We are one year home. One year ago we brought home our dear Gabre. I have written and edited this post in my head 100 times. How do I put into words what this year has meant? How our lives are changed? In preparing what to write, I looked back at the pictures from that first week together.
There has been no greater gift in my life than the gift of adoption. Not because our children born from our hearts are greater blessings than our child born from my tummy. But because I have truly experienced God's grace and love in a way that has changed me.
Some friends were recently discussing, "If you had a sentence to define you right now, what would it be." The topic: don't be a blurry paragraph, but make your life a sentence. Maybe for the present moment, maybe for all of time. I was feeling like a blurry paragraph and stated, I wanted my sentence to be, "My family lives simply, so we can give generously". Another friend offered, I already thought of a sentence for you, "Hannah, advocate for the orphan". I decided that I hope she is right.
Because here is the thing, orphans break my heart. In such a real way, I can't describe. Well intentioned people have commented to us, "She was So meant for your family". Tonight, one year after she is home, I have to respectfully say, I do not agree.
This video was taken the first week Gabre was home. I do not know by who. Until tonight, I had never seen it before. The evidence would suggest I probably took it, saved it, and do not remember because it was our first week home. I did find it on my computer, and it is very blurry- both of these things pointing to me as the videographer.
But it amazed me. Two new sisters getting to know each other. SB showing BIG sister love (well...in the first part. In the second half, she is just doing what she does)...and all the while Beautiful Things playing in the background.
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| Saying Goodbye at the Care Center to our favorite Nanny |
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| Our first day together at the hotel. Oh. Joy. |
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| First Bath. First sign of how much this girl was going to LOVE the water. |
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| Getting to know Daddy at our favorite spot at the Addis View |
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| Saying our last goodbyes. |
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| "Time to go?" |
Some friends were recently discussing, "If you had a sentence to define you right now, what would it be." The topic: don't be a blurry paragraph, but make your life a sentence. Maybe for the present moment, maybe for all of time. I was feeling like a blurry paragraph and stated, I wanted my sentence to be, "My family lives simply, so we can give generously". Another friend offered, I already thought of a sentence for you, "Hannah, advocate for the orphan". I decided that I hope she is right.
Because here is the thing, orphans break my heart. In such a real way, I can't describe. Well intentioned people have commented to us, "She was So meant for your family". Tonight, one year after she is home, I have to respectfully say, I do not agree.
No child should be an orphan.
But....Parents are dying of AIDS. Parents are living in poverty with no means to support their children. Parents are too young. Parents are living in a culture that rejects any type of disabilty or difference. Parents are struggling with their own addictions. But I believe none of those reasons mean that a child was meant to be with their adoptive family. I do not believe that is "God's plan".
Children are not meant to lose their mothers, their fathers. They are not meant to live in orphanages with little care and little love...in the best circumstances, and abuse in the worst. They are not meant to go from one foster home to another without the sense of security or love. No, I cannot believe in a God that ever has that as a plan. But I do believe,
He makes beautiful things out of the dust.
This video was taken the first week Gabre was home. I do not know by who. Until tonight, I had never seen it before. The evidence would suggest I probably took it, saved it, and do not remember because it was our first week home. I did find it on my computer, and it is very blurry- both of these things pointing to me as the videographer.
But it amazed me. Two new sisters getting to know each other. SB showing BIG sister love (well...in the first part. In the second half, she is just doing what she does)...and all the while Beautiful Things playing in the background.
I do believe in a God that redeems. I have seen it. I have felt it. And I know that God has blessed me by allowing me to be a part of it.
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