It seems surreal yet comforting to begin writing again. I have been very quiet. Very very quiet over the last few months. It could be assumed that I am just busy with other more pressing things. And marriage, kids, school, sports and work all take time. But it is not because of this. I have thought about writing many many times and have even sat down in front of my computer several times. But each moment...has come with quietness. God's voice quietly whispering that it is not time yet. To just wait. And it has been hard. I am not always a patient person by nature. And we have had lots of moments over the last few months that I want to share! But the word was wait. Be still. So I was. But now, I can hardly not write! I sense that He has flung the doors open and said now is the time. I have learned so much about myself and about trust and about provision & sacrifice and about loving big and about my selfishness & motives and about marriage & teamwork.....the list could go on and on! And honestly I don't really know where to start. I just pray that the words that flow onto this paper will somehow, somewhere stir something inside of someone... That this will resonate or encourage or challenge...and that ultimately you would hear God speaking into your life. I will back up and tell the whole story in a future post but I might as well start with our most AMAZING news:
Riley & I are welcoming our eighth child into our home in just over two weeks!!! She is a beautiful 2 1/2 year old GIRL who has stolen our hearts forever.
Adoption has forever changed our family and once again, we have what can only be described as a call to say yes to this sweet child. As in all of our adoptions God has moved fast. And yet, our openness to many things has also given us the honour of being parents to some amazing children! And our baby girl will be no exception. She is adorable and from what we know, loves to laugh, loves attention, loves music and loves cuddling and being held. All of this a true testament to the incredible foster family she has been with until this point (more about them coming soon!). But there are many things about her that are different. She is not able to walk, or talk, or eat orally. She requires a wheelchair and various other equipment. She will need care for the rest of her life. She is a child with special needs. She is a precious child of God.
Bob Goff, who wrote "Love Does" has some great quotes but one that has stuck with me through this process:"Small streams don't plan to be mighty rivers. We just move in a direction; God decides what he will have us become."And we have just kept moving. Through this process and meeting our new daughter, we have prayed that we will continue to become more like Jesus. As individuals and as a family. And we know that meeting our little sweetheart will be just the beginning. Of her stream converging with ours and becoming a mighty river....Sweet girl- God has placed you on this earth for such a time as this. He has given you a purpose and loves you dearly. No...you may not "look" like other kids your age. But you are beautiful and sweet and delightful. And God has big plans for your life... Of that we have no doubt. You have already taught your daddy & I so much. Love you so much already:):)If you would join us in praying for her. Everything will be so new for her- new sounds, new arms to be carried in, more noise:) Pray that she may have peace and know love.
Pray for her foster family who love her dearly. It has been so exciting to begin to get to know them. But they are grieving and happy and sad all at once.
Pray for our kids as they wrap their heads around a new little sister. And pray for their nerves as they worry about what their friends and other people will think.
Pray that they would have peace and confidence that only comes from God. And pray that God would give us His wisdom as we parent our 8 ( crazy. Crazy good.) incredible children. 11 sleeps!!!
Blessings,
Candra
