We’ve come to Africa with little to no plan. For those who really know me, you know this is HUGE. We have surrendered all of our preconceived notions and dreams and ideas about how any of this should go. We don’t even have a court date, had no idea when we would see our children, didn’t know if our new children would get to see us very much, etc, etc, etc. We just know that God has called us to adopt from Uganda, and we are following no matter what obstacles, trials or delays there are in the process. We will press on in Christ Jesus.
This morning Peter asked if we wanted to see either or both of the children today. Our hearts rejoiced at the possibility. Little did we know… We traveled almost 30 minutes away down the dirt roads of Uganda. Imagine skiing on moguls without any snow…cue the car sickness. Upon arriving at the church in Jjogo, a small choir was heard practicing on stage. Children were running around pointing at us, and we waited. It seemed like an eternity but was probably closer to 45 minutes. Then, without pomp or circumstance, Zeke came through the doors. He came walking toward us and then stopped. He shook his head and began backing up. Then, he tried again. Still again, he backed up and headed out the door. He was scared. We were scared for him. After much coaxing from Peter, he went outside and calmed down. We all decided to go to his home to meet his family.
This decision came quickly but not lightly. We never met Jett’s biological family, so we were not prepared for this encounter. Zeke had never ridden in a vehicle, so he was scared of that too but seemed eager to give it a try. Only when Jett persuaded him to come did he decide to go. He sat in the front seat in my lap…I relished every second of it. For the first time, he felt air conditioning. He laughed and kept trying to feel it again. We continued to drive with our guide in the car and came upon a 2 room (each room was maybe 8 x 6) house. No electricity, no running water….this was his home. We had the privilege of meeting his birth father, grandmother and half-sisters. God allowed us some sweet time of asking questions and hearing about Zeke’s life. We felt honored. Peter asked the family how soon they wanted us to take him so he could adjust to us. “Today would be good,” said the grandmother, and she wasn’t kidding. Ummmm…..okay, Lord, we’re all in on this one. So, with that we were off as a family of 6.
Then, we proceeded to go to the church at the farm about 20 minutes away. We stood with Zeke in our arms and watched as a young mom came toward us with Elly by her side. After quick introductions, the mom gave Elly to me. Elly didn’t cry or fight. She just clung to me. I have to words for that moment except utter joy. God’s grace was all over this encounter. Elly clung to me the entire time and kept trying to get closer and closer.
When we were getting ready to leave, Peter said that Elly was going with us too…What? Are you serious? We didn’t plan for any of this. We had no idea. We didn’t even know when we would get to see them or how often. Now, we are leaving as a family of 7. God, you alone get the praise and glory and honor for how this has been orchestrated. Before time began you had this day in mind. You planned for our family to be together, and Your promise was fulfilled. Your plans will not be thwarted.
As we sat around in the Sozi living room tonight for family worship, a small part of me longed for friends to sing “Bwe tusaba” on a Sunday afternoon. But, God reminded me of His plan and not mine! Tonight, we have two more children asleep. Tonight, I cry tears of joy for His plan. Thank you Lord that Your ways, Your thoughts and Your plan are all higher. I rejoice in You!
We’ve come to Africa with little to no plan. For those who really know me, you know this is HUGE. We have surrendered all of our preconceived notions and dreams and ideas about how any of this should go. We don’t even have a court date, had no idea when we would see our children, didn’t know if our new children would get to see us very much, etc, etc, etc. We just know that God has called us to adopt from Uganda, and we are following no matter what obstacles, trials or delays there are in the process. We will press on in Christ Jesus.
This morning Peter asked if we wanted to see either or both of the children today. Our hearts rejoiced at the possibility. Little did we know… We traveled almost 30 minutes away down the dirt roads of Uganda. Imagine skiing on moguls without any snow…cue the car sickness. Upon arriving at the church in Jjogo, a small choir was heard practicing on stage. Children were running around pointing at us, and we waited. It seemed like an eternity but was probably closer to 45 minutes. Then, without pomp or circumstance, Zeke came through the doors. He came walking toward us and then stopped. He shook his head and began backing up. Then, he tried again. Still again, he backed up and headed out the door. He was scared. We were scared for him. After much coaxing from Peter, he went outside and calmed down. We all decided to go to his home to meet his family.
This decision came quickly but not lightly. We never met Jett’s biological family, so we were not prepared for this encounter. Zeke had never ridden in a vehicle, so he was scared of that too but seemed eager to give it a try. Only when Jett persuaded him to come did he decide to go. He sat in the front seat in my lap…I relished every second of it. For the first time, he felt air conditioning. He laughed and kept trying to feel it again. We continued to drive with our guide in the car and came upon a 2 room (each room was maybe 8 x 6) house. No electricity, no running water….this was his home. We had the privilege of meeting his birth father, grandmother and half-sisters. God allowed us some sweet time of asking questions and hearing about Zeke’s life. We felt honored. Peter asked the family how soon they wanted us to take him so he could adjust to us. “Today would be good,” said the grandmother, and she wasn’t kidding. Ummmm…..okay, Lord, we’re all in on this one. So, with that we were off as a family of 6.
Then, we proceeded to go to the church at the farm about 20 minutes away. We stood with Zeke in our arms and watched as a young mom came toward us with Elly by her side. After quick introductions, the mom gave Elly to me. Elly didn’t cry or fight. She just clung to me. I have to words for that moment except utter joy. God’s grace was all over this encounter. Elly clung to me the entire time and kept trying to get closer and closer.
When we were getting ready to leave, Peter said that Elly was going with us too…What? Are you serious? We didn’t plan for any of this. We had no idea. We didn’t even know when we would get to see them or how often. Now, we are leaving as a family of 7. God, you alone get the praise and glory and honor for how this has been orchestrated. Before time began you had this day in mind. You planned for our family to be together, and Your promise was fulfilled. Your plans will not be thrwarted.
As we sat around in the Sozi living room tonight for family worship, a small part of me longed for friends to sing “Bwe tusaba” on a Sunday afternoon. But, God reminded me of His plan and not mine! Tonight, we have two more children asleep. Tonight, I cry tears of joy for His plan. Thank you Lord that Your ways, Your thoughts and Your plan are all higher. I rejoice in You!
PS Kaitlyn is already asleep for the evening so pictures will be posted tomorrow!!!
Zeke climbing in a mango tree at the guesthouse. (Kaitlyn is the eye behind most of these pictures!)
Sweet smile!
Elly contemplating while we are at the engineer's house for tea.
