I have written many times here on my blog about how hard it is to wait; how you just can't let your heart's desire get ahead of God. His timing is perfect and things will fall in to place when it is His will and desire for you.
I have told a few people personally that I want to go back to Ukraine and adopt but have never admitted it on my blog until now. Now, now you all know my greatest heart's desire in this season of my life. The key part of that last sentence is, "my heart's desire" but it takes two to make it work and well, Gary's heart is not there. Don't get me wrong, Gary looooves our kids and he is such a great father. He just has no desire to travel back to Ukraine. I also work outside of the home and that too is an obstacle when thinking about adopting more children. Gary always has my best interest at heart and I am very respectful of the fact that he is the head of our household. (He did say I could go back to Ukraine to adopt if I could come up with the money.) Sooo, I am just praying and waiting to hear from God.
I just can't shout it enough that the children in Ukraine need to be out of those orphanages and in families. When I experience life with Peyton and Caleb it just makes me sad and sometimes angry at all they have missed out on. Especially Peyton, who has been through more than I may ever know. She does remember some things from her past and I just sit in amazement and listen. I so wish she just could have enjoyed the things that a little kid should. Instead, for example, she had men chasing after her in a car as she was walking to her mom's house from the boarding school during one of the holiday breaks. I share that little bit of a very personal story to say, please church, the body of Christ, Christians, please see the plight of these orphans. When they turn 16 or 17 and get kicked out of the orphange the majority of them will get caught up in human trafficing because what choice will they have? They have been taught minimally and they are branded an "orphan". We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus to help those that He talks about in His word.
Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak up for those who can not speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless...
James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...
Below is a video about the orphans of Moldova ( a country next to Ukraine) that age out of the orphanage. I hope this moves you like it did me. I understand if you don't have the desire to adopt because God doesn't call all of us to adopt but He does call all of us to help the least of these.
~Tina
https://vimeo.com/stellasvoice
Once we have seen their faces in person, once we have touched and held them - once we've overcome our excuses and said "yes", that yes that allows doors to open and every obstacle to be overcome - once we've experienced adoption first-hand, everything changes. Saying "no" to God's calling becomes impossible. Those children left behind haunt us. How could we not desire to return?
ReplyDeleteI'll pray for God's clear direction. If you want, I can begin praying for your husband's heart to open to adoption again.
PS- You can adopt as married individual this time around. You husband doesn't have to travel with you. ;)
Thank you so much Ashley! I would appreciate the prayers. I am definitely haunted by the children we left behind. I will not/can not forget them.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, I love your heart for the orphan. Stand on the roof tops and scream at the top of your lungs. I hear you.
ReplyDeleteAshley, please tell me more about "married individuals" being able to adopt with one spouse in Ukraine. First I have heard of it.
Blessings, Kelly
Thanks Kelly. I never was very good at standing up and screaming but my heart breaks for these children. I just wish more people could hear what I'm saying.
DeletePraying, Tina. We didn't get to meet or even really see many of the other children in Ally's orphanage, but having her here with us, we're able to get a glimpse of what she suffered and knowing how many thousands of children spend their days the way she spent hers so recently is almost too much to bear. Keep sharing, praying and hoping.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sabrina. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about those kids!
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