Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Thursday, March 21, 2013

Dream Fulfilled



Years ago, we sat in the car listening to a Christian radio talk show named Focus on the Family.  I still can tell you the parking place we drove into and the time of  the day...it was sunny.  My heartstrings were tugged by every word the guest speaker spoke.  She was calling Christians to consider adopting just one child.  If Christians all over the world adopted one child, then the orphanages wouldn't be necessary, nor the foster homes.  My youngest of four was riding with me on the day's errands.  I had no idea that she was intently listening, too.  She jumped up as I turn the car off to announce, "Mommy, it is time we go get my baby sister!"

I couldn't help but want to agree with her.  Surely, adoption was in our future plans.  At this same time, another friend's heart was being tugged to adopt from China.  She already had four girls and she began to share her desire to adopt.  I also heard from another friend who had just adopted a child.  Adoption was being accepted throughout the Christian community in a whole new way.  My generation was witnessing a change.

God never had adoption plans for our family. Instead, we grew with two more biological sons.  However, my knees have bowed often as other friends adopted from all over the world.  Adoption had been placed in our hearts.

The friend with the four girls never adopted either.  Again, adoption was placed in the hearts of her children, also.  Her daughter has now adopted two boys from Africa.

That bouncing daughter who had announced, "well, let's just go get me a sister" was the instrument God used to bring adoption options into our world.

Sunday, our son and daughter-in-law had their dreams and parenting prayers answered as they brought home their 2 year-old-son.  All the legal items are still waiting to be done as the family gets to know each other.  That daughter whose heart was open to adoption at a young age is now an Aunt....I am a first-time grandmother.  Praise God that all those years ago He knew that it wouldn't be me that adopted, but one of my children.  I just love that Benjamin sees adoption as normal also.  His class of twelve includes two children adopted from Africa.  God's word that was heralded through the guest speaker on Focus on the Family in the early 90's has become a reality that I witness daily, as the Body of Christ opens its arms to those who need a family.

As soon as I am given permission, I will post a picture of the happy family!!  In the mean time, just know he is the most precious little man around and this grandmommy loves him.

I am TRANSITIONING...yes, my word for the year...to another part-time job.  I now have three part/part time jobs.  On Monday, I started teaching 1st grade for a two-day school.  Benjamin now has his mother as his teacher five full days a week....and I no longer have free time!

22 Joining in with more words:

Farm Girl said...

I love your story about adoption. We too were going to adopt back then. I had one child and couldn't get pregnant or when I did I would loose the babies. So we started down that path too, then of course as things happen I got pregnant. I maybe will never get over the desire to adopt more children. I always did want to go over seas and work in an orphanage. I am so thankful that God has given you the desire of your heart. I can't wait until you get to show photos.
I bet you are so busy. I am thankful though that you have 3 part time jobs. :)
You are such an amazing woman Janette. God bless you.

Angel said...

Love this story! It's always amazing to watch how God works as He scatters the seeds and determines where they grow.

Congrats on the new addition to your family and to the new jobs! :)

Trisha said...

Thanks be to God for your first grandchild! What a blessing, Janette.

Theresa said...

Congratulations!

Debbie said...

Soo excited for you Janette! Yes, God always knows what He is doing, and you will make a WONDERFUL Grandma. This little guy has been chosen by God to be soo blessed by you all. Can't wait to see pics of him! Congrats on the new part time job too. You are such a busy lady! Love it! HUGS!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

You already know how thrilled I am! I can't WAIT to see his picture with his mommy and daddy and the rest of his family!! This is one very blessed little boy! :)

Maryann said...

I am so excited for you Janette, love your story about adoption. What a blessing! Congratulations on the new job, lots of change for you!

Kathleen said...

How fabulous! I am so excited to hear more/see pictures. We know several who've adopted (my oldest sister being but one), and their stories warm my heart. I've never been inclined in that direction, but oh how I honor & respect those that are.

Congratulations!

Sue said...

My heart is overwhelmed with joy as I read this, What an amazing Father we have, He knew the circumstances that would bring this adoption into play, and He also knew some precious children who weren't even conceived in their mother's womb who would need to be loved and cared for. He also knew a beautiful lady in Texas who has more love to give than anyone can imagine,... OH! Janette, Hold my horse while I shout!
There are not enough words to describe how uplifted I am every time I read an inspired post written by you and directed by God Himself! Enjoy this new job, as I know you will have even more opportunities to give of this love. I will be praying that you will be strengthened day by day. Janette you are never going to grow old there are to many people who need this love and care. Enjoy that new grand baby, and I look forward to you sharing with us.
Hugs,
Sue

Sally said...

What super news, congratulations to everyone. I look forward to seeing photos. It has been raining blessings on your family. How wise that God mixes such wonder in the midst of struggle.

Anonymous said...

sweet and endearing Post today.. gratefulness flows I can feel it..
All the best dear friend..
Hugs

myletterstoemily said...

you have been adopted by three employers,
but i pray one of them will pay you enough
to drop the other two!

but, on a happy note, hey grandmommy!
how does that little one fit on your lap?

someday, when my children have children,
i will tell them to call me "gorgeous or
miss america." :)

Christine said...

Your word choose for this year is uncanny (supernatural, a God thing).

This post really touches my heart, GRANDMA!

podso said...

This is so beautiful to read! Amazing how God plants seeds for later ... Congratulations to all. I'm sorry for this season that you will lack free time but may the Lord surprise you in how he prospers the little time you do get to yourself!

Debbie said...

The instant I saw the picture at the beginning, the word ADOPTION jumped out at me, and I knew (or hoped) that the content of this post would be exactly what it is.

Praise the LORD!!! This is just wonderful news. I sit here and think of the blessing upon blessing that God has given you and the man we lift by name in our house in the past six months. While I will not stop praying about the job, I will happily praise for the blessing of new spouses and now a new grandson to love. I'm so happy for my blog friend, the new GRANDMA.

And I will be praying very specifically for these "scattered" jobs that you would be blessed through them but not so overwhelmed and exhausted by them.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS, Grandma.

(What do you want him to call you? I nominate "Netti". Of course, that does sound a bit like "Nutty". )

Tanna said...

Oh, yea!! So happy for your family, Janette. Such a blessings to you all and to this precious child. You are going to LOVE the grandmothering gig. Wishing you smooth transitions... blessings ~ tanna

His Song to Sing said...

Such a sweet story, Janette, with such a happy ending! So happy for you and your family and especially the newest member of the family. Congratulations! By the way, I've got a "grand" on the way too. Can't wait to see pictures.

Debbie Petras said...

Oh my! I've been so busy I missed this post. First the job and now the adoption. Exciting times for your family. Congratulations!

Blessings and love,
Debbie

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Wow, Janette, so many blessings. Yet, full time teacher and 3 part time jobs. Yikes. I won't complain so much about by full time temp position. Sometimes God's blessing don't leave us with much time to enjoy them.

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Oh, and I nearly forgot! Congratulations on being a new grandma!

The Farmer in Dale said...

Isn't it just amazing to look back and see the incredible journey ! I am so happy for all of you and your newest little one and many more that will come :) We feel so blessed to have the little boys from Ethiopia and this week as I watched a video produced by Madonna on Malawai, was overcome with tears, that in so many countries in Africa over run with suffering from HIV and child headed families, that God plucked two little brothers out of an orphanage to be part of our family. Why these two ? Only the Lord knows, but we are grateful to be a part of their journey. Their little hearts are so loving and their lives have brought such joy to so many. They asked recently after seeing a video of themselves the first week before leaving Ethiopia,if someday they could go back and visit. :) They no longer remember their native language and laughed at themselves talking and said, what were we saying ? LOL :) But they hugged their Mommy tightly and were so grateful for their lives now. Sometimes it is hard to take it all in ! Love you Janette and so excited for all the wonderful marriages, adoptions and births that have and will happen with your kids ! Many more blessings, adoption is incredible !

The Farmer in Dale said...

Isn't it just amazing to look back and see the incredible journey ! I am so happy for all of you and your newest little one and many more that will come :) We feel so blessed to have the little boys from Ethiopia and this week as I watched a video produced by Madonna on Malawai, was overcome with tears, that in so many countries in Africa over run with suffering from HIV and child headed families, that God plucked two little brothers out of an orphanage to be part of our family. Why these two ? Only the Lord knows, but we are grateful to be a part of their journey. Their little hearts are so loving and their lives have brought such joy to so many. They asked recently after seeing a video of themselves the first week before leaving Ethiopia,if someday they could go back and visit. :) They no longer remember their native language and laughed at themselves talking and said, what were we saying ? LOL :) But they hugged their Mommy tightly and were so grateful for their lives now. Sometimes it is hard to take it all in ! Love you Janette and so excited for all the wonderful marriages, adoptions and births that have and will happen with your kids ! Many more blessings, adoption is incredible !

Related Posts with Thumbnails