A needle in the haystack....

God is great!! Throughout both of our adoptions, we have been incredibly blessed to learn that our children have been under the care of Christian missionaries working within China. This past week, through a number of miraculous circumstances, we were able to get the e-mail address of an international volunteer who works directly in the orphanage that Miss A. resides (thank you, S'...you know who you are:>). Now, I ask you to think about this for a minute. China is the most populated country in the world, and they are extremely private about their orphans. We, as adoptive parents have no contact, or "goto" person. You do not receive monthly updates on your child. If you are fortunate, you may receive one or two updates (often without photos) before you travel. Finding a contact person on your own is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

I'm sure that you can imagine how difficult it is to know that you have a child, but are unable to touch, or see them. You can not check each day to make sure that they are eating enough, you can not hold them when they cry, you can't comfort them when they are sick, and you can not tell them that you love them. The only comfort that you have is resting in knowing that the Lord is in control and is watching over them while you wait. I can't imagine not having that. I would go crazy with worry!

Anyhoo....last night, I spent about an hour drafting a letter to the volunteer. I went thru it several times to make sure that I didn't sound too desperate(although at times, I am), too selfish, too emotional, etc. I sent it off with hopes that I would hear something back, but to be honest I didn't think I'd get a response. I woke up this morning and immediately checked my email and to my surprise she wrote back. She knows Miss A! She knows her therapist and gave us the "inside scoop" on her. She reported that her therapist confirmed she does not have cerebral palsy, as originally thought. She also said her therapist thinks her secondary diagnosis of autism is questionable at this point. She said that they think her delays may be more environmental, and they are very cautious about labeling her at this point due to her age, environment, etc.

So....we think the volunteers response was very positive. You could tell that she had a truly selfless heart dedicated to serving the Lord. She had given up living in her native country where she was free to talk about her faith, and moved to a country where she could be jailed for proclaiming His name. She lets her actions speak for her. Day after day, she serves Him by ministering to the fatherless. She offers comfort to them. She hugs them when they fall. She makes sure that their needs are being met day after day. She tells them that GOD loves them. She HUMBLES me! She is submitting to the plan that God has laid out for her, and has taken up the cross to follow Him!

Please continue to pray for Miss A. Specifically, she is currently not in the missionaries private care. She still lives in the orphanage, and the orphanage has a contract with the volunteers for her to receive services weekly. Please pray that she continues to receive what she needs and that she continues to improve daily.

One side note....please pray for those who will never know parents....the ones left behind. There are over 1 million orphaned children in the world. Please pray that if the Lord has placed the seed of adoption on peoples hearts, that they will be obedient to the call. Please pray that they trust in Him to provide them with all that they need...emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. Pray that abandoned orphans needs will be met. Pray that someone will look after them and show them love, care, dignity and compassion. Your prayers may be the only prayers that they receive:). And most importantly, remember to give Him the glory in all things resting knowing that His will will be done!