Those Who Wait ...

David (12) – Our snowboarding, Mythbusters watching, project building, example setting, family entertaining, guitar strumming, voice impersonating, animal loving, soccer playing, insanely creative oldest son   Katie (10) – Our soccer playing, Disney Channel watching, friendship bracelet making, super spelling, warm hug giving, student council representing, family dinner baking, book reading, friend attracting, spiritually mature oldest daughter Matthew (7) – Our multiple sport playing, high-calorie burning, contagious smiling, sibling argument mediating, super snuggling, chore avoiding, God seeking, Mom’s cooking eating, giggliest giggling, incredibly loving son Allie (4 ½) – Our “Terrific Triplets” leading, silly song singing, Super-BIG Hugging, pre-K attending, “bunny-bunny” snuggling, sweet smiling, trampoline jumping, fashion recognizing, friend gathering, amazingly talkative daughter Grace (3 ½) – Our model listening, kissey-lip kissing, big sister imitating, countdown to Johnathan tracking, piggy-piggy caretaking, Dora the Explorer watching, kitchen pantry snack sneaking, bath avoiding, tutu wearing, unbelievably courageous daughter Hannah (3) – Our jigsaw puzzle solving, chore helping, spontaneous song singing, “Nana” loving, potty averting, hippo-hippo holding, “super-close” sleeping, older sibling approval seeking, hug sneaking, highly opinionated daughter A Final Prayer … As we sat here thinking about what we would write about Johnathan if he were home and we had already gotten a chance to know and discover his loves and interests, we were humbled by the fact that we will soon get the chance to learn about and experience all of these things firsthand. At the same time, we recognized how different things would have been for our family had we not followed God’s will and listened when He called us to China the first two times. That thought brings tears to our eyes and a deep ache to our hearts, not only for what might have been for them, but for the fact that we would have missed knowing and loving these miracles ourselves. Had we not listened to God’s voice, we would never have heard our Hannah sing, “You are My Sunshine” as she drifts to sleep. We would have missed the chance to hear Gracie say, “I lub you Mommy and Daddy,” or Hannah proclaim assertively, “Dis is my Mama”. We would never have known that Grace is one of the most thoughtful people we have ever met. We would never have known that Hannah can put together a jigsaw puzzle faster than any of us at three years old. We would never have seen Grace dance beautifully around the family room, dressed in her “balaweena” outfit, beaming with pride while shouting, “Look at me guys!” We would have missed getting to see the “Terrific Triplets” – Allie, Grace and Hannah – taking an hour to ransack their closet trying to come up with matching outfits. We would never have had the chance to sleep cheek-to-cheek with our little Hannah-Banana, while she smiles and proclaims, “Super Cose!” We would have never had the chance to see Hannah’s “Booty Dance” or Grace’s first time pumping on a swing. We would have missed Hannah picking all the weeds in our yard and bringing them to us with the sweetest smile on her face saying, “Dees pweety fwowers for you, Mama”. These are just a few things that we would have missed out on. To this end, we are reminded that there are so many children out there in need of a forever family. These beautiful children just need someone to love them unconditionally. They yearn for someone to teach them how to pump on the swing. They wait for the day when someone will appreciate and cherish their “flower weeds”. They dream for someone to sing with them, and to sit and read to them. They pray that one day they might have someone to chat with, and someone who will listen to them and make them feel that everything they have to say is important. They want nothing more than for someone to set an example for them and to show them that love and integrity matter. If that someone is not us, who is it? In closing, we pray that through witnessing our journey, hearts will be opened to the miracle of adoption. We pray for and encourage everyone to search deep into their hearts to see if they can make room for one more child in their lives. The Bible tells us that it is God’s will that we should care for orphans, in whatever capacity we feel he has revealed to us. If there is anyone out there who feels God may be leading them toward adoption, and you don’t know where to start, we recommend that you begin with prayer. God will show you where you need to go. And, if down the road you find that you are looking for more specific information about how to get started or who to contact and you could use a friend to assist you, please contact us at any time. We would be more than happy, and it would be a huge blessing to us, to have the chance to do whatever we can to help you on your journey! With Love and Blessings, Amie and Jeff (& the Gang) heartsmiles7@yahoo.com www.heart-smiles.blogspot.com

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