TRIPS
August 31, 2000
God has graciously blessed us with the opportunity to begin taking trips to meet others in our CA family. Earlier this year we traveled to Arkansas to not only post flyers and to distribute CA business cards, but also to meet with one our birth grandmothers, one of our CA reference couples, and a CA adoptive couple that had recently adopted. Meeting our brothers and sisters in Christ is a joy and a privilege. Breaking bread together bonds our fellowship and love for one another.
On August 10, we had the joy of meeting a "new to the adoption process" and to the CA family couple in OK. Meeting them face to face was a pleasure and a testimony to God's answer to prayer. They had already jumped through many of the infertility hoops and had remained in prayer for HIS guidance as to what to do next to build their family. They contacted us and we met for lunch. After a wonderful 2-hour lunch (and we were generous with the waitress' tip), we knew we had met a special and loving couple.
On August 11, we traveled to central Kansas to meet one of our adoptive couples that traveled in from CO, a KS couple that finalized their adoption of their baby girl that same morning, an adoptive birth grandmother, and to spend more quality time with 2 adoptive couples that are also close friends. Five adoptive families, 5 adopted children via CA (plus 4 previously adopted children), and one very happy and contented adoptive grandmother that had adopted all of us by the end of the 2nd day!
Initially we met each other with excitement, hugs, and lots of "oohs & ahhs" as we saw each other's babies for the first time. Then we had the joy of watching our kids play, interact, and observe each other. As the afternoon progressed, I passed around pictures of other CA couple's children, which always look better in the original photo than online. More "oohs & ahhs" as we recalled some of the awesome ways in which God had so richly blessed so many families with their special children. It was thrilling, it was humbling, and it was a "God-deal". God's obvious handprint on the unique placement of so many babies. Only God could bring us all together, each of us so unique in our interests, lifestyles, hobbies, and as families. But each of us with so much in common. A love for God first and foremost, a desire to follow His guidance, a love for our children, a desire to help others, humbleness in our hearts for the honor of becoming parents, and deep thankfulness for God's goodness and mercy in our lives.
We chatted only briefly about the newest birthmother contacts and upcoming births. We understood the need to respect the privacy of other adoptive couples, but also realized the need to remember each of them in our prayers. We all knew what it was like to hold your breath from day to day praying for God's answers to prayer. We had all "Been there & done that". God's goodness, mercy, and grace cannot be defined or described--it is too awesome. We referred to other adoptive couples by first names only, again respecting their right to privacy. J. & B. had their final adoption hearing that same day, and we collectively rejoiced at God's loving kindness. I fought back the tears of joy and thanksgiving, knowing that my tears would give license to others to break their water dams also.
Before we packed up to depart, I made the simple but truthful comment, "By God's grace, He has brought us all together--what a joy to finally meet each other. Only God could unite us." Our 4 hours together passed like it was only 30 minutes, and we parted for the evening with more hugs, clicking cameras, and lots of lingering. (No one likes to say good-bye to people they love.) We were all worn out and emotionally spent, but parting was such sweet sorrow.
The next morning as we met for breakfast, we appeared to over-run the restaurant. 5 women, 7 kids, Janet's brave husband, lots of diaper bags, a stroller, a baby car seat, sippie cups, and bottles. The restaurant seated us at a long table in the middle of the establishment--it was like we were on stage--and we were in a way. A witness and a testimony for all to see--so many children of different ages, nationalities, and sizes. Our Danielle had fun giggling with 2 other adopted kids and I used this public display as an opportunity to distribute CA business cards to those at tables around us. Having been a waitress for a number of years, I knew we were a small nightmare for her with requests for kid's cups, more napkins, straws, and extra plates. However, we managed to all get our food ordered, eaten, and all the kids fed. 4 babies fell asleep and the other 3 kids became engrossed in building castles with the single serving jelly containers. (That had to be God's hand once again.) As the 5 women shared adoption stories and traveling tales, as well as shared tissues when the tears flowed, husband Bruce patiently waited and kindly listened. Indescribable as it is, we basically basked in the love of God that was tangible between us. By the end of the meal mascara had been running down cheeks, a deep bond of love and friendship had developed, and I had distributed about 30 business cards! God was good and is good! Prior to leaving we had to have a photo session with all the kids and for me, God's graciousness was tangible--7 healthy happy smiling kids with proud doting parents.
None of us wanted to leave, but knew we had to go our separate ways. The responsibilities of life were calling us and so there was more lingering in the parking lot, more tears, hugs, photos, and finally farewells. No doubt, this was one of the best moments in my life--for these were/are my brothers and sisters in Christ, these people are my family, and God's love is a healing balm to the heart of any soul.
Since that trip to central KS, I've had someone ask me the totally "duh" question, "So, when are you going to start treating Christian Adoption as a business and hire someone to take your place?" And I gave them the obviously "duh" answer, "Never, not in this lifetime will CA ever be a business. This is family and this ministry is God's family. Never, no way, no how will God's people and ministry be treated like a business. I could no more separate myself from CA than I could separate my heart from my own children. Impossible. This is my life, my calling, my responsibility, and my service for a great and gracious and mighty and loving God." (They did not respond--I guess they connected a few dots.)
With great anticipation we look forward to spending more and more time with our CA family. We know we will be spending a lot more time traveling to meet our brothers and sisters in Christ. Each meeting is a privilege and a joy. A small slice of heaven and a witness to all that behold the inexplicable and undeniable love of God that lives between us.
For more information please read Extras and Part. We encourage you to prayerfully consider registering with our service, and/or writing to us.
adoption@christianadoption.com
A non-profit Christian and Internet
service ministry. We're helping others in the adoption
process.
1.800.277.7006 620.251.4405
Deborah S. Hill P.O. Box 243 Coffeyville, KS 67337
www.christianadoption.com adoption@christianadoption.com
