This post has been brewing for a while. I had some thinking (read: praying) to do about this idea before I could write. I had to ask myself, "Do I believe this? Is this real? True?" I don't know that I feel resolved about the answer to that question, but I do know that this story is one that could only be written by the Creator of the Universe.
You may remember when I went to Uganda in May, I met a boy at Leah's orphanage named Patrick. He is six years old and cuter than cute. I could not believe he had not been adopted and (still) sat in an orphanage after so long. Patrick was the oldest boy in the orphanage and I asked the director whether he could be adopted. She told me that Patrick was available, but that I could not adopt him as a single woman.
After meeting Leah and praying for a few months about whether to adopt her, we started the process in July. About a month later, Patrick was on my heart again. Big time. So I emailed the orphanage and asked whether I could take Patrick when I took Leah. (I know, I know. I'm nuts) The director emailed me back and told me that Patrick had a family coming for him. Yay! Great news for everyone.
What I didn't know is what I would learn when I got to Uganda. I was thrilled to see Patrick again and smooch on him and remind him that his Mama is coming. He is so special. I learned that Patrick is being adopted by a family who lives just ten minutes away from Patrick's best friend, Innocent, who was adopted just a year ago. What a beautiful provision by the Lord! But it gets better. (The story, that is....)
See, I learned that Patrick was supposed to be adopted a few years ago. A family from the US was all set to adopt him. Patrick knew about it and (I'm sure) was beside himself with excitement. The family withdrew from the adoption for reasons I don't know. I can't imagine what that did to Patrick's little heart. I'm sure it would be easy to question God and His "good" plan. At least I know my feeble mind would go there. Then, sometime later, a family from Uganda agreed to adopt Patrick. Wow! He would be able to stay in his home country and be raised by a loving Ugandan family -- a rare opportunity but an incredible blessing!! Again Patrick knew about his family. Again, I expect, he was excited. Again, the family withdrew. (This time because they already had a child named "Patrick.") What are you doing God?!?!? Isn't it confusing to try to understand why God wouldn't want Patrick in one of these families?
Maybe.....Until you see the end of the story. See, Patrick got his family. The right family. A family that felt led to adopt him through the stories and longings of his best friend Innocent. A family with four other siblings. A faithful family, following God's call on their lives. And because God always had a plan for this precious orphan, he is now home. In Tennessee. Loving his family (I'm sure) and reunited with his friend Innocent. God's plan is better. God's plan is bigger. God's plan is best, even when there are serious bumps to hurdle on the way to the finish line. Do you believe that? Do I? Even when the going gets rough? I'm sure trying and I hope you are too. For now, I'm praising God for loving Patrick into his forever home. And, of course, my Leah too. Thank you, Jesus. :)
