GOD IS OUR PROVIDER
Names have been changed to protect privacy.
(Another successful adoption associated with Christian Adoption.)
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER
When Kurt and Katie first called me, it was a typical call for information and confirmation that we are who we say we are. They were not only seeking reassurance but also compassionate help. They had been through a lot already on their roller coaster ride through adoption. Having worked with an agency and still listed with them, having experienced at least one failed birthmother match at the time of hospital delivery, and having shed more than any couple's share of tears for children--I was convinced they were led to list with us. My suggestion to them was to pray about it and then if they decided to list with us, to get ready. "God is going to answer your prayer, and we will stand with you upon His word until He does. However, fasten your roller coaster seat belt, things are going to happen." Within a few days they sent me their photo and profile letter. I put them up and online on a Saturday afternoon, and that evening, within 8 hours of their listing, they had a match!
The agency they were still listed with called them and had a birthmom that had just selected them as her adoptive couple of choice. She was due in 6 weeks and Kurt, Katie, and Christian Adoption could not have been happier! (I have continued to remind all who list with us or think about it, that it does not matter how or where you get your child--what matters is that you do get your child.) We were all elated, and now we began to pray for Jackie and the baby due in 6 weeks.
However, Jackie went into premature labor within 5 days and a tiny (4 lb. 5 oz.) baby boy was born. Now our prayers shifted to the health and safety of this baby. Jackie and Joshua, the birth parents were also hedging on signing relinquishment papers. This we prayed about also.
Now began an endurance test, a marathon, a trial, and a perseverance challenge for Kurt and Katie. Here was this preemie that was not relinquished, in the neonatal unit, unnamed, and in adoption limbo. The same adoption limbo that Kurt and Katie now found themselves in. What to pray for? We were all rather overwhelmed. What to do? Kurt and Katie looked to God, as we joined with them for answers, for doors, for help.
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER
With His help and with His guidance, Kurt and Katie immediately started visiting this baby boy at the hospital. Everyday, without fail, they were there to see what they prayed to be their son. In the beginning, they met the birthparents there and shared the visiting time. They reassured Jackie and Joshua of their love for this baby, of their prayers for a child, of their confidence that they would give this baby the best life possible. They offered support to these young couple, they offered encouragement, and they held back their tears, their fears, their concerns, and their worries. I was so aware of their pain and their challenge of despair, as we talked so very often by phone and E-mailed to each other just as much. They were in the perseverance challenge of their lives. They decided to name this baby Nathaniel, praying that they were going to adopt him. It took guts, it took courage, and it took tenacity. It required love, and compassion to continue their daily visits. Kurt and Katie continued to work their jobs each day and then drive a distance to the hospital for an evening visit to see their 'hoped' for son. Day after day, and week after week. Where does that kind of courage and strength and tenacity come from? How could they continue?
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER AND OUR HELP
With each passing day and week, they saw less and less of the birth parents. Although they continued to visit each day and they too held this tiny baby, they said they would still place him with Kurt and Katie--but would not sign the relinquishment papers until the baby was released from the hospital! Talk about agonizing for Kurt and Katie--yet they persevered and continued their daily visits. We talked to each other about living one day at a time, about reaching up to our heavenly Father for the strength they needed. Day by day, week by week, they remained faithful and took it one day at a time. Day by day, we prayed with them and prayed for Nathaniel, and prayed for Jackie and Joshua. Nathaniel was steadily gaining weight, but began to have some heart problems (a Brady) that concerned the doctors. Maybe he would not be released when his weight was up-maybe he would be in for many more weeks. The birthparents held to their conviction of placing but would not sign papers. How much longer could Kurt and Katie stand fast? How much more mental, emotional, physical exhaustion could they endure?
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER
Kurt and Katie knew that God had led them to us, as we had gone through a similar trial to obtain our relinquishment papers for our Danielle--we fought and lived in hiding and in limbo for 3 months. So, here was our part in their adoption plan, God had provided us with the ability to endure, now we could encourage them and cheer them on to victory. However, it took their desire to trust in God, their commitment to believe in Him, their daily decision to love God and to serve Him first. This again required faithfulness, love, courage, guts, and tenacity. How could they do it? How can it be explained?
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER
So, the day came, after over 3 long and tedious weeks. Nathaniel had gained his weight, by God's mercy and grace he had overcome the heart problem, this tiny infant had bonded to Katie, and he was going to be released. The plan was for Jackie and Joshua to go to the agency and sign the papers on Thursday night, as Nathaniel was to be released on Friday. Then Kurt and Katie would proceed to the hospital at the appointed time on Friday to pick up Nathaniel. But the birthparents did not show up on Thursday evening. Rather they waited until just a few hours before Nathaniel was to be released to go to the agency and sign. Then they proceeded to the hospital and spent almost 4 hours with Nathaniel to say good bye. Of course, no one can fault them for the loss they were incurring or for the emotions that they were dealing with, but Kurt and Katie were now called and told to wait--do not go to the hospital--the birthparents are here and we do not know for how long. We will call you. They did not know the papers were signed, all seemed lost and that is when I had my last tearful and prayer filled phone call with Katie. Despaired? Yes. Worried? Yes. Trusting in God even now? Yes. So, we waited and we prayed that day. Finally, Jackie and Joshua had come to terms with their decision and left the hospital.
Kurt and Katie received the long awaited call--Come get your son!
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER
For more information please read Good and Muffin. 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
