When I adopted Seth, I always kind of knew that there wouldn't be just one. As Seth grew up, that conviction got confirmed. It was very intense to have one mama and one baby.... maybe a little too much. So at the end of 2009 and into 2010, I prayed about whether to adopt another baby domestically or to go to Haiti (a country served by Seth's adoption agency). For many reasons, I chose domestic and in January 2010, my home study was updated.
Then, in February, I signed up for a trip to Uganda. And God put my adoption on hold. By the time I left for Uganda, I thought that I might be able to press go on the adoption when I got back. The domestic adoption. Until I met Betty (Leah). Our team was keeping our eyes open for available kiddos for others -- not for me. At Leah's orphanage, I asked about her and the director said she was available, but "she's positive." Huh. The director was dismissive. Never even considered for a moment that someone would adopt Leah. So much so that the plan was to send her to a medical institution later that summer. Right there, God flicked my heart. Yes, I was the girl who previously and specifically said that I was not called to adopt a positive child. Just like I had with the whole single mom thing before Seth. (sigh) When will I learn?
The first week of July 2010, I committed to Betty/Leah and the race to bring her home was on. I was "ready" with the adoption paperwork and just needed to update from domestic to international and get USCIS approval. By August, I was almost there and in September, the US government said, "GO." So we did, the first week of October. Mom, Seth and I. Off to smooch our Leah Grace (Betty).
During the time when I was waiting for approval to adopt Leah Grace, I heard a sermon on 1 Peter 5:6-7. For many reasons, it immediately fit and became her life verse.
"Humble yourself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you."
Betty when we met:
Leah Grace today:
Love.
Then, in February, I signed up for a trip to Uganda. And God put my adoption on hold. By the time I left for Uganda, I thought that I might be able to press go on the adoption when I got back. The domestic adoption. Until I met Betty (Leah). Our team was keeping our eyes open for available kiddos for others -- not for me. At Leah's orphanage, I asked about her and the director said she was available, but "she's positive." Huh. The director was dismissive. Never even considered for a moment that someone would adopt Leah. So much so that the plan was to send her to a medical institution later that summer. Right there, God flicked my heart. Yes, I was the girl who previously and specifically said that I was not called to adopt a positive child. Just like I had with the whole single mom thing before Seth. (sigh) When will I learn?
The first week of July 2010, I committed to Betty/Leah and the race to bring her home was on. I was "ready" with the adoption paperwork and just needed to update from domestic to international and get USCIS approval. By August, I was almost there and in September, the US government said, "GO." So we did, the first week of October. Mom, Seth and I. Off to smooch our Leah Grace (Betty).
During the time when I was waiting for approval to adopt Leah Grace, I heard a sermon on 1 Peter 5:6-7. For many reasons, it immediately fit and became her life verse.
"Humble yourself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you."
Betty when we met:
