the day was–how many things I needed to be doing other than this–I went to my closet and pulled down boxes and boxes of pictures. I thought I must have lost it. But then–there was one brown kraft shoebox left…it was full of pictures from our honeymoon on top, followed by pictures of us dating and then there at the VERY bottom…the picture of the night we met. And under it–were trinkets I had put away for a child’s hopechest.

When I lived in China (Post 1), I felt in my heart (EXACTLY 10 years ago) that ONE day I would return to China…that one day I would either work at an orphanage or if the Lord led me to marry–bring home a daughter from China. I sat there in my closet floor holding the little hand-painted globe I had bought for her…10 years ago. I had stashed away umbrellas, outfits and books in other places for her…but in this little box were tiny, delicate things that I kept to remind me of what then I felt was on my heart to one day do. And there I sat in my closet–again feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit. For this child I have prayed…and I smiled sitting there–with the craziness of my current reality reminding me to start dinner and tell my husband where I thought the Lord might be leading us.

I took some time to pray before bringing this up to my husband. I was pretty sure we both felt best about waiting awhile before even considering another adoption after we crazily stepped out to be considered for a little one in Uganda. I didn’t want to say a THING to my husband until I felt the Holy Spirit saying NOW is the time. SO…I waited. I called adoption agencies to talk–and I found myself tempted and some times even asking, “SO…what are your needs in China?” AS IF I needed to justify to the world why we were growing our family–the Holy Spirit is enough of a reason. BUT I will say that there are 2,000 beautiful waiting children who are considered special needs…and special needs was something also on my heart. I started researching different special needs and what I felt we could handle well–all the while saying I would trust the Lord in this. Weeks past and then one day I felt that heavy heart–like my heart was beginning to wrap around a child I didn’t even know…so indeed, it was time to talk to Richard.

I told him to sit down and to please let me talk for an hour without saying a word. I knew he’d tell me I was crazy–so I just needed to be obedient and do my part–and get everything off my heart that I felt like the Lord was putting there. I needed to start back at the stories he did know–God speaking to me in December–all the way to that day in early March. My voice quivered as I shared as my heart was already falling in love with a child I didn’t yet know…but I knew I could give this all to my husband and trust the Lord to lead him with it. THIS MEANT…just like in Post 1–on my wedding day as the counselor told me–to leave China at the cross (not again Lord!) and to trust God to lead my husband. Oh I felt this was all the sudden 10 years of a story–yet I had to hand it to the man who leads our family, gulp and be okay with however this man is led by God.

I finished talking–and by the end I was in tears. I didn’t expect to be…and I realized how much I loved her–but more than anything I loved my God and I didn’t want to do ANYTHING out of God’s will. Richard’s face turned a lighter shade–and I was certain we were on different pages…but we weren’t. He looked at me and told me that this is a rare thing in our marriage, but that we were on EXACTLY the SAME page and the LORD had given Him a peace about this–and he felt he was being led to this for our family. Surely, I couldn’t be hearing what I’m hearing–but I was. And I felt like the God I cried out to 10 years ago when I was a scared bride leaving China at the cross had been faithful to me…and my prayers had been answered…He was not only leading us back to China–but He was leading us back to bring a beautiful, perfect, deeply longed for and desired special needs princess home from China.

In March, our family began the persuit to bring home our daughter. While there are 2,000 waiting–we are going to allow our agency to place us (but I will of course still look at the waiting list and have the freedom if led to ask about a child). We are not looking at the lists until we are paper ready and our dossier is in China as we do not want to ask a child to wait longer by choosing beforehand. Because of what the Lord spoke to me, we are being approved for a 0-3 years (up to 4 years old) little girl. Our Laney has been praying for years for a sister–and her prayers are also being answered. Parker is excited and wants to study Mandarin this year–so we are! And Frank and Isaac? Gosh–they are two peas in a pod and they will be pure entertainment for any sweetheart in our home.

Waiting for their sweet sister to come home…

Wanna hear something funny? Richard bought me a 20×20 frame to put our first child’s picture in for our FIRST CHRISTMAS AS PARENTS. Wanna here the quote painted on the frame??? It’s been on our wall since the first year of parenthood–and it’s now in my header on my blog. It’s a line from a poem by W.H. Auden: “I’ll love you, dear, I’ll love you till China and Africa meet and the river jumps over the mountain and the salmon sing in the street.” For SOME reason–I was so DRAWN to that quote and asked Rich for this rediculous picture frame that was completely out of our budget. He got it for me…and now I smile every time I pass it on the wall with Parker’s baby picture in it. This was WAY before we’d ever stepped foot in Africa–and WAY before adoption was EVER on our hearts. Don’t you know how God was smiling when he saw me wipe away tears as I read that quote that Christmas. I just loved that quote so much because it means “I’ll NEVER stop loving you”…this was my mommy heart–but God knew the details of where He’d take our hearts in parenting.

While everything has been so sweet thus far, we were a bit sad not to be able to use the same agency we used for Ethiopia (this momma does not like change!)–but they have a strict birth order policy–and we have a strict follow the Lord policy…so we are using Lifeline in Birmingham. We realize our little one may not even be 3 years old, and God may have just used this to redirect our steps to another agency. We LOVE our old agency dearly–and of course we called them to see if they would allow us to break birth order maintaining girl birth order–but things are what they are to lead us to where we are supposed to go to bring home our sweet girl…and we are so thankful the Lord has provided another amazing Christian agency to work with to grow our family.

We just have a few more things to do for our home study to be updated, and then we will begin our work on our dossier. Truthfully, we could probably have everything turned in within a few weeks but Lifeline does ask that you wait to submit EVERYTHING to China until you have offiically been home 1 year with any previous adoptions. SO, we will probably be officially waiting July 2nd. With our perimeters we are guessing we will have a short wait–they told us possibly an instant referral…but we’ll wait on the Lord for that one. I’d guess we’d probably have a referral this Fall and travel some time in early 2012 (just after the Created for Care retreat;).

Everyone in our family is so excited about another child. Rico Suave reminds everyone who asks “This is IT! We are done after this!” Which leads them to look at me, where I follow up Rico’s comment with, “However the Lord leads–we’ll follow.”

To our sweet baby girl,

My how this mommy’s heart has LONGED for you. I started dreaming of you over 10 years ago–and when I followed the Lord in walking down the aisle to marry your daddy–I left my dreams of your birth country at the cross trusting the Lord to lead us there if it were His will. We are going back–this time together…and this time–to bring home our daughter…YOU. How the Lord must love you. Oh the ways He has protected you. I feel, already, like I have missed so much–but HE has not. He has been with you–and I can’t wait to have you in our arms. Oh sweet girl–your big sister has prayed for you since the day she could make complete sentences. We can’t wait to have you home…and we already love you to pieces.

Love,
Momma

A few thoughts from our children…

P-man

Parker thinks we need to go to Chinese restaurants every night for several months after we bring our sweetie home. He thinks she’ll like the food–and the waitresses can tell her not to be scared. He has taken it upon himself to learn Mandarin–so he’s downloaded a Mandarin app on my iPhone and this is what I hear DAILY from the back of my mini-van:)

Laney

Sweet Loo-bear has been packing away things that no longer fit her to save for her baby sister. She asks EVERY time I leave the house if I’m going to China–and she and Parker ALSO want to come with us…which we are considering! Loo-bear is also banning her room and she has moved in P’s room. She says that she’ll move back in her room when she has a little sister home to share it with.

Frank

All I have to say is this–this boy can hardly speak English but he is trying his best to keep up with P and L’s Mandarin learning. He cracks me up–and he is going to be a GREAT brother!!!

Isaac

Oh my…mess, mess, mess! And full of JOY and my love. He and Frank are two peas in a pod more than EVER these days. We will be moving Isaac’s room to share with Frankie baby (can you say NOTHING but trouble?!) and our sweetie will take over the nursery for a bit in the office off our bedroom so she can be close to momma and daddy in the beginning.

SOOO…we invite you on yet another journey in our lives as we follow the Lord’s plans for our crazy family…

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

48 comments

link to this post

Lara - May 4, 2011 - 12:01 am

So excited for your news to be public! You’ve been in my prayers. I just got good news regarding China as well – my brother found out today he was selected as a Fulbright Scholar and is moving to China!

Elizabeth smith - May 4, 2011 - 12:04 am

Cried through every single word!!!! What an amazing journey and I beyond excited for Eliza to have another Chinese sister here in Atlanta!!!!

karen halbert - May 4, 2011 - 12:22 am

Oh Andrea. Crying tears of joy for you. LOVE the transparency of your post and absolutely love love love how God has not only brought this 10 year journey full circle but seems to have tied a bow on it with that frame. I LOVE this. Truly. One of my favorite adoption stories ever. SO happy for your blessed family!

Shelly Roberts - May 4, 2011 - 12:27 am

LOVE hearing about your journey, my friend! I just got done blogging about our oldest who is working his way to Bible college … much of that endurance and determination was learned during our adoption journeys. AMAZING how God works!

Debb - May 4, 2011 - 1:11 am

PRAISE GOD!!!! I told Jeff after the Created for Care Retreat that I just knew in my knower that you were going to adopt again! And soon! He thought I was crazy! SOOOOOOOOO SOOOOOOOOOO GLAD God is bringing you full circle, back to China! Beautiful how He intertwined this already precious story ~ your love for China, Laney’s prayers for a sis, and even the picture frame! H.o.l.y. c.o.w!!!!! Truly amazing story. Can’t wait to follow along on your journey and see this precious one’s face! LOVE how God blesses our obedience! You laid China at the foot of the cross………and He continues to bless your sweet surrender.

Sally - May 4, 2011 - 1:11 am

I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but I guessed it from the first post!!! We are so close to bringing home our daughter from India and I love to read your heart that believes…simply believes that Jesus is who He said He was! Thank you for these beautiful posts!

Mama Mimi - May 4, 2011 - 1:19 am

Ahhhh!!!! Are you KIDDING me?!? I’m SO excited for you Andrea…and your family! When I first read that post about you and your husband meeting and China I thought, hmm…I wonder why Ethiopia and not China? SOOOO excited to see WHO God has chosen for your family! Thrilled to be following along in your journey again.

Sara - May 4, 2011 - 1:24 am

Incredible! I am so excited for your family! My sister (http://shirlee-mccoy.blogspot.com/) adopted a little girl from China two years ago–also their fifth, and a little more than a decade after she first felt the stirring to adopt from China. Love how God works. And I love the picture with the chair waiting to be filled. Beautiful.

April - May 4, 2011 - 2:19 am

Congrats, Andrea!! It has always been my dream to adopt a girl from China..so wonderful for you, and your family!!

Kim - May 4, 2011 - 4:08 am

I cannot imagine there is anyone more excited than me (outside your precious family and Abba Father of course). I am selfishly praying your trip brings you thru Hong Kong. I already LYLAS and cannot wait to hug your neck and hear your laugh. Your story gives me hope. Ten years huh? I pray my turn is not that long! Love & Blessings from Hong Kong, Kim

Kim - May 4, 2011 - 6:25 am

Yay, I knew it! How awesome for your family. Can’t wait to follow along your journey, Andrea. Hugs!

Tracy - May 4, 2011 - 6:43 am

Wow Andrea, beautiful story ~ I soo love your heart! Congratulations!!!!!

Larisa Maibach - May 4, 2011 - 6:57 am

Andrea, we have been so blessed by your beautiful family and your heart for following God. We are so excited for you as you share this exciting news, and we can’t wait to see how God leads you in the days ahead!

Makenzie - May 4, 2011 - 6:58 am

Amazing news!!! I love that your heart for China is coming full circle. God works in amazing ways!

Gini - May 4, 2011 - 7:18 am

What beautiful news! Can not wait to watch God working in all of your lives. 🙂

Christy - May 4, 2011 - 7:25 am

Oh my goodness. I was crying through all of that… so excited for you. (And hoping it’s similiar to my story someday with answering my daughter’s prayers for a sister too!) 🙂 How cool Richard WAS on board after all! 🙂 Praise the Lord. SO excited to watch this journey unfold, and so blessed to have you challenge the rest of us along the way.

Taryn Harvey - May 4, 2011 - 7:31 am

YAY!!!!! So excited for you guys, praying 🙂

Rebecca - May 4, 2011 - 7:44 am

Congrats! What a beautiful thing. God has been working on me in the same way. We have a daughter from China, and are waiting on ET. Been feeling lots of doubt about ET though, and lots of people have informed us about the lack of “need”. At this point, we are just waiting on God’s leading and are begging for discernment.

I have to say, in reading your “best year” posts, I wondered if a China adoption was in your future! God is so in the details!

Kandra - May 4, 2011 - 7:53 am

I had a BIG feeling this was the announcement…;) SO overjoyed for you and your family! Much love and many, many prayers are going up! 😉 Can’t wait to hear and see pictures…and will be looking forward to updates!

Kelly - May 4, 2011 - 8:27 am

YAY!!!! 🙂 Praise the Lord!!! So happy that you both are following the Lord’s calling and have a clear vision together! What a ride! 🙂 SOOOOO happy for you all!!! I just can’t stop smiling!!

Allison - May 4, 2011 - 8:40 am

Oh this is so sweet and such exciting news. I cannot wait to follow you all on this journey!!

Erica - May 4, 2011 - 8:51 am

This was a beautiful post Andrea. Congrats to your family!

Deborah L. King - May 4, 2011 - 9:03 am

I’m so excited for you. A beautiful new addition. So happy for Laney that it’s a girl. What a wonderful plan God has for your family.

Elle J - May 4, 2011 - 9:16 am

And another journey begins – what a precious moment for your family and how sweet the story is when GOD is in control. YAY YOUNG FAMILY OF SEVEN!!! =)

jenn - May 4, 2011 - 9:46 am

Well you know we are thrilled for you and have been praying for your next adventure. We need to talk…lots going on here…but still praying for BIG things. So happy the news is out so I don’t have to be secretive anymore – HA! Congrats…what a special time of hope for your family!!!

Katie F - May 4, 2011 - 10:42 am

Been following your blog for a while and was absolutely thrilled to read this post this morning! Oh how big our God is! How He loves His children! Thank you for your faithfulness to follow His leading and to trust Him to provide all the grace that you need. I’ll be praying for Him to give you peace in the waiting!

Brittany - May 4, 2011 - 11:00 am

So sweet and such a joy to read this morning. I wish ya’ll the best as you become a family of 7, and cannot wait to follow you on this journey!

Bobi Bobbitt - May 4, 2011 - 12:21 pm

Andrea!! I am beyond excited for your sweet family! This fabulous news has made my day! It was the first news I read upon waking and coming to the computer this morning! I hurried to work to pull up you blog on my computer in my office and read all the wonderful details! What a blessing!! Cannot wait to see your new baby girl! (: Love you, friend!

Erin - May 4, 2011 - 2:14 pm

Oh…how my heart rejoices with you! I have tears in my eyes at the incredible workings of our Lord. He is so, so, good. And the lesson He taught you about the greatest need…I TOTALLY needed that. I’m preparing and praying to return to Uganda for missions work and have been praying to know which org. to work with, which has the greatest need. oh man. Thank you!

Praying for you all as you embark on this journey!!

Jenni - May 4, 2011 - 2:30 pm

I am so excited for you!! I have enjoyed reading your Best Years posts, but never thought it would end up here!! We are in the process of adopting waiting siblings from Ghana. It’s great when you begin in one spot and God leads you somewhere unexpected. Tha has been our adoption journey as well.

Alison - May 4, 2011 - 2:48 pm

YAY, Andrea!!!! I just knew that she was going to be from CHINA!!! How wonderful! Jody and I always thought we would bring a daughter home from China one day! We were totally surprised when God told us she was in Ethiopia! But I still have a soft spot in my heart for China too! My friend, Jennifer, just brought Alice home from China. They were with Lifeline! I got to meet them in person a few weeks ago…PRECIOUS!!! So excited for ya’ll! Can’t wait to follow your journey!

Susanna - May 4, 2011 - 4:05 pm

Thank you for sharing how God spoke to you re. where the need is. Wow – exactly what i needed to hear!!!

Amanda - May 4, 2011 - 4:15 pm

Such an amazing story! I absolutely love seeing the progression of God working in yours and your husband’s lives, even before you knew each other. Everything fitting perfectly together because God was weaving it.

I’m at a point in the ministry I’ve been called to where I’m hearing silence and after reading what you wrote, I know it’s God asking me for my complete blind trust. He’s asking me to trust even when I don’t see or understand or what’s happening doesn’t make sense. I have to stand and know that HE IS and that’s enough.

God bless your family on this journey!

Erica - May 4, 2011 - 5:39 pm

Pretty much a mess of tears. Beautiful story of Gods plan, can’t wait to see who HE has picked…..love how God works in the hearts of mamas. Giggling in a big way about Rico’s DONE comment. Sounds familiar. Pretty sure that’s why my husband wanted a Z name. Yeah for the five club!!

Tiffany - May 4, 2011 - 6:24 pm

China! Oh my! Love this post and your willingness to follow God’s calling. We are coming up on two years logged into China…and I have the special needs form sitting in my paper pile right now…praying that God will show us how to check the boxes. Wonderful news and what an amazing journey it will be. Could it be that there will be two families…so geographically close…with one little one from Ethiopia and one from China? God is so good!

Shelly - May 4, 2011 - 8:35 pm

Absolutely DELIGHTED to hear this news shouted from the roof tops! THRILLED for your family. We LOVE the Youngs!!!

Allie - May 4, 2011 - 9:23 pm

Soooo excited for your family. I LOVE the picture of all the kiddos with the empty chair for sister. SO precious. I love reading your posts. I can just feel the love of Jesus pour out from your heart. To Him be the glory! I can’t wait to hear about the rest of your journey!

Kelly Johnson - May 4, 2011 - 10:08 pm

Oh Andrea, I am so very happy for you and your family. The part about the quote truly made tears run down my face! You’ve got to have that painted/framed/something inside your house! :c) I will be praying for your whole precious family on this journey to your new girl.

jenny - May 4, 2011 - 10:53 pm

Andrea!!! Beyond thrilled for you guys! We have felt the tug to China SN many times in the last few months (I’ll have to share details with you sometime)…..we are still waiting on ET for today, but just praying through what that planted “seed” for China is going to be used for. Just in awe of how the Lord has brought your family full circle with a desire HE put in your heart for China years ago. Cannot wait to watch this next journey unfold for your beautiful family! Praying her home! Much love!

Ross - May 5, 2011 - 8:43 am

Just found your site! Your post reduced me to nothing!!I was hit by a wave of emotion as I read on and on. Mostly because you share a similar story to my family. You see we adopted our oldest daughter who’s 7 from China and then our youngest daughter who’s 4 from Ethiopia. You are truly blessed to be bringing home another child. I am so happy for you even though I don’t know you. I will be reading your updates!

marci - May 5, 2011 - 11:24 am

This is so wonderful ! I am inspiredby your obedienceto our sweet Lord. He works on all of us through people like you,Andrea. Blessings for growing and hearing your call.

april - May 5, 2011 - 1:10 pm

i think even if i wasnt pregnant, i would still be bawling my eyes…thank you sweet sister in the Lord for sharing this journey with us…the things God shows you and you then share with us…really are things I need to hear and be reminded of…your faith, your family, are so inspirational!

Beth Templeton - May 5, 2011 - 3:58 pm

Andrea this was a true joy to read. I love it that the Lord had stored up that gift you gave Him on your wedding day, trusting Him with your heart’s desire, and has now giving it back to you in a form far more precious than you could have imagined then. Just beautiful. His plans for you all are full of goodness and adventure in Him!

Heidi - May 5, 2011 - 5:54 pm

Wow I’m just so excited for you and your family … it gives me goosebumps to see how Clearly God revealed himself to you to lead you to your 5th child! What an amazing story to share with her someday!! I’m just so excited and will be following along praying for this precious child!! YAY screaming with excitement from Fla:)

christi ucherek - May 6, 2011 - 1:40 am

miss your blog for a few days and THIS…………WOOOOTTT!!! So excited for you! This crossed my mind when you mentioned the 2,000 waiting on the listserve… thrilled for you and you can trust that you are being prayed for in IL!

Ashley - May 6, 2011 - 7:26 am

Oh Andrea…I am SO excited to read this! Can’t wait to follow this new journey to another sweet child. I just LOVE the way the Lord’s plans for our lives are always so much better than what we could ever dream up ourselves. =)

Dawn - May 7, 2011 - 9:23 pm

WOW!!!!!!!!!! My heart is sooo Happy for you!!!! You do realize that we said 3 is good….we’ll just foster for any children that need a place…..and then when we had 6 we said oh forget it and let’s go to ETH….then why not 8? he he he….

PRAYING for you new journey following Christ, and for your daughter that will be coming home! To a home that will love her unconditionally and show her the face of Jesus!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Carissa - May 11, 2011 - 10:07 pm

So, so, so very excited for you guys!!! And blessed beyond measure by your posts. Thank you for sharing how God has led you, esp. how you listened and waiting. What a great reminder that I need to do this every day.

Post 5 – The Best Years of My Life {The story continues…}

05.03.2011

I’ll go ahead and tell you–this post has to come in 2 parts (so don’t be mad when it ends abruptly). Had to do 2 parts because 1…it is THAT sweet of a year and 2…because Amy Levy is my ‘soul tender’ and we meet on Monday night to tend to one another’s souls {which includes Starbucks, decaf, some times cupcakes, vulnerable hearts, lots of listening, encouraging and TONS of laughing}. So…this momma will only make it through Part 1.

Let me also go ahead and say–this story is for His glory not mine–trust me it is NOT by my strength my days get done but by His. These 5 Posts are the stories of 5 beautiful years that I just have to say are my favorite if I had to say which years changed me most…all of which were hard–but ones where ultimately He shined through and was glorified. And this post shines the most light if you read the others first: Post 1, Post 2, Post 3 and Post 4. Trust me:)

While some of you might guess this Post 5 “best year” begins when we were called to adoption…or when we started the process…or when we got our sweet boy’s referral call or the moment we passed court and he was officially ours—these things were some of the wonderful things that LEAD up to the year I want to share tonight. YES, those were all such incredible moments for our family–they were hard, joyful, stretching and beautiful–but the next best year of our lives began the moment our sweet boy was placed in my arms…

I had dreamed of having my boy in my arms for such a long, long time–longer than any of my pregnancies…I had cried at night when I knew he wasn’t well but I couldn’t do A THING to help him or kiss his booboos…I LONGED to hold him…and when he finally in my embrace…truthfully–while it was AMAZING, it didn’t go quite as planned. He was scared. I was different. And it would take time to get to know us as mommy and daddy…BUT oh…the year had begun…

And this…for me–was not only the beginning of the most amazing year BUT it was also a year of another beginning…of seeing every thing–EVERY THING–EVERY THING differently. Suddenly, I had to think of “what might have happened” the first year in my sweet boy’s world–and we had to parent a bit differently. Every cry–he suddenly had someone there for…and once we were there–he was NOT about to let us out of his sight. It was during these days rocking him that I even began to REALLY see the WORLD differently. I would think about what other families go through…what other children go through…what makes us who we are–and dispite all that–He can heal all things.

I had gone into adoption with years ahead of us being a part of an orphan care ministry. I was sure our kids in Africa without moms and dads were going to be okay–because…well, they were in their “culture”…so heck, they might even be better off than a child I adopt into a transracial situation…right? And while I brought home a very happy baby–as we started to connect he got a bit fussy, and I soon saw that REALLY he had opinions now…he now was being given a VOICE…and healing was taking place. And all of the sudden–I started to see things so much differently. Sure–culture is IMPORTANT. Absolutely–I would love if every little one could stay with their first family. But in a broken world–healing needs to happen…and I also am seeing how God uses FAMIY to heal hearts of children who don’t have one. My heart very quickly changed–as there are some things culture or orphanages or sponsored boarding schools just can’t give you…

While I would rock my sweet boy and sing to him, I’d think of all of the children in the world that will never know a lullaby. To be soothed by a voice you know…and that same voice is always there—to tuck you in, encourage you, love you and pray with you. When I saw aggresive and distant behavior change into gentle pats and little kisses…my heart melted–not just selfishly for ME–oh to be loved by this child…but FOR HIM to…to see his heart coming home…he was learning not only how to love BUT HOW TO BE LOVED…HOW TO ACCEPT LOVE. (We live in a world where thousands upon thousands will NEVER know this simple yet powerful and life-changing thing!) There were MONTHS he didn’t want mommy so much–but how can you blame a kiddo who every caregiver he has known were women and they never stayed for the long haul–so why connect to another? Night after night…to rock a little love who often pushes you away and to say over and over, “Momma isn’t going any where…she is always here–I’m here to stay.” And then–to have to THINK BACK because those are things of the past…as he is home heart and soul now.

This part may sound dreamy–and I’ll say–some of it is because God is so good like that–but I must also say, it was NOT easy. In between the lullabies–please remember to slide in physical therapies, doctor appointments, ER visits, surgeries, almost 10 months of only making it 10 minutes in church with the other 50 minutes bouncing in the hallway (not a fan of the nursery and not about to let momma walk away), parasites, parasites shared with siblings, more doctor visits, tantrums, etc, etc, etc…you get the picture. And then…3 precious other children–looking up at you…waiting for their turn.

But in the quiet of the night–as I rock and sing to my four babies, I now can’t help but see millions of little faces…that deserve THIS. And all I can think to sing in these moments where I am so distracted–is Amazing Grace. I think of how much the Lord loves me. How much He loves YOU. How much He loves EACH and EVERY ONE of these children. I think about how my life is NOT ABOUT ME. IT’S NOT ABOUT ME. IT’S NOT ABOUT ME!!!!!! It’s not about what “I deserve”…but rather…what THEY DESERVE.

My life CAN NOT be about ME. It just can’t. Trust me, there are times I want it to be about me–but the truth of the matter is…I gave my heart to Jesus when I turned 18, and I want nothing more than to say YES to Him every time He asks me to follow Him. THAT IS WHAT I BELIEVE I WAS MADE FOR. If it has value in the eternal kingdom–then that is the only thing I can afford to make my life about. And I really believe these children have eternal value–and that He deeply, deeply, DEEPLY loves them. I also believe that He deeply, deeply, DEEPLY wants orphans to have families…and that He is going to call many of us who are able to say, “My life isn’t about me–how can You use me Lord–to love your children…where ever, when ever, how ever…my life–it’s all yours.”

You see, my boy–he changed me. I mean, I totally thought I understood this depth when I loved on orphans in China, Africa and downtown Atlanta–but something powerful happens when the orphan WORD is taken away and made YOUR CHILD instead. Something within you wants to scream AS YOU WATCH THEM HEAL, “EVERY CHILD DESERVES THIS!!!” but all the while knowing…in this life time–it will never happen.

In that process, you grow–you realize YOU can’t save the world–but you can do what He calls you to. While you watch His faithfulness in the transition–you see how HE CAN BE TRUSTED, how His plans may be hard BUT THEY ARE GOOD AND PERFECT and you surrender yourself more deeply to your Heavenly Father…asking for Him to show you His way.

Months passed and we continued to mold as our family adjusted and molded together. December soon came–the fun of Isaac’s first Christmas and all the joy that comes with celebrating one of the most sacred and sweet holidays. I will NEVER forget the moment I felt God speaking to my heart telling us He had something for us to follow Him on–it was just after Christmas when all is calm…just when things began to feel more peaceful. (Really Lord?! I was just getting the hang of this! You have something else for us?! Isn’t this how the Lord often chooses to work! SO WE CAN’T GET THE GLORY FOR IT–BUT ONLY HIM!!!) I was taking a shower when I felt the Lord speak to my heart. (I know…the SHOWER you are thinking? But consider my crazy family, and it’s some times the ONLY quiet this momma gets!) I felt Him speak clearly to my heart. Although it wasn’t audible–it was so clear to me–that I even spoke back and I was caught off guard that I spoke back so quickly. Okay some of you officially think I’m a nut–but I know when He speaks to me–and I was certain we must follow…because through seeing His faithfulness I just love saying YES.

While at the moment I was unsure of the how, when and where–I know my Savior’s voice–and I was certain He was beginning to call us. And so in the midst of one of THE BEST years of my life–while learning to help a sweet child adjust and simply enjoying the moments with our new one–we were certain He was asking us to do something. While we looked at our lives and saw ENOUGH craziness–I knew that He had more for us concerning His will for our lives and for our family. I’ve often heard people say, “God will never give you more than you can bear.” But check this ditty out–that isn’t a Bible verse. If I only live with what I think I can bear–then how do I live knowing my desperate need of my God? If we live without needing God–then we aren’t really living at all–we are just existing. But if I ask for His will instead of mine–then I can be sure I’ll probably have more than I can bear–but He will bear it for me–AND HE WILL GET THE GLORY!!! And it will be a story more beautiful than the one that I could have written myself. Amen?!

(…Part 2 of Post 5—continued tomorrow. It’s midnight here–so I have to call it a night! I’ll finish this one tomorrow night–and I’m SO EXCITED to share the rest…the sweet place where the Lord is leading us!!!)

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

14 comments

link to this post

Elle J - May 3, 2011 - 1:18 am

Oooooh, Andrea!!! Way to leave me hanging … but you know I will be back tomorrow/whenever you post Part 2 of Post 5. =) xoxo

Christy - May 3, 2011 - 5:55 am

First Mitzi’s story, and now yours – you girls are changing a culture’s way of thinking and I am blessed to know you even from afar!

Kandra - May 3, 2011 - 7:59 am

Can’t wait for the second 1/2!! 😉 People misquote that bible verse all the time… 1 Corinthians 10:13…love what you said about your “desperate need of God.” Beautifully said.

Kim - May 3, 2011 - 9:54 am

I can’t wait to hear more!!

Kim - May 3, 2011 - 11:36 am

Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. I know I’ve said it before … but I feel certain you gotta best seller in the making! Love & Blessings from Hong Kong, Kim

Kristin - May 3, 2011 - 11:47 am

Thank you for your post today. I’ve been home 4 weeks with our little guy from Ethiopia and today you helped me to realize that what we are experiencing with him is healing. THe first 2 weeks were great! Then the next two followed with hospital stays and many doctors appts. Thank you for reminding me that healing, not just physical but emotional healing is a process…one that could take years. God is so good! Our lives are so full of the richness He so wanted us to experience. Can’t wait to see where He’s leading you next.

Lisa - May 3, 2011 - 1:56 pm

Andrea what a cliff hanger!!!! I can’t wait to see where God is leading you and to see the rewards of your obedience!

Kelly - May 3, 2011 - 2:28 pm

Oh my soul, tears flowing…my favorite part…”something powerful happens when the word orphan is taken away and made your child instead…” I pray too that many many more orphans will be called sons and daughters instead! Its wonderful to watch your journey and it helps encourage me in mine and the new things that God is calling us to do… I feel the same way…like really Lord? Now? 🙂 But you’ve got it right…it points us back to our need for Christ in what He calls us to do and Him receiving the GLORY!

Dawn - May 3, 2011 - 3:54 pm

He he he….that is if I can squeeze a shower in the day for myself? just kidding…kind of.

LOVE hearing God’s crazy for you!!!! 🙂 You know when you are soo very desperate….that you HAVE to HAVE HIM!!!! That is where we should be. Not where I want to be – well because I have lots of control issues, but God has a funny sense of humor on that too 🙂

Alison - May 3, 2011 - 5:51 pm

AMEN, girl!!! If we could handle everything on our own, then we would walk through life not realizing our need for Him. So glad that He puts us in places where we have to totally DEPEND on Him! It’s truly the sweetest place to be! Can’t wait to read the rest of the story…

Tiffany - May 3, 2011 - 10:38 pm

Oh no…I have to wait until tomorrow for the rest…so not fair! 🙂 Wonderful post…so true…being called, being stretched, being completely changed…love your heart – always listening for God’s voice.

Elizabeth Smith - May 3, 2011 - 10:57 pm

…hoping what I think is what is coming….
love you andrea!

Post 5 – PART 2 – The Best Years of My Life {The story continues…} » Babe of my Heart - May 3, 2011 - 11:43 pm

[…] Post 5 – The Best Years of My Life {The story continues…} […]

Mama Mimi - May 4, 2011 - 2:29 am

“If I only live with what I think I can bear – then how can I live knowing my desperate need of God?” –> SO POWERFUL FRIEND!!!!