Thursday, July 5, 2012

What if...

What if Jen and I hadn't become friends over 20 years ago?  God knew back then that one day she would adopt and would become my example and mentor through the process.

What if I hadn't had Jamey for a student over 15 years ago?  God used him to teach me that children with limb differences are amazing and unstoppable.  Because of him, I wasn't intimidated by Julia's limb difference when I reviewed her file.

What if Jacob hadn't had Mrs. Bratcher for his second grade teacher?  God used her to reignite my love for teaching which led to the job that helped to fund this adoption.

What if we let the fact that we didn't have the finances to start this adoption keep us from doing just that?  God provided!  He used personal sacrifice and hard work on our parts as well as the generosity of friends and a grant through Show Hope to take care of every penny needed.

What if we felt led to adopt but didn't want to do anything that would rock the boat of our kids' contented lives?  God has used this process to open our kids' eyes to the needy of the world and to change their hearts to think beyond themselves.

What if we thought that adoption was a really great thing...for someone else's family?  Then we would have missed out on this-




and this,

and this,

and this,

and this,

and this,

and this,

and this,


and this.


Long before we realized it, God was working behind the scenes to put each piece of the puzzle in place so that we could be a family.  What if we had missed it?

3 comments:

  1. ...and the immeasurable blessings have only just begun!!! God is so incredibly good, isn't He? Enjoy these magical moments!

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  2. Love this . . . each and every picture is precious and answers so descriptively that 'what if' question you've asked.

    Great question, btw. May your reflection inspire many to ask 'what if' of their own families . . .

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  3. Great thoughts...I love how your family has followed and obeyed God on this awesome journey! I've been following your posts and pictures...crying and rejoicing with you! Ronnie and Paula Padgett (CCC) are leaving for China July 14 to adopt their little 12 month old Emma Song. I have shared with them your joys and triumphs. You are touching many lives. Love you!

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