This blog is named after a verse in God's word. James 1:27 External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. (James 1:27 AMP)
I am a Christian wife and homeschool mother that desires to serve The Lord, my family, my church, and those around me. I am blessed beyond measure and feel like I am living my dream. Every time The Lord calls me to do something He equips me to carry it out. Raising children has been one of those areas God has called and thankfully continues to equip my husband and I to complete.
We have 6 beautiful biological children. I have prayed and desired to adopt since about 1999. My husband was not on board with the idea. I must admit there have been many years of tears and conversations with God asking why He would lay this on my heart and not on my husbands. I prayed often for the Lord to take it away from me or lay it on my husband's heart as well. At different times I have given up in frustration only to have it return.
In 2010 Bob and I had a conversation again about adoption and he gave the ok to check into the classes needed to adopt. I was filled with a huge sence of joy! We then headed out to visit my father and sister. About 2 hours later I received a phone call that a close friend of mine had passed away and her daughter was no where to be found. We were very close to Jennifer and her daughter Noelle. We immediately headed back to town and Bob and I went straight to Jennifer's home. She indeed had committed suicide and Noelle was found and placed in our home. Noelle has lived with us ever since and has visits with her father. She has taught us so much. The days have not all been easy for her or all of us as a family. However, God has been amazingly faithful and these past 3 years have been wonderfully rewarding in many ways.
I truly believe God has used this situation to prepare our hearts for adoption. In January, I brought up adoption to Bob as the call toward it was increasing in the deaths of my soul again. I was shocked and amazed when he said yes, he would like to adopt as well. My heart was running over with joy and thankfullness. I made the phone calls and within a couple weeks we started the necessary 10 week classes, home study, along with a list of other varied tasks we were asked to complete.
I have invested a great deal of time reading and educating myself on transracial adoptions. I feel The Lord laying on my heart that the children will be black. I have imagined what they might look like and looked forward with great anticipation, the day we would see and meet our newest Hahn family members.
The Thursday before Easter we signed our completed home study and learned at that time there is a sibling set of 4 children age 5 and under right here in our county! The wait to have our homestudy approved and learn more about these children ensued. Yesterday, April 15th we got the email, our home study had been approved! Then shortly after came another email from the case worker representing the sibling set of 4. I was so excited it was hard to think straight. I spoke to the case worker and found out there are identical twin girls that are 5 years old, a 4 year old boy, and a three year old boy. We were sent information on the children as well as pictures. I am in love! These children are beautiful! I was so excited that as I drove home from CC(homeschool coop), I got off on the wrong exit and then made a wrong turn in our subdivision.
We have read about them and found out today that Bob and I get to meet the children this Friday at a park at 2:30pm. I know it is only 3 days, but it is so hard to wait, knowing these beautiful children are right here in our community! I am praying as are many of our friends that this transition would go smooth. God, truly, you are amazing! I am in awe of the peace we feel about it all.
The timing is one only God could arrange. Our oldest daughter, Amber, is getting married May 18th. This will free up the bedroom needed for these beautiful babies. So many exciting things going on in life.
Could it be, and then there were 11? Children that is:-)
Thank you, Tara and Bob, for stepping up for these children! So exciting!
ReplyDeleteJanet
So incredibly happy for you all!
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ReplyDeleteAnd there were 12Children? After May 18th that is:-)
ReplyDeleteJosh, you are sooo right! Ian so excited for the wedding:-) You will be my favorite son in law!!!
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