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.
Lazy Sunday
Today we went for a walk about the middle of the day - that is about it! They close off one direction of the main street in front of our apartment for walkers and bicycles. We took advantage of the reduced auto emmission to enjoy a walk together. Unfortunately, we went a bit too far and some of the kids were hurting by the time we got back. Tommorrow is a holiday here so nothing can progress until Tuesday. Here are a few Christmas decorations we have seen - including the red tree I mentioned yesterday. We may not post tomorrow unless something comes up. We appreciate your prayers so much!
God Bless.
Jim and Betty
3 comments:
Wow!! Your journey has been both amazing and inspiring to me. It is wonderful to see and hear how well things are going. May God richly bless you and your new family. I will be praying for you. By the way, happy birthday, Kaitlyn.:o) Janell Hurla
Hello there - I am so excited about getting to see all of my old children and new ones when I come News Years. I love you and will see you soon. Linda
I have so enjoyed following your trip. We've only been home a year, but in some ways it seems like we have been a family forever. I'm sure you feel that way too - can't imagine life any other way now. Continue to enjoy the days without the extra responsibilities you have at home. Easy to say, but I know that you long to be home and begin "real" life. Being in Colombia is a wonderful experience, but as they say "there's no place like home". Thanks for sharing your family with all of us.
Karen
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