Bringing Luda Home
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We began our journey to adopt with the preconceived notions that: 1) the child we'd adopt would have to be younger than our biological youngest (Mama wanted another baby!) and 2) from the United States (Daddy wanted to support our country). After learning of the disheartening situation for the orphans in the Ukraine, however, we just couldn't look away.
See Statistics Here
What once was an effort to find that boy or girl who would meet our needs, God has quickly transformed. It's since become a journey of molding our hearts to meet the needs of the child whom He has undoubtedly purposed for us.
We still have dreams about what she'll be like, how she'll fit into our family, and the different memories we'll make together, but we're no longer leading the way to make these dreams come true:we're following His <3
OUR ADOPTION JOURNEY
After filing paperwork with the State of Texas to foster/adopt, we found ourselves at a stand still. Tony loved the idea of fostering, as it would give us an opportunity to share our love (and Jesus) with many kiddos, but I (Heidi) had to get real with myself. As great as that sounds, would I be able to say goodbye to a child that we've poured our lives and hearts into? Only to watch them leave with their bio parent, that may or may not be in the best position to offer the sweet child the proper care they need?
The answer was no. I'm not strong enough alone. So was it God's will to provide that strength? Or did He have another plan?
Weeks passed and still no answer, no direction. A friend of ours called to ask for our prayers, as she had randomly been asked to consider adopting an orphaned girl from the Ukraine. The girl's American host family was doing everything they could to keep the teen from being turned out of the orphanage upon her 16th birthday (as statistics show this situation for these girls never bodes well). Our curiosity was piqued. Who are these orphans? And what are the actual statistics? If our friend was unable to help this girl, would we be willing to step up to the plate? This certainly wasn't what we expected:but was that reason enough to turn away from this possible rescue mission?
Our friend unhappily had to turn down the opportunity, as it just wasn't the right time for her family, yet she anxiously encouraged us to look into it. We called the organization responsible for the girl immediately"”no answer. We called again hours later"”still no answer. We called the next day:and the next:no answer after the next left us completely frustrated and discouraged. It seemed like God was opening a door, but it was shut before we could even step forward.
Time continued to pass, with no direction or a returned phone call from the agency. We came to learn that the girl did eventually find a family, so we figured we were back to Square One. :That was until we received an email from another sweet host family:. They had caught wind that we were interested in "J", but wondered if we would we consider a girl whom they had hosted, "L". They included a link to their blog, which shared all about this beautiful teen girl. Her likes, insecurities, their family dynamic which helped her to open up and relax:.it was all just like us. I can't explain why or how, but we BOTH knew instantly that this was to be the girl we were purposed to pursue.
To no surprise, the very next day we were in touch with the very same agency that never returned our calls the first time around! The process has continued to be effortless and completely led by Him; every door opening at just the right time, everything falling exactly into place (down to God providing a notary just when we needed one). It's undoubtedly been a whirlwind, moving at a baffling speed, but this is just further confirmation to us that "L" is meant to be part of our family. We're so excited to be on this journey, and can't wait to see what He's going to do next, how He will provide for this young girl's needs, and who He'll use to help us bring her hom
See Statistics Here
What once was an effort to find that boy or girl who would meet our needs, God has quickly transformed. It's since become a journey of molding our hearts to meet the needs of the child whom He has undoubtedly purposed for us.
We still have dreams about what she'll be like, how she'll fit into our family, and the different memories we'll make together, but we're no longer leading the way to make these dreams come true:we're following His <3
OUR ADOPTION JOURNEY
After filing paperwork with the State of Texas to foster/adopt, we found ourselves at a stand still. Tony loved the idea of fostering, as it would give us an opportunity to share our love (and Jesus) with many kiddos, but I (Heidi) had to get real with myself. As great as that sounds, would I be able to say goodbye to a child that we've poured our lives and hearts into? Only to watch them leave with their bio parent, that may or may not be in the best position to offer the sweet child the proper care they need?
The answer was no. I'm not strong enough alone. So was it God's will to provide that strength? Or did He have another plan?
Weeks passed and still no answer, no direction. A friend of ours called to ask for our prayers, as she had randomly been asked to consider adopting an orphaned girl from the Ukraine. The girl's American host family was doing everything they could to keep the teen from being turned out of the orphanage upon her 16th birthday (as statistics show this situation for these girls never bodes well). Our curiosity was piqued. Who are these orphans? And what are the actual statistics? If our friend was unable to help this girl, would we be willing to step up to the plate? This certainly wasn't what we expected:but was that reason enough to turn away from this possible rescue mission?
Our friend unhappily had to turn down the opportunity, as it just wasn't the right time for her family, yet she anxiously encouraged us to look into it. We called the organization responsible for the girl immediately"”no answer. We called again hours later"”still no answer. We called the next day:and the next:no answer after the next left us completely frustrated and discouraged. It seemed like God was opening a door, but it was shut before we could even step forward.
Time continued to pass, with no direction or a returned phone call from the agency. We came to learn that the girl did eventually find a family, so we figured we were back to Square One. :That was until we received an email from another sweet host family:. They had caught wind that we were interested in "J", but wondered if we would we consider a girl whom they had hosted, "L". They included a link to their blog, which shared all about this beautiful teen girl. Her likes, insecurities, their family dynamic which helped her to open up and relax:.it was all just like us. I can't explain why or how, but we BOTH knew instantly that this was to be the girl we were purposed to pursue.
To no surprise, the very next day we were in touch with the very same agency that never returned our calls the first time around! The process has continued to be effortless and completely led by Him; every door opening at just the right time, everything falling exactly into place (down to God providing a notary just when we needed one). It's undoubtedly been a whirlwind, moving at a baffling speed, but this is just further confirmation to us that "L" is meant to be part of our family. We're so excited to be on this journey, and can't wait to see what He's going to do next, how He will provide for this young girl's needs, and who He'll use to help us bring her hom
Organizer
StopNsmell TheRoses
Organizer
San Angelo, TX
