You get the picture. I had loved Corrie for so long. Even as I prayed for her to get a family and wanted her to have one with all of my heart, I also knew that if a family came forward, a piece of my heart would break that it wasn't us! I prayed that God would take that selfishness away from me.
Now, fast forward to just a few months ago. I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that it was God's will that we were not Corrie's family. So much time had passed, and I just assumed He would have let us know by now.
One day I was browsing facebook, and the director of Morning Star announced that Corrie was going to have to return to her original orphanage in six to eight months! My heart stopped. Corrie needed a family, and she needed one now. That sweet girl has lived at Morning Star her entire life, since before she was a year old. She is loved and cherished there in a home environment and given all the help they can possibly give. She is learning signs and even went to a special school. I couldn't even imagine her having to return to an institution she obviously wouldn't even remember. Imagine being a little child, all of a sudden being taken from the only home and family you've ever known, to a place entirely foreign to you--not even being able to hear or communicate with the people there. Even just thinking about it gives me chills. I was devastated to hear this...and I wasn't the only one. So many people love and care about Corrie. Others began thinking about adopting her. Even my brother and his wife decided they would try to start the process. I did not ask my husband. I had vowed I never would. I just took comfort in knowing that at least if my brother adopted her, she would be in the family. And of course I prayed and prayed. I prayed that if it were God's will that we adopt her, that He would make it clear!
Well, one night I was working in the kitchen. My hubby came into the room and said, "So, what's going on with Corrie?" He must have seen something on facebook, or heard Cassandra and me talking about the circumstances. I explained what was happening and told him my brother and his wife were planning on trying to adopt her. And then he told me this story...
He had been driving in the car, praying and thinking about Corrie. He prayed that if it was God's will that we adopt her, that He would really show him. And just then a song came on the radio called "Kings and Queens." These are the lyrics:
Little hands, shoeless feet.
Lonely eyes looking back at me.
Will we leave behind the innocent to grieve?
On their own, on the run,
When their lives have only begun.
These could be our daughters and our sons.
And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating.
I know my God won't let them be defeated.
Every child has a dream to belong and be loved.
Boys become kings, girls will be queens--wrapped in Your majesty
When we love...when we love the least of these.
Then they will be brave and free. Shout Your name in victory
When we love...when we love the least of these.
My husband knew that God wanted us to pursue this adoption. It had taken a long time, but God's timing is always right. Now was the time! And I stood there in my kitchen feeling like the world was tilting. Was this really happening?? I had even suggested to God that maybe He could put something on the radio to speak to my hubby's heart! ; ) Even as I began to remind him that maybe we don't have enough money, or maybe it isn't practical that we do this, he reminded me that God would provide, and isn't it more important to give a child a family than to worry about this or that? I started thinking maybe we were in the twilight zone or something, and someone had switched our brains! It was so utterly clear that this was from God. Only God could have orchestrated something like this!
And so, I had to call my brother and tell him what had happened in my kitchen. And he jokingly asked if we were going to fight over her... and graciously agreed to step aside. My brother and his wife are really, really awesome, by the way.
We started making phone calls. We went step by step, praying that God's will would be done. And now our homestudy is almost finished, we are pre-approved in China, and we are speeding ahead as fast as we can gathering the things we need for our dossier! We had ZERO money for this adoption. And God is already providing there, too. He is showing Himself powerful in so many ways already. We are looking forward to what He is going to do next!
But one thing I know for sure... We are coming soon to get our girl. We love you, sweet Corrie! We cannot wait for you to join your new family!!
I just love hearing how God speaks to us. Love that song and it makes me cry every time I hear it. So, so happy that NOW is the right time for Corrie to come into your family!!
ReplyDeleteI am just busting with joy over all this! I cannot wait see that darling girl in your arms forever!
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you so much...yes, there is a fund started for her at Project Hopeful. I will get that link for you.
ReplyDeleteTears of joy at such a wonderful story that God is weaving in yours and Miss Corrie's life. We are just waiting for our TA for our little gal in Gansu. She is SN and we hope to embrace her in June sometime! Praying your paperwork goes quickly through all hands!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteHolly, such a beautiful story coming true. Corrie has no idea how lucky she's gonna be having you as her mom and your family as her family too. What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWe too loved Corrie!!! My daughter and I took care of her as well during CNY with Cassandra. My daughter talks about Corrie to this day!!! I have photos if you email me, I can get to you! I wanted to adopt her as well, but hubby kept saying she was too young. L would emailed after her last birthday telling me that she was no longer too young!! I am thrilled that you get to love on her forever!!! She is a treasure that is for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Please remind me, as I get confused who has given me pictures already, did I ever contact you about getting your pictures? Thanks again. :)
DeleteTears, tears, and more tears. The Lord spoke and you obeyed, on so many levels...I'm so proud of you all and what a joy Corrie will be all who meet her...to God be the glory, great things He has done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linnie!!! Amazing story, isn't it?! I can't even believe how much I can't wait to go and get her. :)
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