Two or three times a month, I write an article for my hometown newspaper concerning orphan awareness and Reece's Rainbow. And since this is the month that we brought Gabe home, this is the last article I wrote for the paper.
Once Upon A Time
The very first part of the story I shared last week was accidently left out, so I'm going to bring you up to date. Most probably figured it out but last weeks story was actually something I had written 2 years ago while I was in Russia waiting to bring Gabe home. And because this is a special month for him and us, I thought I would commemorate that with the thoughts running through my head at that time. So here is the post I wrote from two years ago at this exact time.
Once upon a time, in a country for away, in a city I never knew existed until now (Vladivostok just north of North Korea) and then up the eastern coast about 4 hours to a remote village that isn't even on a map, and up this small road (with picture on my blog).........a beautiful little life was waiting. Waiting on a mama and papa, waiting for a family to call his own and to love him unconditionally for the rest of his life.(with picture of Gabe on my blog)
I will never be able to put in words how I feel and all I want to convey to you about this place and the things I've seen and experienced while here. I want to so badly, but I just don't think I would do it justice. I'm not very talented in writing and poestic words don't flow from my mouth very good. If you could gather my tears and form a story from them , well, then you might have a pretty good view of things. And I don't mean because everything has been sad or bad. There is beauty amid the harsh realities. (pictures of flowers on my blog). There is humor in spite of the serious circumstances.(with silly pictures on my blog.) We have felt it ALL these past weeks. I'm not sure how long I've been here at this moment, but it feels like a LONG time! Chirssy just told me that we only have 1 more week until we're home. Honestly, right now that feels like it means 1 month!! Yes, I'm home sick and ready to board that plane and fly baby fly! But I would not take anything for these things I've experienced while here. I knew these certain things existed because for months now, I have read others stories. But it is taken to a whole new level when you see it with your own eyes. When you touch them with your own hands. And then, when you see but aren't allowed to touch them. When you see and you hear......and there is nothing you can do to make it better for them. That's the worst.
I will never forget this place. I never WANT to forget this place. How could I?? This is where God led me. This is where my son is from. Of all the places in the world......THIS PLACE is where I was suppose to go. This is somewhat like holy ground to me. God led me here and He has certainly been here with me the whole time. We have had lots of talks! I have questioned much. He has shown me beauty along with pain and suffering and sorrow. I still don't understand it all. But He has assured me, one day I will. When I leave here, I will definitly leave a large part of my heart. But I will also be taking a new little heart with me.
Please continue to pray for Gabe.Tomorrow we will pick him up and he will NEVER be alone again.
THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD.
And two years later, we continue to thank the Lord for all He has done and continues to do.
'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11
Please remember to pray for orphans all over the world. And remember, you CAN make a difference sitting right there at home. Go to Reece's Rainbow at www.reecesrainbow.org to see how.
May you and yours be blessed.
