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Monday, November 14, 2011

The Tapestry of God: Finding Our Way Home

(This is part five of the series, The Tapestry of God)

Lawson, Marion and Lincoln have been trying to find their way home for the past two years.  Their hope of ever finding their way lasted as long as the days of winter.  It was winter when their security of home became as bare as the trees, with their hope falling to the ground.

These inseparable children wear contagious smiles.  But behind the smiles, a feeling of despair strangles the hope inside, the hope of ever finding their way home.  "Who would ever want to bring home three children?" is a haunting question.  That question finally has an answer from a couple living in Georgia.

Suzanne grew up in Louisiana country with grandparents living on both sides.  She moved once, only half a mile down the same road.  It was a simple, God-fearing home that took pride only in the powerful bond of family.  It was a stable home that lived on love, with little need for lots of money.

Unlike Suzanne, Frank lived in many places.  The family moved where the jobs moved.  Frank spent most of his childhood living in mobile homes, only to personify the mobile lifestyle.  It was a home of practical jokes and laughter, with little to no realization that lack of money was a problem.  This only grew their faith stronger in the Lord.

We (Frank & Suzanne) did not grow up in fancy homes, drive fancy cars or eat fancy food.  The houses in which we lived were either built by family or had wheels.  The cars were always pre-owned with an occasional dent or missing hood.  (Another story.)  Our steaks were chicken-fried with ketchup as our sauce.  We are not fancy people.  But God was leading us to buy a fancy house.

About three years ago, we moved to Cartersville, GA to work alongside wonderful people in ministry at First Baptist.  We were looking for that modest, not too fancy home.  With the housing market in despair, we had an opportunity for a major upgrade.  Was this right?  Was this something we were suppose to do?  This house was more space than we needed.  However, we felt a peace about what God was showing us, but did not understand.

We now understand.  God has made it clear He wanted us in this home, for this time and purpose.  He wanted this home inflated with love for God, for family and for the orphan.  As a family of eight (and a big, black lab), we can now say every inch of this house will be used.  Many people reading this blog have contributed to making this house work for all these kids.  The love of our friends and family is overwhelming.  And the love does not stop there.

There is love waiting in that home.  Love not just from a mom and dad anxious for home, but of two brothers and a sister anxious to meet their new siblings.  We have talked so much about Lawson, Marion and Lincoln, but waiting at home are three siblings who have made us extremely proud.

Madison, Landon and Logan have been a part of this adoption process for two years.  They were on board from day one.  They never questioned that God was leading us to adopt a child.  And when the news from Ukraine arrived that three children were coming home instead of one, our kids back in Euharlee were more energized and excited.

Tears are falling as words are being typed about these amazing kids, who have been playing ball games with stands empty of cheers from mom and dad.  Landon has given up his entire matching bedroom set for a brother he has yet to meet.  Logan and Landon have given up their rooms to move two flights of stairs away from the family in the basement.  Madison has given up her matching bedroom set to a girl named Marion, a girl whom she has prayed for while lying in that same bed.  And the most amazing part?  These kids are sharing the intimate bond between mom and dad with three young strangers.

We could not have done this without the help of friends and family members.  We could not have done this without the Lord.  And we surely could not have done this without the three most amazing kids in the world, who are waiting to welcome home and celebrate the journey's end for Lawson, Marion and Lincoln.

Last Sunday was International Orphan Sunday.  Our mandatory 10-day waiting period was officially over on Orphan Sunday.  They are no longer captive to the haunting questions or hopeless despair circling in their dreams.  They have been released.

Tomorrow is a special day.  We will throw a party for their orphan friends and teachers.  We will say our goodbyes and walk away one last time.  We will begin our way home, a home full of God's love and the mercy of His Son, Jesus.

It's winter here in Ukraine.  The leaves have fallen and the snow is beginning to stick.  But under the cold, hard ground is a seed of hope.  A seed that will find it's home in the warmth of the Son.  Welcome Home.

(Come back to our blog for: The Tapestry of God: Thanksgiving in Living Colors)

1 comments:

Andrea said...

Crying at His unfolding plan of grace and redemption!! Thank you for allowing us to peek in, pray and wait with you! We are excited to welcome you all home!!

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