Thursday, March 24, 2011

An open invitation...

Sophia is one of the most magnificent human beings I have ever met. She has the most amazing spirit in her little special needs body. When we first saw her picture and those haunting eyes first pierced our hearts, we immediately fell in love. How grateful I am that we didn't let logic get in the way. Logically, it made no sense to even consider adopting her. We were already going for number seven. We were already overwhelmed with the special needs we had at that time. How in the world could it be the best thing for our family to take on another child with such significant special needs? We waited and waited for another family to scoop her up. I cannot even come close to expressing my gratitude that no one did.

Sophi has been and will continue to be an unbelievable blessing to our family. Each of our children (well, each of them except maybe Elli, who seems to have a bit of a penchent for torturing her when we aren't quite watchful enough:) is absolutely enamored with Soph. She brings a joy and love and tenderness to our home that is palpable. Although she can be obstinate (as correctly described in the original profile we received), stubborn and demanding at times, she does it in a way that endears her to you even more. How grateful I am to a loving Father who continues to look over our family and provide us with what we most need, even if we don't understand how we are going to cope with the short-term challenges that go along with some of our blessings. The prophet Malachi tells us that the Lord of hosts says, "prove me now herewith...if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." I truly feel that the Lord has opened the windows of heaven. That His blessings have been poured out upon us. Sometimes it does feel like we don't have room enough to receive them!:) But they are so good and so great and so wonderful. God is good. God is great. Praised be His name.

So you're all invited! If you would like to experience the miracle that is Sophi, come on over! You will also benefit from the association with seven other magnificent children and one angel in human form. (You may run into a certain grumpy mister as well, but hey, there are pros and cons to everything:) I'm only partly kidding here. One hug from Sophi would be well worth the price of your round trip airfare. Just give us a call first!

Jer


10 comments:

  1. We feel like we experience her through your post. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for sharing you life's blessings and challenges for us. There are many who laugh and cry right along with you and are strengthened. Thank you for taking the time to record your thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ah! She's such a cutie!!! All your kids are absolutely gorgeous! Miss Sophie is definitely an Angel (: You guys are also angels for taking all these wonderful children into your lives. You guys inspire me beyond belief. As soon as i'm old enough i'm going to start an adoption process. So far Vietnam is first with only 8 more years of waiting for me until i can apply.
    Wish i could come! But Nebraska is kinda far away from you guys. ):
    Hope you all have a wonderful day!
    God Bless~
    -Kirstie Bikakis

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi! So glad to find your blog. We're considering adopting a 4-yr-old boy missing both arms. Don't know if you're on RQ, but I just posted about it, asking if I was nuts to consider it! We have 2 girls (6-yr-old with CP and language disabilities, and 5-yr-old basically NSN), and will be bringing home a 3rd in a couple months (3-yr-old missing one arm and HepB+). We also run an animal shelter and care for +/- 15 dogs daily. Are we nuts?? How much more care does your little gal need day-to-day than your other kids did at that age? I just feel like this little guy is "my boy." Would love any advice you have to share. greyhoundmama@earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just met all of your kiddos yesterday and I must say they ALL melted my heart! Such a sweet spirit resides in your home. Those kids are surrounded by so much love and spirit. Thanks for letting me experience a small piece of heaven (o: BTW Faith is SMITTEN with Jessi. I'm so happy she has found a friend that is so like her! She asks me every 15 minutes when she can have another playdate (o: Thanks for taking the time to let us come over. I know you had much better things you could have been doing with your time.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Do NOT say things you do not mean. You never know when one, bored Iowan might show up on your front porch.

    I'll try to call first, but ... no promises. :D

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such a beautiful family. You are truely blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Morning Bro - you guys can rest assured that we will meet again! I don't know exactly when - maybe a driving vacation this summer to show the kids some of the country - but a big motive for us to see the west would be you guys!

    Just love ya'll - hugs - aus and co.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. When Sophi was still waiting on her family to step forward I printed her picture out and hung it on my refrigerator. Her eyes spoke to me as well. I knew my place in her life was to pray for her and my family and I did that every day. I am so thrilled to be able to see her home now with her family. God is amazing.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment! It will be reviewed and posted shortly.