I've started this post about 25 times in my head during the last several weeks, but it is only now making it to the blog because it's not an easy one to write. I'd like to post cute pictures of our loving family and write about all the wonderful times we are having as we integrate the 2 newest members of the family. However, it's not wonderful all of the time and in fact, it's pretty miserable on some days. We knew that adopting children "from hard places" would be....well, hard. But we had no idea what we were in for. Thankfully, our sovereign Lord knew. As frustrated as we've been, we know that adopting these boys was the path He led us down and He has promised not to leave us. Through a series of God-directed circumstances (aren't they all?) we found a therapist who specializes in attachment issues. He's a Christian counselor who has been practicing for over 30 years, isn't the least bit surprised by one thing we've told him and is confident that he can help us learn to live together and love each other like the family God intended. So, starting on Monday morning, Tom, Lucas and I will start a 2 week intensive therapy program that will last 6 hours each day, followed by weekly visits. The financial constraints and logistics of job, child care, etc seemed overwhelming and once again, God provided in ways we couldn't have imagined.
My point to this post is entirely to ask you to join us in prayer, especially during the next 2 weeks. And, if you are so inclined, here are a few specifics to get you started:
- Please pray that Tom and I will be open to a different way of parenting (the traditional ways of raising our first 2 children are certainly not effective with children who have the kind of past that our newest ones have.)
- Please pray that we will see Lucas (and Jeremy, too) the way God sees them.
- Please pray for our parents who will be tag teaming to help care for Ian and Jeremy while Tom and I are with Lucas.
- Please pray for strength and health for all of us. (Tom will be going to work before and after the therapy, so it will be particulary taxing on him.)
- Most importantly, please pray that God will use us and what we learn to model His love for Lucas in a way that will get through the very formidable wall he has built around his little heart.
- Pray that this situation will help us help others who face the same challenges with adopted children.
Thank you in advance for bringing our family before the Throne as God brings us to mind. We appreciate it more than we can ever express!
With your eyes focused on Him, and His unlimited grace, you will get through this day by day. I will do my best to remember to pray for you all. And I hope you sense His amazing everlasting arms holding you up during this and the days that follow.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this Angela! It takes a lot of humility and trust to ask for help and let others know what your struggles are. As humans we try to control too much, including what other's "see". That is a huge prayer request and we will do our best to be building you up these next couple weeks. We think that you are incredible for what you've done for these boys. The Devil is just throwing you a challenge because of your faithfulness to God. You all will overcome and Lucas (all your your kids) are so blessed to have you both as parents. Best wishes, we will be praying!
ReplyDeleteWe will pray!!!
ReplyDeleteYou all are in our prayers every day and for the next two weeks we will be praying special prayers the three of you. We'll see you soon---take care---we love you all, Mom and Dad
ReplyDeleteAngela, We five will praying for you all. We understand some of the difficulties that come with building your family while dealing with 'the past'. I don't know the details of your story, but I appreciate your honesty. Feel free to give me a call sometime! Give yourself grace; God does. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela, We will be praying and thinking of you during this difficult time. I would love to speak with you at a later time about what was involved. Stand Fast God is Sovereign!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know how to pray for your family, Angela. May our Father guide and protect you all.
ReplyDeleteIt is our express privilege to be a part of this process for Lucas. We know God has great plans for the Tom and Angela Humphrey family. Thanks to m/m and d/d to get the ball rolling. See you in the a.m.
ReplyDeleteMimi and Pa
Please know that you are not alone---and not just in the next two weeks! Thank you for sharing what I know was so difficult to write. Much love, Stacy
ReplyDeleteThe Lord bless you for taking on such a task. Praying for you all!
ReplyDeleteYou know of our love and prayers for you! While I am up throughout the night tonight with sick children, it will give me opportunity to pray some more. So thankful that HE is enough.
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