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.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

 
 

Before we left the US we really had very little idea of what Emily's condition would bring in terms of limiting her activity or mobility. Today we were at a park and through our translator she asked to walk instead of riding in the stroller. She not only walked but also ran quite fast, manipulated stairs, ramps and uneven ground. She is very determined not to let her disability slow her down. I believe she is going to push the limits of physical activity for a little girl with spina bifida. She clearly plans to live life to its fullest.

Zach.... his nanny only had two babies to care for... we are working to undo the spoiling he received at his orphanage. He is very smart and is learning quickly. We don't think he ever heard the word NO (booyow in Chinese) before he met us!

The park included a memorial for Lord Bao who is a very significant historical figure for this city. The picture of the three animals are actually guillotines. In the period of Lord Bao, if you were found corrupt and were of the family of the emperor,  you got the dragon guillotine, a government official got the tiger guillotine, and anyone else "convicted" of corruption got the dog guillotine!  However from my point of view headless is headless- no matter what guillotine is used!  :-) In that era of history status was important even unto death!

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