WHY Elizabeth?

     Well -- WHY NOT???

     To be honest I thought we would only adopt once.  Well, after My Darling -- actually after just 48 hours -- Matt said, "We are coming back!"  AND I said, "Let me get HOME -- FIRST!" LOL

     By the time we could summit our dossier again -- 1 year -- Matt had me convinced :) BUT BaJabs was going to be the last adoption.  Matt was sure our family would be complete... and I was, too.  The 2nd trip to China was interesting.  Matt's dad had just past way (only 1 month before.)  The Special Need BaJabs had was much worse than we anticipated AND she pretty much hated Matt.  The weather really wasn't great in China.  I got a pinched nerve by day 4 from carrying BaJabs.  We met some wonderful people but our group was NOT like a 'family.'  YET, we really had a good time. 

     When we finally got home -- yes, it was 19 days in China for BaJabs -- I really thought we were done.  BaJabs needed some medical attention for her leg.  AND I knew it would take some time.  So, about 7 months in and after the amputation I was looking for a family that just might be going through what we were going through.

     I typed BaJabs' disability in the google search and an unusual blog came up.  It was an adoption advocate blog.  At the time I had never seen one.  I scrolled down and found this beautiful little girl.

  The information on the blog was actually more information than what we got for BaJabs in her referral! WOW!!  She already had a diagnosis.  Well, that was great.  The date to ask for her file had already past -- by 2 months.  GREAT!!  So, there will be some mommy in the next 8 months or so that I can talk to that has a daughter like BaJabs.  Yep -- that's it.  I was done.

     Well, ONE week later this same picture came across an agency list.  I couldn't believe it.  REALLY??!!  NO ONE is adopting her.  This special need is manageable.  YES, there is an operation BUT really it's not bad.  Oh, wow!  I couldn't believe it.  AND for days I just couldn't put it out of my mind.  So, I talked to my best friend about it.  AND she said, "You have to talk to Matt!"  She promised to pray with me about it.

     The next day I decided I would just say something to Matt about her and just see what his response would be.  So, I brought it up casually.  "Hon.....ummmm.....well......I was reading some blogs and I found this little girl.  Well, she has '--------'  the same diagnosis as BaJabs.  AND she really needs a family.  AND .... well .....  I was thinking maybe we could be."

    "Yeah, that sounds good.  Why don't you call and see if you can get more information on her."  He responded.

     "WHAT!!!  DO YOU KNOW WHAT OUR CHECKBOOK SAYS????  DO YOU KNOW WE HAVE ONLY BEEN HOME 8 MONTHS WITH BAJABS????   DO YOU KNOW I'M CRAZY???" 

     

     He responded so calmly.  "Sarah, if this is what God wants, well, it will all work out."

     

     Really, I totally thought he would say NO.  I couldn't believe he responded that way.  I really wanted him to tell me that the voice I was hearing was NOT real.  BECAUSE I wanted to get on with our 'new normal' and NOT change again.  I knew we were going to be needing a new van.  I WANTED A NEW VAN!!  I REALLY wanted to go on a big family vacation -- FLORIDA where it is WARM when we are FREEZING in the winter. 

     "OK -- I will check on her" I told Matt.

 

     It took some time and lots of monkey business.  BUT I got her file.  AND it was really ok.  We had our pediatrician check it and... ok.  AND I was still not believing this.  I did NOT think God really wanted me to be a mom with LOTS of kids.  REALLY???  Pastor starting preaching a series on stepping out and doing things for God.  REALLY?!!?!  I got the new book by Mary Beth Chapman.  AND cried through the whole thing.  I also was reading a book Reckless Faith -- Let Go and Be Led by Beth Guckenberger.  NOW, I was really thinking.  BUT really God -- you know what I WANT!!!

     Well, the last straw BEFORE we could give the ok for Elizabeth was the specialist.  We had a deadline from our new agency BUT Matt and I would not decide until this specialist gave us his recommendation on her file.  Pretty much if he couldn't help her then we knew the answer was -- she is not for our family.  Yep, I was banking that this doctor would tell me I was crazy.  His nurse emailed and told me it would be 1-2 weeks before he could review.  Ok -- well, that is past the date.  The answer must be NO then.

     The very next day I got an email from the doctor.  'Sarah, this little girl looks GREAT!  This is no problem.  I can totally work with her.  Her file looks good.  She will be a great addition to your family.'  REALLY???  Ok -- God, the Dr. was suppose to tell me no.  What are you doing???

     Matt and I talked about it again.  My hold backs were van, vacation, time.  Matt's hold backs --- nothing.  REALLY --- I'm equating a child's life with a van -- a vacation.  I couldn't do that.  It is all so material.  THIS IS A CHILD!!!  SHE NEEDS A FAMILY!!!  WE CAN DO THIS!!!  God will provide all my needs.  HE even takes care of the birds ... SO, HE will take care of ME.  God really wanted her to be in our family. 

     So, that day I called our NEW social worker and told her YES!!  We will take this HUGE step of faith and do this.  

     It has been a VERY long process.  The beginning had some big hurdles -- my health clearance, extra money, telling people -- yep, not everyone was happy about it.  The kids -- THRILLED!!  God has answered many of our prayers and always at exactly the perfect time.  Money has showed up right when it was due, the right person was around to give support at just the right time, a new agency and new social worker that are beyond fabulous!!!  

     We are 1 year and 4 months into this adoption.  AND I am positive that this is what God wants for our family.  I do not know why HE has picked me to be her mommy BUT I'm trusting HIM.  HE knows best.  

     BaJabs asked me just the other day, "Mommy, why are you and daddy adopting again?"

     I was very surprised and taken back for just a moment.  "Honey, remember when you were in China??  We just ...."

     BaJabs jumped right in before I could even finish, "Mom everyone needs a mommy and daddy -- even Elizabeth needs one.  That's why you are going again."  She had the biggest smile on her face.

     "Yes, honey!  Everyone needs a mommy and daddy"  

     So, that's why Elizabeth -- she needs a mommy and daddy! AND because God LOVES her.  AND we do, too!

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

Matthew 18:5

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

PRAISES :

• Article 5 was picked up and taken to Chinese Gov.
• VISA's were actually done quicker than expected.
• All 4 of the kids are so excited about Elizabeth.  They pray for her every day!

Prayer Request:

• Our TA will come soon!!  
• Finances -- We still are in need of the rest of the $
• Our health -- we really are praying we are healthy and STAY that way
• These final weeks before traveling are crazy.  Pray that we have clear minds and make the right choices on how we fill our time.
• That we get an update on Elizabeth.