IF NOT FOR YOU

Those were the words spoken by Silva during our talk over Skype last week.  She was saying that if we were not adopting Benjamin, he would soon be moving to a mental institution.  

I am not writing about this statement from Silva because I am bragging about what we are doing.  Instead this statement humbles me and shows me what a privilege we have in being able to be part of the precious little boy's life.

To think what God has orchestrated in order for our lives here in a small town in Wisconsin and the life of Benjamin in eastern Europe to intersect is amazing.  It can only be a God thing!

Benjamin has no idea how much his life is about to change.  He has no idea that a change was going to happen whether he was adopted or not.  The reality is that around age 5 or 6 most of the orphans are transferred to a mental institution if they are not adopted.  

In Benjamin's understanding, he will see his adoption into our family as a loss of his nice little life in the orphanage, even though it may lack in many areas, because that is all he has ever known.  Hopefully over time, he will learn to love being part of a family more than being part of an orphanage.  

But it will be an adjustment for him (and us). But certainly his adjustment to us will be far nicer of an experience than if he would have to go to an institution.  How can a mental institution be a nice place for a child?  I find it hard to believe any aspect of that type of living would be nice.

So what am I trying to say?  I am trying to plead what we as Christians have the opportunity, privilege and RESPONSBILITY to do.  We have to stand in this gap and keep these precious children from being at the mercy of the system of whatever country they are living in.  We have to offer to be their families.  We have to offer to be their friends and support them in prayer so that families do come forward for them.  

If not for US...God is asking all of us to step up and do something for these little ones.

I pray for God's strength and courage for our family as we face this awesome task He has asked of us.  I am scared and anxious about how much work and adjustment it will be.  I am excited and hopeful of how beautiful it will be to watch our lives combine with Benjamin's.  I can't wait to love this precious little boy in person.

God called us to Benjamin, and God set apart Benjamin for us.  What a beautiful task God has set before us.  May we not forget the awesomeness of God's perfect plan.