God Growing Gurleys: 02/01/2011

     I guess I should start by saying that this is Hannah writing this one. It has been 180 days since my family decided to adopt Vika and Sly.....and I can honestly say that every single day God has showed me how great He is. There have been days that I wandered if I could make it through the day without knowing if they were okay. But every day God has proved faithful to comfort me! I have wanted to write a blog for a while but did not want it to be a rambling session so I am going to try my hardest to stay on track! :)
     I titled this blow From A Child's Perspective. Granted, I am not a child but I am a child in my family. I often wander if not only my parents but our fellow adoptive parents truly know how their biological children feel about the adoptions. So I am choosing to explain a little of how we "children" feel.
     When me and my dad went to the hosting program, after a few short hours of meeting the kids I was filled with such jealousy. From the moment I met them I knew in my heart that I wanted one of them to be "ours." I didn't tell anyone including my dad but I began begging God that He would allow us to be a bigger part of this experience. I became over whelmed with peace that my family's journey was not over-that it was really just beginning. I knew in my heart that my God had a bigger plan! And oh was I so right!
     So many times people have said to me..."your life is going to change, are you worried your parents can't show you all the love they do now, your parents can't afford all of the things you have now, you won't be as important as you are now...aren't you jealous?" All I have to say to every one of those is ABSOLUTELY NOT! I have never one single moment in time thought any of these things about our adoption.
     We grew up with four kids in our family---we have MASTERED the art of sharing! My parents love and attention has been split equally between us all for our entire lives. The only difference now is it will be split six ways----PRAISE GOD! :) The way we see it we will have two more siblings to pick on, to love, to hunt with, to go to church with, to wrestle with, to call when we get down, to go on beach trips with, and to share our wonderful nieces and nephew with! I cannot wait for the day that the kids are home with us. God has given me such peace just like He did at camp. I know that He is comforting them now even when we can't from so far away. My family isn't naive enough to think that it will be all smiles and happiness when the kids are finally home, we know there will be tough times, but we have been through enough to know that He will be enough! :)
     My advice to any adoptive families or anyone considering adoption.....make your "new" children an everyday part of your life even when they aren't home with you yet. It is so comforting to see pictures of Vika and Sly every where. It touches my heart every time that I hear my dad pray and ask God to protect all of his children no matter where they are in the world. Don't be scared to miss them, don't be scared to cry for them.....I know that I do just about every day! God has proven time and time again that He can take care of my every need. As we wait for news of when my parents are to travel I am once again overwhelmed with peace that God has a bigger plan! :)
    To sum it all up....to those who have questions......never once have I resented my parents for taking on two more children. I can say with complete honesty that I have never loved or respected my parents more. It means the world to me that they are willing to open their hearts to two amazing, funny, goregous, sweet, hilarious, selfless kids who didn't have anyone. I will end by asking everyone to pray for our family as we continue to go through this journey God has chosen for us....and know that each of you are in our prayers every day! :)