just the other day I was reminded the gate to our own backyard did not have the board between the fence when I heard a knock on the door. It was my friend, Paula, from the pool standing there when I opened it. Before she could get the words out, in stepped our dog and Hannah. Paula was an angel that day. God sent her just in time as she drove around the corner and met these two runaways. But they were home with one knock and I was glad...
It had me thinking about another gate, just around three years ago, when I stood in front of it. Behind it was the place where our God led us. The place where a little orphan lived. She hadn't been there long. She grew up in a baby house, but she was a big girl at five years old and was moved to this place. The place where all the big kids go with special needs, if they are chosen. I don't know why our baby girl was spared going to Torez. But I was glad she did not go. I was glad she was here and we could adopt her. Many children lived here. Children between the ages of 5 to 18, and if they were good workers, they were kept on. Some became permanent residents and worked in the garden, swept the floors, then mopped them, even tended to the younger children. We met one boy who worked hard. He didn't seem to mind, but rather enjoyed his job. He had Down syndrome. Why do you want to adopt a little girl we were asked by one of the caretakers? Why not a teen and they will work for you! Our interpreter tried to explain when they asked...why did we want to adopt our little blond angel? Was it for body parts? That's what they thought when they heard we had another daughter the same age with DS who was sick and God healed her. How sad. I'm sure to them, we were taking away one of their own and they loved little Valeria! They wanted to protect her! They were a family! We were intruding!
Over time, we made daily visits. Everyday we went through the gate, down the path and past the teens sitting outside. They watched us as we continued past the windmill, down the driveway, up the stairs, until we found our angel among all the other little angels starting out their day. We always stayed until lunchtime, knowing our daughter would take a nap after that and in keeping with her schedule, we would go until the next day and start over again. As the days went on, the kids grew accustomed to our daily visits. Many would call us mama and papa in hopes of being loved the way every child deserves. We became part of their family. We loved interacting with all of the kids we saw and dreamed for each of them to have a home. They were all so beautiful! It was hard to say goodbye! We were the first couple to adopt from this particular orphanage in its entire existence. But after three months we were headed home...
So thanks to Hannah for finding the open gate and running free with her dog, early on a Saturday morning. I am reminded of where we have been and a place I never want to forget. Always in my prayers, just like the daughters we gained, one through many operations, the other through many obstacles, just so they could grow up together. Spared to teach us more about God than I ever knew. Forever changed for the better. I will not give up! Many more orphans need to be rescued. They have my prayers. God opened the gate to my heart, the hope is there. From the last time we stayed in the hospital to the last time we stayed in an institution for special needs. There's a big world waiting to love and be loved, an orphan changed my heart and our ninth child changed our course so we would want to adopt her. I pray it is not the last time God uses me before He welcomes me through the last gate. Here I am Lord, send me! Send me!
The Gate 2009
I knew you had a large family, but I don't think I realized that you had 9 kids!
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post. And I agree, often times something happens that reminds me of where Nina came from. Today was our first day of school, and I felt emotional, I wasn't sure why, but I think your post reminded me of why. As Nina was weaving through the big 5th graders with her walker, looking a little scared, and her being so small, I did think of her attending school, rather than being confined to an institution. And goodness, my little girl is so courageous! She walked into school scared, but loved, and knowing she would come home at the end of the day to tell us all about it!
We had 9 kids, but Lera made 10! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I hope Nina had a great first day of school today! Is she 8 years old now? What grade is she in? I'm happy you adopted her and to think we were both in Ukraine at the same time (almost!). Cool beans! :)
DeleteShe is only 6 and started first grade :) Were you there Novemeber/December 2009?
DeleteNo. We were there August thru October 2009.
DeleteWe went through the gates every day too. I so vividly remember going through them the last time with my ukies. Saying goodbye to all they have ever known.
ReplyDeleteYes! Vivid memories...when did you adopt? Where from? How old is your child? Thanks for your comment and letting me know you could relate. :)
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