I would like to share with you all how we found Jonathan and his reaction to a family wanting him, so I will break it up into two parts.
I am friends with a sweet lady named Patricia on Facebook. I noticed her profile picture was of a sweet looking young man, but didn't think past that. On a Monday morning back in December, I told my husband that I didn't want to adopt from Eastern Europe, if we ever decided to adopt again. Maybe Africa, is what I was thinking. On Thursday of the same week, my husband and I were sitting on the couch and I went to Adeye's blog. There was that picture of that sweet looking boy! Adeye was advocating for him to find a family. Well, I knew when I looked at Mark what he was thinking because I was thinking it, too. Finally, he was the first to speak and told me to find out if we could adopt him. It looks like we are heading to Eastern Europe. Doesn't the Lord have a sense of humor? I just told Mark I wasn't going there again!
I spent the next several days on the phone and computer trying to figure out Jonathan's visa and if we could adopt him. All we needed was a homestudy update and his visa secure before his 16th birthday. Talk about crazy, stressful days! We got so much information from so many different sources and none of them lined up. I wasn't sure we would be able to do this. But God knew better. This is His child and He had it all planned out.
Through my good friends at About A Child, I got in contact with the US Embassy in Jonathan's country. They let me know what I was to do about his visa before his 16th birthday and we got it done. We received the receipt from USCIS the day of his birthday!
Most people don't like the fact that we are stepping out of the "birth order." But one of my friend's told me it is not about birth order, it's about God's order! I'm sure we will hear many more negatives about our adopting an older child. But it isn't about us. It's about Jonathan. We know what happens when these 16 year olds are released. They are given around $30 and a small bag of belongings. Do you know who is waiting for them outside? Not friends or family. The traffickers. They don't know anything but the orphanage. Can you imagine?
I'm about ready to write a novel! I'll pick it up later....
Blessings,
Hansina
Bless you for adopting him! I was sick with worry. Thought about him constantly. I prayed so hard for him, I always knew he would find a home.
ReplyDeleteOh that is awesome. Jonathan is such a handsome boy. I also heard about him through Patricia. I am so excited for him and you. God Bless you. Prayers for a safe trip. Can't wait to see pictures of you all together.
ReplyDeletePraying for you guys waiting for some NEW news. Blessings to you and your family for taking care of the least of these. Love Anne
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read more!! I am so glad Jonathan has a forever family!! It is a wonderful thing to see prayers answered!!! God is amazing :)
ReplyDeleteIs it time for part 2 yet!!???
ReplyDeleteHansina, I don't know if you remember Doug and I too well, it's been a very long time. What a blessing you are. I hope to keep informed on how things are going for your big family! Wow I never would have imagined. YOu look so much like you mom - beautiful lady and beautiful family. God bless each of you.
ReplyDeleteI love you, Mom! You and Dad are amazing and I love you both so much! I can't wait till you guys get over there, see him and take lots of pictures! P.S. I think you should write a novel. :) (I would read it!)
ReplyDeleteWe didn't pay any attention to that whole birth order thing either... Timothy is older than our youngest. He's number 3 out of 4. Eh, doesn't matter to me, or him! LOL God is the one in charge for sure!! YAY!!! I'm so excited for you!!
ReplyDeleteNever worry what others say about anything! Especially birthorder! We have adopted 7 children from Ukraine and we like you, KNOW that is was God's order in which our children came to us. We recently brought home the 18 year old sister to three of our sons that we adopted in 2008. So excited to watch your story unfold!
ReplyDelete