When Charissa came to me and asked me, "Can we adopt a little girl
with Down Syndrome?". I didn't say anything. I just thought.
Then she said, "... there is a little girl in Ukraine that needs a family." I didn't say anything except.. mmmm.
I began to go over and over in my mind how MY life would change. How would this affect ME. What if this happened what if that happened. How would this little girl integrate into our family?
So, here is a list of questions I asked, prayed over and meditated on for several days:
- This is a huge commitment
- Will she talk, eat, walk
- What will Word of Faith folks think of me having a child with a disability
- How will my life change with this little girl
- Will my kids accept her
- Will my kids rebel
- Will my kids be safe while I am half way across the world
- Can I afford this
- and many other thoughts
Then I had this thought.. What is this little girl thinking:
- When is my daddy going to come kiss my neck and throw me in the air?
- When is my daddy going to come help me get my eyes fixed?
- When is my daddy going to help me learn how to eat, walk, talk?
- When is my daddy going to take me out of this crib and put me on his shoulders?
- When is my daddy going to hold me close at night before he puts me to bed?
- When is my daddy going to tell me he loves me?
- When is my daddy coming to get me? Why's he taking so long? I'm ready!
God defends the orphan! He will defend me and my family..
What a blessing little Ava has been in my life! I just cannot imagine life without that little girl. Jesus will increase your ability to love every child you bring into your home. He'll work miracles in your heart and in the hearts of a whole lot of other folks too.
Don't be afraid to LOVE! Love heals.
3 comments:
Bawling like a baby...I'm sending this to my DH. I've planted the seed as well and he is open to it. :-}
Thank you so much for sharing.
---Jen
His words ring so true. And even though we were not adopting a child with downs it is still how I felt about adopting too. And I too found myself full of doubt at some point with the what if's running through my head. It was then I realized I needed to surrender those thoughts and remember this is my family and it will work out as it is meant too. I had to believe that we could handle whatever arises and help our children the best we could as we knew we would love them no matter what. The love part is easy to come by but I think the other..the fear of the unknown and wondering if I was able to meet my child's needs whatever they may turn out to be, was the scary part for me. And I just had to let go of that and remember that there is a child waiting to be mine and she is not thinking what if..she is thinking when are you coming?
Beautifully said by Ava's daddy. What a very sensitive and thoughtful man!
And I think I get why you want to adopt a child with downs. After following your blog and a few others you have listed, I see how sweet and wonderful the children are. And as you've said before a child with downs in eastern europe has little chance for a future or a family. And that frightening truth is very hard to think about.
Bethany, you are a very special mom and I wish you all the best in your adoption journey to Addison. I can't wait to hear you say..you've got your travel dates!
ok you should have put a tissue warning
thank you for sharing.
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