Eight Is Not Enough: Integration Day

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.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Integration Day

Yesterday morning we went back to ICBF for our Integration Day meeting. This is the meeting where the Colombian authorities decide if we will continue with the adoption. Up to that point we were having a trial period. At the end of the first week ICBF, the kids or the parents can stop the process. We spent about an hour in our meeting and were actually asked a lot of questions this time- the case worker was very thorough. Anyi and Jose would not talk to him at all. We are begining to think this is a good thing as it means they are much more comfortable with us than with the social workers. We had to answer their questions for them, then the case worker would ask the kids "is that correct?"- then they would only nod!

All in all integration was very smooth and the social worker thought they were doing very well in our family and bonding better that expected. When we got back to the apartment and one a time I held their hands, looked deep in their eyes and told them "Anyi (and Jose) tu es mi hija por siempre, siempre y siempre. Which translates to mean "You are my daughter (or son) for always, always and always". And so it will be for as many years God grants us.

Then we took 3 seperate taxis to move the whole group to a large mall called Chipichape. We took the kids to lunch at McDonalds while we were there because there was a lagre playland there. Boy did we need the playland. Spent about 5 or 6 hours walking around the mall. Great day out with plenty of fresh air and walking. Isaiah feed his left over french fries to the pidgeons- he thought it was halarious. Ended our day by visiting Crepes and Wafles for ice cream- our family favorite in Colombia.

God bless and we continue to appreciate everyone's prayers. We now wait for the court date where the judge will finalize the adoption. Pray for a fast court date.

Jim and Betty.

1 comment:

Jerica S said...: I'll be praying. Glad you all are having a great and safe time. Glad everyone is well and back to health. We miss you guys sooo much it isn't even funny. We will be so happy when you get back. We will have to have you ALL over one night to eat and play. Love you guys!; October 2, 2012 at 9:34 AM