Why "Eight Is Not Enough"?
When we were younger, there was a television sitcom that was called "Eight is Enough". The television watching world was entertained with the thought of a family with eight children. Most of us were shocked at the prospect of such a large family- myself included! Then ever so slowly, God began to work on our hearts, until we surrendered to Him all of our lives- yes even gave Him sovereign control over the size of our family and He has blessed us immeasurably, with eight biological children. Each of these children have been an amazing gift to us and we cherish each of them. And we praised God for them and felt to ourselves "eight is enough" - at least for a time.
Then God began to stir our hearts. It was as if He spoke to say to us "these 8 precious children I have given to you, but what have you given to my orphans in return?" A burden began to build on our hearts to adopt. We knew that for us God still had other plans for us as parents if we would be faithful to His calling- that eight is not enough. And so, we followed this call to adopted and He has continued to blessed us through adoption. First a sibling group of three from Soacha, Colombia. They joined our family in November, 2008. In May 2010, we adopted twin infants from Texas. In September of 2012 we were privileged to return to Colombia and adopt a sibling group of two from Cali. At this time, we anxiously wait for our travel date to depart for China where a very special girl and boy wait for their forever family. By the time they all reach adulthood, we will have had the amazing privilege to be parents of children in our home for a half century. Our life is full beyond measure, beyond our wildest expectations, yes even beyond anything we could have ever hoped. Truly, eight is not enough. As of late we have wondered if God's plan for us as parents all along was not for eight children, but rather eight plus eight. Our heavenly Father knows and His word assures us "I know the plans I have made for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." We trust He knows the number of His children He wants us to love and to nurture on His behalf, and whether that is eight or eighty times eight we stand ready and say speak Lord, your servants are listening and are prepared to be father and mother to your fatherless on earth.
Growing together
Today was mostly another day of waiting, but this is different. We know we begin to finalize things on Monday- so the waiting this time seams to have more purpose than when we were waiting on court.
We are continuing the process of growing together as a family. You can see from todays pictures all the kids are growing together and we are seeing less and less two groups. They are steadily becoming one family. What a blessing to behold. This is happening faster that we could have hoped.
We walked the mall a bit today and stopped and had ice cream again- one of the bargins we have found. We get 9 two scoop waffle cones for about $15. can't match that at home!
We go after birth cirtificates on Monday at 7 am - please remain in prayer this will go smoothly.
God bless,
Jim and Betty
3 comments:
Wonderful news! I know it's tough to enjoy the moment so much when you are dying to get home. Savor the last few days in Colombia, becasue once you get home you will want to go back...smile. God is in control, you'll be home for Chirstmas! We are praying for the last few steps to go smoothly and quickly.
I am so happy that Friday ended as a good day - even though the elevator story was funny. Only I can imagine what Betty's facial expression looked like. I am so looking for forward to seeing all my babies New Year's. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME.
Love, Linda
Jim, Betty and all: Your story is incredible, but then so is God's faithfulness! Can't wait to see you all and greet your new children! Thank you for sharing so much and so personally with your friends, family and church family. Your story gives us hope....
The Larkins
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