It’s been almost
two months since we’ve been home with Lydia and Isaiah. It’s been a crazy, exhausting, wonderful two
months for sure. So many sweet friends
have been asking us how we’ve been adjusting.
We’ve been so appreciative of all the kind words and prayers for our
family. Both Lydia and Isaiah seem very
happy and content with their new life in the States. Initially, Isaiah had some stomach issues
that we had to work through. But after a
few weeks, they are both eating well and sleeping pretty consistently through
the night. Adam, Emma, and Nathan have been such big helps and absolutely adore
them. I love watching them all play
together, laughing and enjoying being together.
Lydia and Isaiah
have blessed us so very much. I am so thankful for this journey the Lord called
Keith and I on over the past couple of years.
He has taught us so much about His love and mercy. Many of you know while we were in Ethiopia,
we had the opportunity to meet Biruk, the boy we sponsor through Compassion
International. We were so excited to
meet him and his family. After arriving
at the community center that day, they brought Biruk to us. I gave him a big hug, but immediately noticed
the sadness in his eyes. He was guarded,
quiet, and a reserved 15 year old. As we
talked, I learned for the first time that both his parents were in prison. He was living with his two brothers in Addis…
alone. As I listened to the interpreter, I tried to hide the tears in my eyes.
On our visit, we were able to go to his house and meet his brothers. Solomon,
who looked a little younger than Biruk, greeted us with a big smile. Their
youngest brother, Nehemiah, was only five. They welcomed us graciously into
their small home, made of mud with a tin roof. I looked around to find their
only possessions were a small bed, a few dishes, a small table, and a few
chairs. We asked how we could pray for them, and Biruk explained how they had very
little money to buy food. Their only
source of income was their Compassion sponsorship ($38 a month), and renting
out one of the little rooms in their house.
And the renters were not always reliable in making payments. Biruk was
debating quitting school so he could make more money to buy food. He explained little Nehemiah would wake up in
the middle of the night, crying because he was hungry. Biruk said he often
would not eat, so Nehemiah could have a double portion. As I listened, it was
all I could do not to burst into tears. I looked into Biruk’s eyes. He had the
weight of the world on his shoulders. In his eyes, I saw my son, Adam. I tried to imagine Adam wondering where his
next meal would come from…dealing with the burden of being the sole provider
and caretaker for his younger siblings.
I could not fathom it. I looked
into Nehemiah’s eyes and saw our little Nathan.
This sweet little boy had no mom or dad to give him a kiss goodnight,
comfort him when he scraped his knee or help him with his schoolwork. Our visit
was so special, but honestly very sobering.
The truth is
there are over 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone. One in six children will die
before they turn five years old. 60% of the children there suffer from
malnutrition. How the Lord has broken my
heart for “the least of these”. I pray that the Lord will use our amazing
journey to bring glory to Himself and fulfill His purposes in the church. I pray He would burden the hearts of others
and cause them to show love to the orphan.
So looking back
at these last couple of months..Am I tired?
Yes. Am I sometimes overwhelmed?
Definitely. Do I feel stretched thin at
times? Of course. Would I change a thing? Never. These two sweet babies now have a mommy,
daddy, two brothers and a sister who love them very much. They do not have to
worry about where their next meal will come from or being all alone. I pray the
Lord would USE ME UP in this lifetime.
May I never become complacent or satisfied.
May I never choose to look the other way, whether these sweet children are across the ocean or
in my own town. God has given us every bit of strength we have needed. He has
provided for us financially in more ways we could have imagined. I continue to pray for whoever is taking the
time to read this entry. What is the Lord calling you to do? Sponsor a child? Foster? Adopt? I pray
He will break your heart. And not leave
you alone until you move in obedience.
And oh how He will bless you!
Trust me. I know.
