Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Keeping the FAITH

Prior to making the decision to adopt my husband and I were in church and the pastor was speaking of adoption and foster care. He quoted a verse, James 1:27 "Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." To say the least this verse stuck with me. I knew from that moment on that someday I would adopt. The ironic part was that my husband Grandmother had just passed away and his Grandfather would now live the rest of his days with us.

When my husband and I started the adoption process, we had decided to adopt a girl and name her FAITH, I had no idea what role and meaning of her name would play in our lives. Hebrews 11:1 "FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." FAITH, FAITH, FAITH it came up so often. Our social worker said you must have FAITH in the lord to get you through this, you must have FAITH in your agency, you must have FAITH, FAITH, FAITH. We knew almost immediately that that was the perfect name for our daughter.

Through the whole adoption process, I tried with all my might to keep the FAITH. There were some very tough times and I even questioned my FAITH, but I knew in my heart of hearts that this adoption was the Lords will and he will do what was best for all parties involved.

April 16, 2008 we brought our daughter home. Our daughter is severely delayed. At 11 months old she is more like a five month old. Today we met with our early intervention program to begin therapy. It was very obvious to them the challenges that our daughter would face. However, with love, nutrition and therapy she should begin to thrive. It is however, very hard not to subject myself to negative thoughts. I worry about her future and what it may hold. I pray her delays are nothing but delays. My FAITH is being tested and I can guarantee you that I will always keep the FAITH. The lord has brought our daughter to us for a reason and I will never falter on my love for her.

I have learnED that nothing is more important than beleiving in GOD and accepting of his will.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those families that are stuck in this adoption process, with all those families that face unknown struggles. One word of advice, Keep the FAITH

4 comments:

veggiemom said...

I'm excited to continue to follow the journey of your family! I'm so glad that you are receiving EI services. I think they will be a big help to your wee one. I can't wait to see how she develops with your love and nurturing.
Kerri and Ruby

Kim said...

Our faith is constantly being tested. Hang in there and continue to give Faith the love and support she needs to grow. All will be well!

demp5 said...

Dear Suzanne,
Hi. I rode into Guate. City today with another dad going to get our visas. He is here for his second adoption. Last year they brought home an eleven month old boy who was very delayed. The only thing that he could do was lie on his back and drink from a bottle. The dad said with some hard work and therapy their little boy made HUGE strides within the first few months of being home. Just wanted to encourage you! Faith is precious, and she will blossom in your care.
Blessings~
Meghan

Heidi said...

I really believe with your love that Faith will continue to thrive despite her delays. I pray that they are only delays. Thanks for the post. I needed to hear it, it is so hard to keep the faith sometimes but I'm trying.