“Has Mom met him yet?” That is the question that the kids asked over and over the days I was in Haiti. Together as a family we had prayed for this boy. We asked that he would know the love of a family. Our hearts were moved towards adoption it just seemed to be over our head financially. Every time God would bring adoption to our lips our reality would smack us straight over the head.
going back a year.
The kids began to refer to him as their future brother. “We are going to adopt him!” They would say. I used cautious words to prepare them for what might not happen. They listened but I don’t think they ever let the idea of their future brother go.
My trip to Haiti was scheduled.
We would make a trip to the Rescue Center.
I would meet him.
On the morning when our group arrived at the Rescue Center I was pretty nervous. My eyes scanned the small faces that were surrounding us. I was talking with people, laughing with people, meeting friends, but all the while I was looking for him.
It seemed like an eternity before I actually laid my eyes on this little boy. My heart melted even more than the hundreds of times I read his story on the blog. I stood there stilled and watched him play. I thought about what I could say to him. Nothing grand enough came to mind. In all honesty it took every bit of strength to walk over to him. It was as if I knew my life would be forever changed. I have no idea what my words to him were. It doesn’t matter. His eyes were overwhelming. His smile even more. I grabbed my camera and shot some photos of the boys playing. Then I asked if he would take a picture with me. He must have thought I was so weird. I was so worried that he did. I would not have forgiven myself if I had chickened out. The kids would treasure this photo of their mom and their in-love brother. With that I walked away. Physically I was away from him but to this day my thoughts are with him.
Later that day he and I colored, chalked, and laughed. I couldn’t ask for more. He knew that I thought he was special. He knew that he was my favorite. I think he liked that.
Our time at the RC was done.
I arrived home with more questions. I knew that our family could love this boy. Could he love us? Is he too old to transition to life in America? What would his life be like if he stayed in Haiti? Could he? Would that prove to be better for Him. What would life look like for him if he did.
Questions are so hard.
moving forward.
Licia posted a blog pleading for a family to take this child. This child that we loved. The child that we prayed would have a family soon. This child that our children called brother.
This child was ours.
It was as complex simple as that.
To say all the questions are gone would be a lie. We have many questions just about different things.
Nothing is more amazing than hearing Carly or Colt talk to EVERYONE about their brother. God has worked out an amazing love in their heart. They always knew. Even when their parents were full of fear. They knew.
