Heart for Orphans

If you are like me, you have watched the news in horror over the last 8-9 days. The tragedy in Haiti is hard to look at and I think we all ache to make some kind of a difference. My inbox has been flooded with ways to help, ways to give, and with details of what certain organizations are trying to accomplish there. My heart breaks as I watch the images on the news...especially the crying children and pictures of those left behind who lost their parents or maybe didn't have a family before. I want to swoop in and rescue them all and help place them in loving families.

It is interesting to me.....since the earthquake I have seen countless emails, facebook posts, and blog entries speaking about how important it is for us to go and adopt these children from Haiti. (which by the way, is all but impossible right now unless you were already in the process) I agree...orphans are important. They are important to the heart of God and should, therefore, be important to us. The one good thing that is happening as a result of this tragedy is the attention and thought the orphan crisis is receiving. (No, God did not cause it for that purpose, but he can make good out of any situation).

The orphan crisis was with us long before the earthquakes in Haiti last week....it is a growing problem that affects an estimated 147 million children. Millions.....hard numbers to grasp. It's true, you may not be able to adopt from Haiti right now, but there are children all over the world and even kids in the US that need our help. They need a home....someone to love them....somewhere to belong. Things most of us have had and probably take for granted for all of our lives. I think (and hope) that the US and Haiti will work together to make a way for these children to find forever homes. Pray with me that that happens....and that God will use this situation to draw attention to orphans and adoption in general and a difference will be made for many children who need a home!

Dear Birth Mother

Dear Birth Mother,

You've been on my mind a lot lately. We celebrated Elijah's first birthday this week and I couldn't help but think of you...the woman who gave him life. I couldn't help but think of what life might have been like for both of you a year ago.....and the questions came. Where was he born? Who was with you? Were you alone? Does he have brothers and sisters? Did his birth bring you joy, worry, celebration or concern?....or a mixture of all of them?

I wish I could tell you about our boy....about the joy he is and his easy going disposition. His quick smile and belly laugh. The way his eyes sparkle and how he loves to be held. I wish you could know that he is loved - deeply loved. I wish you could know that he is safe....part of a family....and is treasured more than anything else in this world. We will protect him, teach him, and love him. We will give you a place of honor in our family. This woman who gave him life and surrendered her life with him to give him something more.

I don't know - and will never know - what the circumstances surrounding Elijah's birth were, or why you gave him up. I will never know if you were unable to provide for him, if you were sick, or if you passed away. Some questions will never be answered this side of heaven. I pray for you often...that you might have true relationship with Christ, that God will provide for and protect you, that you will have peace and that he will bless you and your family....including Elijah's father and siblings.

This I do know.....I am grateful for this gift you have given. I am sad that you will not know this incredible child, or even know if he is being taken care of. While I do not know the answers to my many questions or what your life was like a year ago, I do know that we both love this boy. I know that our life is richer with him in it, and I will be forever grateful to you for your part in his life. You will be honored and respected in our home, and we will continue to pray for you.

Blessings,

Elijah's Forever Mom

Look Who's One!

Elijah checking out his new horse.....

Enjoying the ride!
(What this doesn't show is how scared he was of it and how we had to work up to this!)

Hmm.....is this for ME??

Trying a taste.......

I can't believe it!!

Don't you want to pick me up.....?

Hard to believe it is Elijah's first birthday already! Even harder to believe we have been home 5 months this month, and yet we can't remember life before him. What a blessing he has been. Emma regularly says, "Mom, our life would be so boring without Elijah!" I don't exactly remember it being boring, but I'm so glad we didn't miss this blessing. We are thankful today that he is in our lives! Happy Birthday, Elijah!! We love you!

Cutest Little Patient.....

Elijah had a big day today. He had not one, but two surgical procedures done. He has had several ear infections since he came home in August and needed tubes in his ears. This, in itself...not such a big deal! The other procedure, though, shall we say, was a little sensitive. The poor guy also had a circumcision. (His dad made me do it!) Eli tolerated both procedures fairly well, but had a difficult time coming out of anesthesia.....he was so confused...flailing around, hurting himself with his own movement, and not understanding what in the world had happened to him!! The above picure of him is BEFORE the procedures....and he's a pretty cute little hospital patient if I don't say so myself. :) He's in bed now and we are glad to be on the other side of this and praying for a speedy recovery!!