Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Miracles (this one's kinda long ;o))

Some people say that God doesn't do miracles any more. I have to say that I disagree.
We may not see burning bushes or water turned to wine, but I have seen miracles in the last year that have me truly amazed at how He works.

Little miracles like D finding a 100.00 bill in his jeep on a day that we truly needed it. To huge ones like the miraculous change in my son in the 5 short months since he has been home.

Way back when we adopted N we were convinced that we would some day be back to adopt another child. When we began researching this idea again we were sure of the fact that we wanted a waiting child. A child that was waiting for a family. We weren't comfortable with waiting months for a child. Not because of the wait, but we truly felt led to adopt a child that needed us. I am not sure how to convey that in terms that don't sound like we wanted to be saviors, but in a way that we truly felt led to the lost. That's not to say that any child that had lost it's family for whatever reason isn't "lost" or any less in need. But knowing there were children in orphanages waiting with out much hope just tore at our hearts.

We prayed ALOT, we asked for miraculous signs. And God provided them, so we moved forward with a child that was HIV+. It's a personal, HUGE, lifechanging decision. We had all the same concerns other's have. Why? Can we contract it? Would our kids be at risk? How would others perceive us? How would our child act? Would the child we bring home and love die before we're prepared? Can we afford the costs? Will people shun us?
God provided all those answers and provided our miracle son.

If you had seen the picture we received of him when he received his welcome package you would know. We just cried. He was in such bad shape. His illness and some complications had just drained and ravaged his body. I will tell you, and if you were reading back then, you know how very hard it was to see his poor sweet little face.

If we ever needed a miracle from God, this was it. We needed the courage and strength to move forward to jump into the unknowns. We aren't a people of unlimited resources or bank accounts, nor do I have the luxury yet of being able to be a SAHM. We asked God for a miracle and we got it. He provided the money, the time, the people, the resources, the strength, and the glorious friendships that carried us through those first few days and months.

Have you seen our recent pics of him? Do you see anything other than a beautiful precious happy boy? That is nothing short of a miracle. When we fist heard news that he was in the hospital in May our pediatrician told us to be prepared for his death. And now look at his life filled eyes!

At each turn when we weren't sure what to do with ourselves, and where our resources were going to come from. And our Lord has never failed to provide.

Over the last 2 months when we pulled the boys from daycare and had friends come to the house to watch them. We haven't had a day that we were short. We are truly blessed by those that took the time and patience to care for them and provide a stable environment for them in our home. What a miracle it is that it happened at this time when college kids were home, and they needed money, and we needed them. ;o)

What a miracle it is that when D and S were at Kmart they met a woman who directs a daycare in a church that has openings for our boys at a price we can swing? It's close to the house and they are eager to care for N and E. They start Friday.

I could go on and on, but you would be here all day or maybe even week ;o)
I am so very thankful that we have a God that still performs miracles. I pray that I always have my eyes open to His ways so that I never miss them.

6 comments:

Cindy said...

Thank you for this post. As you know, we are celebrating our own miracle with Abi recently - the news of his not having a blood disorder. I am crying because I see the miracles too. All around I see them. And because I know miracles still happen, I have the faith to pray for miracles. Things that people think are impossible, I know God can do if He chooses. I am still praying for miracles my friend, in your life, and my own.
God is good.
Cindy

Matthew and Amanda said...

Andrea,
I know what you mean about a waiting child. I often say, I WANT to stand in the line of a child who just doesn't have many people lining up. I know that's where God wants me.
I saw your sweet little E in Ethiopia. There is no doubt you have a living, breathing, wonderful little miracle for a son. I am so glad you too chose to take a path less traveled and trust that God would be traveling it with you. I read somewhere that God isn't safe, but God is good.

Amanda

LisaShaw said...

What a beautiful testimony of God's grace in the life of you, your husband and children. Andrea, God is a miracle working God and we would see more of His miracles if we increased our faith and released the limitations that we place by having little faith. You are obviously a woman of faith and that is very pleasing to the LORD.

I'm so blessed in beginning to follow you and your family's story and to continue to pray for all of you.

Bless you.

Leslie said...

"The Lord has done great things for [you] and [you] are filled with joy." What a miracle to have the blessing not to just live an ordinary life. I am so thankful for God's miracles in you and your family.

Farmboy and Buttercup said...

Oh, God is so good. Thank you for this great post to remind me how personally he really cares for us.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing. Our lives are full of miracles. Thank you for reminding me to find them.