Thanks so much to Kelli from “Adventurez in Child Rearing” for sharing her family’s story of adoption in today’s guest post!

Our Journey of Adoption

Most people are surprised to find out that one of our boys is adopted. People who have known me for years will say things like “that one is the spitting image of you!” (We’re from the south – it’s a common expression.) Plenty of times I’ve heard “Boy you couldn’t deny HE was yours if you tried” and I laugh — while inside I’m filled with joy. Sometimes I tell them, other times I just relish the moment.

From the moment I learned of his existence, my heart went out to him, and I hit my knees. He was still in the womb when I began to pray. I prayed for his health, and his protection. He had no control over the inadequate prenatal care. He had no control over the chemicals which were fed to his developing brain, and I had no idea I was praying for my baby!

He was 8 months old when we finally got him. It was a strange chain of events which brought him home to us: his forever family. Events which, in hindsight, I can clearly see were from God’s hand. This baby I had loved and prayed over, yet never met nor even seen a picture of, grew in my heart long before I had any idea that he was mine. That he was indeed our baby!

We didn’t wait long (at all) before we slapped a life preserver on him and got him out on the water! We spent time at the beach – sticking fat baby toes in the sand and enjoying nature. We introduced him to our ways – and love grew!

It hasn’t been easy. Sometimes it has been more difficult than I ever imagined it could be. Some days it is still more difficult than I think it should be. There have been times where I have doubted my abilities to be who he needs me to be. . . and each and every time, God has stepped in to remind me that HE doesn’t make mistakes and that I am the mother that all my children need.  Ordained by Him!

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him:
for he that cometh to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6

You see, just as you can look at each of your children and know that they are special to you from God – that He ordained them as your babies – I have learned first hand that God’s hand is on adoption! He puts families together – through birth and through adoption.

“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
God places the lonely in families.”
Psalms 68:5-6

So many times I drop the ball – I fail. Parenting isn’t easy. Parenting a child with special needs – be they physical, emotional or other – isn’t easy either. Parenting a child of adoption certainly isn’t always easy.

Most things that are worthwhile are not easy. For every moment that brings trials and for moments of defeat, there are many more of encouragement and triumph! We have all made sacrifices for him. We all make sacrifices for each other. We share the good and the bad… because THAT is what FAMILIES do

We grow, and we learn together. We pray our way through the difficult times. We seek support and advice when needed. We love and we cry – sometimes with frustration- sometimes with joy!

God is working inside the heart and life of this precious little one! God is working in the heart and life of his mother! I am happy to say, His grace truly is sufficient. I know this because I’ve lived it. I’m walking in His grace today!

We are not “out of the woods.” We have known trials; there will most definitely be more. The enemy doesn’t want to see our family succeed, but God is in Control! Thankfully, we do not have to depend on my (flawed) abilities as a mother. We can go boldly to the throne and seek His grace and His wisdom. I don’t have to be able: “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”  2 Timothy 1:12b

I have loved this baby since he was in the womb. Even though it wasn’t my womb – he is NO LESS my baby. And yet, he is not mine at all; like each of my children, he is God’s. You see, I have believed and I have committed my heart, life, and soul unto HIM. These are His children. We are His children – and you can be too!

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house.” Acts 16:31

“. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”  Joshua 24:15b

We’ve come a long way baby, and we will continue to grow closer to our Creator – closer to each other. We are HIS!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Not all families are called to adoption. But, all are called to care for the fatherless. I am thankful we stepped out on this journey in obedience to Him. His hand is on adoption, and His hand is on our family. I look forward to seeing His continual work in our life as He grows and shapes us to His image.

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” Matthew 18:5

Children are a gift, a blessing no matter how God puts them in your family. I’m eternally grateful He chose each of mine perfectly suited to “us”.

About Kelli: I’m a Jesus loving homeschool mama of three little boys. My husband, Mark is my friend and my biggest supporter. We live near the beach in Southwest Florida and spend a great deal of time outside. We hope to inspire others to get out and enjoy nature together, as it has played an important role in cementing our family bonds. We stand in awe, together, at the power of our Maker and the love we see in the finite details of His creation.

Visit Kelli’s blog, find her on facebook and tweet with her on twitter!