How Beautiful

Several years ago, I sat in my college dorm and read a World magazine article about a family whom had followed the call to adopt. I had know I wanted to adopt children since I was very young, but this was the first time I had actually heard about a family who had adopted many children from all over the world. I kept the article, reading it over and over. I was particularly moved by the fact that when given the choice of adopting another sibling or having a pool put in the backyard, the Faske kids all chose to adopt again. How beautiful! A couple of weeks ago, I received a dress order from a family who has 3 bio kids and 18 adopted......could this be the family who years ago so touched my heart towards adoption? Yes, theses little girls I am sewing for are the very ones who came home (instead of a swimming pool!) I could never have imagined, years ago reading a magazine article, that one day, this very family would help to bring our own child home.

And my heart cries, "How beautiful!"

Weeks ago, I received an email from a family. They are in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia, and these 3 children waiting for their little sister, want to help bring other children home as well. Could they go door to door in their neighborhood and sell Africa shaped cookies to help with our adoption fundraising? My children and I were blown away by the generosity and love of these strangers...now friends. Out in a hot Georgia day these little ones and their momma went, knocking on doors, advocating for the orphan......and can you imagine our delight when a $100 check arrived days later? Children caring about the least of these in the World, Mommas who desire to raise their children for Christ, strangers becoming friends on a common journey....

And my heart cries, "How beautiful!"

We have not yet received that long awaited call. We do not have our little one in our arms. We have not yet signed those much wanted papers. We have not yet had the privilege of praying for our birthmother by name......but already, I am changed. I knew the adoption journey would impact me, but I did not realize it would so dynamically change me.....transform me in areas that do not even seem to pertain to adoption. Callouses have been removed from my heart, and I do not ever want to go back....to return to "normal". I find myself more thankful than ever for my family. I find myself more in love with my husband, more in love with my kids. I am more gentle and caring to the stranger. I want to talk to the disgruntled cashier....to in some small way share with them the love of my Savior. I see Christ in others. I am not in such a rush....there are people to love, and I want to love them. I am a bit more patient, a bit more kind, a bit more peaceful. I hurt for young momma sitting out in the heat at a bus stop with her kids. I appreciate the short conversations I have with the older man with Down Syndrome bagging my groceries. I want to see lives changed, to see hurts healed, to see the work of the great physician in a life. I want to love children...to really love them and invest my whole heart in them. Adoption has changed me...it is growing in me a love for each "fearfully and wonderfully made" individual I come into contact with. And if loving and caring for those made in the image of God comes at a price to me...then so be it! To Him be the Glory, both now and forevermore!

And my heart cries...."HOW BEAUTIFUL!"