Adoption Through the Eyes of A Child

Caleb, giving his toys, sharing his love!

Tucking my 4 year old into bed, we snuggled and prayed. Bedtime brings a sweetness to the surface and spills into my heart. The other night, we talked about adoption, our adoption, and began to dream. With a sparkle in his eye, he told me his plan.

Mommy, when we bring our children home from Ethiopia, we'll teach them about Jesus. Then, when they grow up they will go back to Ethiopia and share Jesus with their family. Everyone in their family will know about Jesus and tell everybody else. The whole country will know about Jesus so they will have to be missionaries and go to other countries.

My young son, I never quite looked at adoption in this way, through the faith filled eyes of a child. I've heard it said "adoption won't change the world, but it will change the world for a child." Maybe, just maybe, both are true.

Hugs 'til Heaven

Joshua and his Great Gram

Memories, laughter, tears, red carnations, and oodles of love - the best way to describe my Gram's memorial service. Thank you for the way you splashed me with the comments on my last post, letting my Gram's life shine for Him as you read.

My apologies for not posting in a while, we're still twisting in the whirlwind of being back in the USA. Friends to visit, family to hug, grandparents desperate to spoil their grandkids, warm showers and bubble baths, I hope you understand.

But I had to share, just can't keep it inside, can you see this proud mommy smiling? My Joshua told me just last week "Mommy, I'm ready to be baptized." I talked with him, he shared his heart, he prayed with Daddy and yes, he's ready. More ready than most I suppose, but his excitement is contagious. Following in Jesus' footsteps, he did ask if there was any possibility of being baptized in the Jordan. Not this time my sweet, but our family rejoices they can celebrate with us.

A week after his great grandmother's memorial, Joshua will be baptized. Death and life intertwined in a family tapestry of grace and redemption. What a beautiful legacy, what a beautiful Lord.

Death Has No Sting

I savored the privilege and the honor of being with my Gram as she went home to dance for eternity tonight. Miraculous describes the past 48 hours. From the miracle of getting us here (with the cheapest international ticket prices anyone has ever seen) to the sweet time of singing and dancing with the Lord in a hospice room, ushering her into His presence.

Too many amazing things and I'm a bit tired, exhausted really. But tonight is a night to celebrate and carry the torch from her heart to mine.

So many thoughts, emotions mixed with awe swirling in my mind. How can I possibly capture in words the events of this day? I close my eyes and can only see one picture, a wrinkled sun spotted hand, gripping a child's gift of love.

My boys made a foam cross for my Gram and we sent it. The envelope arrived in time to bless her hospital room. We had no way of knowing she would fall when we sent it, God's timing. The pictures and verses we sent greeted me on the hospice wall when I arrived weary from a day's full travel.

She held the cross throughout the past few days. This afternoon someone put it back in her hand. Loosely tucked in her fingers, Gram couldn't communicate but her spirit was rejoicing.

We realized after she went home for eternity that the cross was still in her hand, but she was gripping it tightly. Her other hand lay limp.

She held on to the cross, a beautiful symbol of the heritage of Christ that continues on through her great grandsons!

All praise to God. Death is beautiful, there is NO sting, thank you Jesus!

The tears are finally spilling. I will miss you Gram. Thank you for the life you lived for our Jesus. Thank you for dancing with me to bed so many times. It was a joy to dance with you tonight.

Until we dance again,

Sarah Dawn

Can't Adopt Just One

Adoption is on our hearts, minds and hands. We talk about it, pray, cry, listen, and dream. Ethiopia lies at the end of our path filled with twists and turns we have yet to see.

Beginning the journey, we asked the questions. God promised to fill our quiver, but how many arrows from Ethiopia? After seeking the Lord's guidance, the answer came through a child's innocent cry.

With gentle tears threatening to spill, my Joshua simply said "Mommy, there are too many kids who need a family, we can't adopt just one!"

Joshua, my little prince, God has blessed you with a special gift, the gift of compassion. For such a young warrior, your heart is full. Full of love for the youngest and lonely. Full of compassion for the hurting and abandoned. Full of joy to be the big brother to many.

You are teaching me, my seven year old. Mommy will fight to bring your brothers and sisters home. And we won't be just adopting one!

Hold Their Shield

As I tucked my 7 year old lil' warrior into bed, the words "Mommy, I'm sorry if I didn't please you today" spilled from his heart. His words stung and caught my attention. After sleep claimed his night, I crept into his room to battle.

As I passionately prayed for each child, a fresh mommy mandate came to mind. As children, they stand in the midst of a fierce spiritual battle. They have armor, still learning to use it, trusting for me to teach them. As mommy, God asks me to hold their shields, protecting them from the flaming arrows of the enemy. Or maybe, tuck them under mine.

My heart broke as I saw a picture of my Joshua with arrows of defeat piercing his little body. My heart sank to despair as I realized some of the arrows I shot through my words and actions. I cannot adequately describe the anguish of my soul. As I cried out to my Abba for forgiveness, His healing balm of joy erased the pain.

Forgiven, I stood to wage war and remove some arrows. I lost track of time as I proclaimed God's truth over my wounded son. The joy of victory filled the room.

This mommy warrior asked my King to renew my call, refire my passion, and refresh my spirit. In His presence, I surrendered it all, my hopes, dreams, and wants. Filled with a fresh mommy anointing I resolved to spend all that I am to equip my children for their role in His kingdom.

Today, my morning began with asking forgiveness from my lil' warriors and marching forward, victoriously!

The Blessings of Mom

Her children arise and call her blessed; - Proverbs 31:28

Mom, I love you more than you could ever know.

You have modeled perseverance, and determination to my life.

Just the two of us, you raised me brilliantly and never allowed your wheelchair to limit God’s plans for my life.

Thank you, for loving Jesus enough to share your only daughter and grandchildren with a country and people you have yet to see. And, for never making me feel guilty about leaving to share God’s heart in the nations.

We will dance together for eternity!

My hubby’s mom, thank you for opening your heart and life to me.

For your encouragement, love, and support of my role as wife and mommy, I am forever grateful.

For beach trips, garage sales, new toasters, and just being you.

My life will forever be blessed because of the gift you gave to me in your son.

I love you mom!

Flowers for Mom

In the back of my Bible, I store treasures, treasures of the heart. Tucked in the fold, a well worn Mother’s Day Card reminds me of the mighty call God has placed on my life.

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.

At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and un appreciated. “Is it worth it?” she often wondered. “Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?”

It was during these moments of questioning that she heard the still, small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart. “You are a wife an mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your love. Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me. What you invest in them is an offering to Me.

You may never be in the public spotlight, but your obedience shines as a bright light before Me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me. –Roy Lessin

Continue on in the beautiful ways God is working in you and through you.

From my mommy’s heart to yours,
Sarah Dawn

A Bit Like Noah

The rain has come.  And yes, we’ll enjoy it for about 7 more months.  Rainy season changes everything.  Umbrellas become a fashion statement, home school shifts to the afternoons, and sunny mornings bring squeals of delight. 

Crazy, but I love the rain.  I missed it.  Falling asleep to the patter on our metal roof lulls me to sleep.  It is my favorite sound of the mission field.

We celebrated the rain today.  Stood outside and smelled the freshness and just watched.  Inspired, we read about Noah.  Even built an ark, crawled inside with oodles of animals and ate yep, you guessed it, animal crackers. 

I don’t know if I could have stayed for 150 days, but I enjoyed my time with my boys.  They’re planning to sleep inside their ark tonight.  I might just join them. 

Thanks Noah, for showing us the joy of faithfulness and perseverance.  This missionary mommy needed a reminder and a rainbow.