Friday, August 8, 2008

Why Not?

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 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.

13 comments:

Jester 6 said...

BEAUTIFUL!!

Kathy said...

How lovely. I very much enjoy your picture commentary blog, but this writing brought tears to my eyes.

Julie said...

Thank you. I have tears in my eyes. Ava is one lucky girl to have you as a dad!!

Marlita said...

I am glad Ava has you for a Dad!

kirsten said...

Love that! What a mighty man of God you are!

Zack, Jenn and William said...

Beautiful words - thanks for sharing your heart.

Bethany said...

You couldn't have said it any better. Ava is such a lucky girl!

Anonymous said...

Priceless
Cheryl In KY

Andrea Roberts said...

Boooohooooo....oh, John, you do have a way with words, my friend! God bless you for being open enough to ask those "other questions"! So glad to have Ava in this family!!---Andrea Roberts, Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry

orphans4me said...

So sweet. Thanks.
Joy, adopting Roman

Sarah k said...

That was simply the sweetest post! There are many women in this world that are waiting for God to touch their hubby just as God touched you!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!

Sarah k
Taiwankiddo2.blogspot.com

Mike and Katie said...

Great post.

Katie

junglemama said...

I am a few years late-- but how beautiful! After what has happened with Ethiopia, I think you should reread this and consider using that I-600 for some other country. Hope I haven't over-stepped my boundary, but you sure are an encouragement and I know God has amazing plans for your family! God bless today.