A crazy week or two

Your attitude should be the same as that as Jesus Christ: Who in being very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! 

 Philippians 2:5-8

I must confess working full time is very difficult with four children.  Brent is such a great help and making it work to the best possible.  Elijah and Sneha were able to see an orthopedist from Children's in Denver, Dr. Chang.  Sneha has a very different gate and her toes point out at an angle.  Well it turns out the her femur and hips point outward, her lower leg turns outward as well as her feet.  A three part issue, for now it will be treated with shoe inserts to see if that helps. The good news is that her upper arm break is healing very well and will be ok.  As far as Elijah--he has a new official diagnosis CP.  A traumatic brain injury in utero or shortly after birth.  I have previously wondered if that might have been the diagnosis.  One of my wonderful friends Debbie has CP and is a very strong woman who is an inspiration to us all.  So his "official diagnosis" was just a way to describe in words the injury--not a big shock or fear to our family.  Dr Chang wants to evaluate Elijah's gate with high tech electrodes and an interactive floor.  He will probably needs to have his left leg tendon and muscle cut so they can loosen.  His foot also needs surgery to correct a bone problem so he can walk better.  Elijah's left leg is 1/2 to 1 inch shorter than his right.  He also spoke of Botox treatments to Elijah's left arm to help the muscles and eventually they would slow the growth of his right leg so the left can catch up.  A massive stroke as an infant caused his body to have many troubles.  The good news is that he can run and play with the best of them even soccer.  He is a true physical miracle to see him in action.

On a sour note Elijah has been lying and showing attachment problem behavior.  We believe that if God our Father re-routed his brain after a massive stroke that he can heal his heart and soul.  The physical disabilities are easy to deal with in comparison to lying and hurtful behavior.  We are committed to help him change and conquer this sin in his life.  Every person that knows right from wrong must choose to do what is right and often it is the more difficult choice.  Love is a true choice not just a feeling.  Adoption is not for the weak, but neither is the world we live in.  Children need loving families to guide them on a path to Jesus.  I never have a doubt that Our Lord placed these children in our home  to bring him the glory and impact those around us.

Sneha the mostly wordless person has impacted so many people her in our small town.  It is amazing that God doesn't have to use words to make a difference in lives.  It is not about me and my feelings.  My heart breaks when they push me away, but I must remember that God is in charge and this is HIS plan.  Growth and change are difficult, but very necessary to change or character and make us strong.  When they do hug and show love it makes that moment so sweet.  Brokenness of a child cannot change overnight and we will never abandon them again.

If anyone ever hesitates to adopt for fear of affecting their biological children, I would challenge them what better chance to show the heart of God to their children.  Graedy and Elise have been affected profoundly, and for the good.  Elise and Graedy see that disabled doesn't mean bad only different, but still they are important to our world.  Our Father creates no mistakes Sneha has a heart of love even though she may never live independently. In our world worth is based on what tasks can we complete, and that is not what God bases our worth on.  How many siblings of adopted children will grow up to either adopt themselves or strive to make a difference for the lost and forgotten.  I can say living with one of the least of these every day, they will never forget.  We could have never done anything more important for our biological children.  I have been asked will they have to give up things for them-ABSOLUTELY and what leads to better character.  Our possessions never build up our character and heart.  The more "stuff" we have the more we want.

What we know is that we have a future and we are right where God wants us for now.

Cheers,

Holly

Please visit this blog and pray for their dear Chrissie: http://www.allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/
Chrissie was found and adopted through Reecesrainbow and she is fighting for her life.