The Rest of the Story...

Here it is from the beginning as promised...  Our story of adoption began in July of 1995.  The above picture was taken at an orphanage in Moscow, Russia.  Roman is the little guy with whom I am laughing.  I can remember it like it was yesterday...  At the time I was a single 27 year old who felt her heart strings pulled the day I left him there.  You see, he was approaching the age when many orphan boys are never adopted.  He is now 16 or 17 years old.  I pray tonight that he found a forever family to care for him and love him.  His sweet, loving spirit just needed a place to call home.

Five years later on March 29, 2000, I met David Svenson, the man with whom I would share my life.  We "ran into one another" at Chick-fil-A... of all places.  I had just left Carmen Carmen Salon, and he was on his way to video John Belk's 80th birthday celebration.  As we stood in line, David noticed I was holding a book called The Return of the Prodigal Son.  You see, I was preparing to go on another trip to Russia that summer, and I was reading about this famous Rembrandt painting before I actually saw it at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.  David asked me if I was reading it for a class or pleasure.  I kind of laughed and briefly told him about my summer mission trip as we waited to order.  When we sat down in the restaurant we talked briefly, and David asked if he could call me sometime so that he could learn more about my summer adventure.  I jokingly told him he had to get a copy of the book I was reading so that we would have something to chat about.  Little did I know, David's parents owned the Intimate Bookshop at Southpark Mall for 27 years!  They had the book waiting for him when he returned home from his job that evening.  

We stayed in touch until I left for Russia in June and continued our relationship after I returned.  On October 19, 2002, we were married.  It was the happiest and sweetest day of our lives.  It was a dream come true for both of us.  We both believe it was GOD who brought us together that day at Chick-fil-A.  Not by chance or by accident, but by God's perfect timing and providence...   

 

It's getting late, so I will continue the story tomorrow.  Thanks for joining us on this journey. We are blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends.

Down the Paperwork Trail...

It has now been a week since we sent our initial application fee to Christian World Adoption.  We have been amazed by the kindness of the CWA staff so far.  We have met Julie Wilson through a video conference and Linda Showalter has come on as our home study guide.  Both ladies were careful to pat us on the back and give us encouragement as we began to see the tremendous paperwork trail ahead of us.    

I just wanted to share with you how amazing God has been during this week as He is confirming our decision to adopt...

First of all, our biggest adoption supporters from the beginning have been my brother Bobby and my sister-n-law Jennifer who recently adopted beautiful Lainie from China.  They have known for a long time that adoption has been on our hearts and have gently encouraged us along the way.  When we decided to tell our family, I received this note from Jennifer the VERY NEXT DAY...  " First - congratulations on your decision to adopt.  I wish there were the right words to tell you how this journey will change your life, but words would be so inadequate.  I know firsthand how scary the journey is, but I also know firsthand that God will display Himself to you in ways that you have never experienced before.  It will be an experience that teaches you much about your Trust in Him.  Of course, I now stand on the other side and it is easy to forget the intense fear and doubt that somtimes took over my soul.  All I can say is, trust in Him.  his ways are prefect."  It is very comforting to David and me to know we have Bobby and Jennifer's support.  They have taught all of our family so much about stepping out in faith the last two years...

Secondly, I received a note from Bonnie Grigg (a member of my Bible study on Thursdays who just "happened" to get my prayer card two weeks ago)  ...Bless them with more children, Lord in your perfect timing.  Give them an openness toward adoption and lead them thru the process.  You know their children even before they are born.  You knit their family before they are born - together for them as a shepherd does..."

And finally, a kind word of encouragement from Jennifer Hall (another member of my Thursday Bible study who "happened" to get my card this week.)  She came up to me today at my daughter's book fair and said, "I just KNEW your BIG decision this week was about adoption, and I was thrilled to hear David say on Sunday that you had begun the process."

Just a few reminders of God's precious goodness and the sweet love of family and friends who really pray when they promise to do so...

Hearing the Voice of Adventure

On February 13 of this year I read a devotion by Max Lucado called The Voice of Adventure.  Here's the text...  There is a rawness and a wonder to life.  Pursue it.  Hunt for it. Sell out to get it.  Don't listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second rate life and want you to do the same so they won't feel guilty.  Your goal is not to live long; it's to live.  Jesus says the options are clear.  One one side there is the voice of safety.  You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry and safe... Or you can hear the voice of adventure -- God's adventure.  Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart.  Follow God's impulses.  ADOPT THE CHILD.  Move overseas.  Teach the class.  Change careers.  Run for office.  Make a difference.  Sure it isn't safe, but what is?  From He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado.  

As of today, March 10, 2009, David and I have officially signed up to adopt a little boy from Russia.  The history of this decision is long - I will share it with you on another day.  We just wanted you to pray for all of us as we take this adventure - especially big sisters Abi and Honor.  They are telling everyone in sight and are thrilled...