From 1 to 4 in Five Years!

May 15, 2012 Diana 9 Comments

Last week we celebrated five years of “Forever” with our first adopted daughter, Ruby Mei. It was a time to reflect on a very special time in our life. It was a time to remember that feeling of anticipation as we waited to see whom God had chosen for our family. It was a time to reflect on the red thread that brought us to her and her sisters that would come later. It was a time to ask, why we were blessed to have this path chosen to grow our family, and finally a time to give thanks for the miracle of it all.

I am guessing that many of you who read this blog are in the waiting process for your adopted child. Or, you are considering the process, or you are researching special needs. Whatever your reasons, I hope you walk away encouraged. Encouraged that your wait will be worth it. Encouraged that growing your family through adoption is one of the most amazing things you will ever be called to do. Encouragement in taking the leap of faith it takes to bring a child with special needs home. Are there days it will be hard? Definitely? Will the good outweigh the bad? I believe it will! Why am I authorized to say that? Because I have experienced it first hand. It’s personal, it’s hard work, it’s exhausting some days, and it is full of blessings! Do you think I would travel to China three times if I didn’t see the miracles in this labor of love! Every day I see moments that remind me that God called me to Mother these children. He has equipped me with no “Manual” to do my best! This gives me the hope I need to make a difference in their precious lives!

Yesterday I was approached by the Children’s Pastor at our church about our family. It seems they are (finally) starting an adoption ministry at our (very large) church. This Pastor asked Jeff and I if we would get involved. I can think of nothing I would rather do to serve! You see, five years later I can see why God called our family to this. I have been in a position to share our stories through various medias. I have met women that amaze me everyday. I have seen children come home that many people would not have the courage to love. And, I have seen the difference of what faith, hope, and love can do!

If you are waiting, and the days are getting long do not give up! Adoption is a gift worth waiting for! And you just never know what God’s plan is for your family. I hope you can look back five years from now and understand the “why’s” and the “what if’s” you may be experiencing today!

Wherever you are in your adoption journey, I wish you great joy in the wait, and blessings in the outcome!





9 responses to “From 1 to 4 in Five Years!”

  1. Your girls are beautiful and thank you for this post. 🙂

  2. Also, we have been considering and praying about presenting the idea of an adoption ministry to our Pastor. I have an info packet from LifeSong about it. However, just from your perspective, what exactly do you do for your church family. Just trying to get some idea of what it would really be like.

  3. Stefanie says:

    So TRUE, Diana. And beautifully said 🙂

  4. Katie says:

    How wonderful to have the miracle of three children from China….we were in China 2 years ago and met our dear daughter on May 17th. We are indeed researching another adoption…specifically limb differences, but are discouraged by the cost and the tax credit expiration, which would make it financially impossible to follow through. Blessings to you and your beautiful family,

  5. leslie says:

    Wow. I just wanted to express my thanks for these wonderful words of encouragement. We are taking a leap of faith by starting our family through special needs adoption from China. Thank you for the timely words that you shared!

  6. Alison says:

    Thanks for the encouraging words – just what I needed to hear today 🙂 My husband and I are paper-chasing to adopt a child from China’s SN program.

  7. Diana thanks for sharing these precious words today. What a testimony to God’s faithfulness in your family! Can’t wait to see what God does in the adoption ministry in your church!

  8. Deborah says:

    Thank you for such an encouraging message. We have been home a week and this is hard!

  9. Caitlin says:

    Thank you! I needed this today as we are just beginning our journey and I feel overwhelmed with paper work and adoption bills.

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