Today is our day to visit Hadley's home for the past two years. She was found on the steps of the orphanage by one of the guards at nine days old. Her mother (or father) had great, great taste in orphanage selection. We owe a great debt to the people who have raised her thus far. They have certainly fostered strong relationships with her and we are now the beneficiaries. Without their work we would not be seeing the small jestures of trust we are receiving from her now. We would ask for you to pray for our day if you read this before we return home. We are praying the following:
1: that we would get great information that helps us understand Hadley's life (as best as we can) before she came to live with us.
2: we pray we can meet her foster mom and get pictures of where she lived and slept and had school
3: we can get pictures of all those there that were significant in her life - the Lord can show us who the sideline players might be, a cook, housekeeper, who really loved her
4: we can have a full access tour of the orphanage and they would not restrict what we see or hear that would affect how we help Hadley now and in the future.
5: this one is the scariest to write: to trust God that Hadley will want to leave with us. As parents we feel we have gone miles in a few days already but Hadley must do this today to be able to move ahead in an emotionally healthy way. Child behavioralists specializing in orphans tell us that this little girl needs to be able to go back, see those she loves, see that her care givers trust us and experience her care givers hand her back over to us. That handover will do something for her. She will see us as safe and approved by those she trusts. She should say to herself "well, if they think this is ok, it will be ok" (although it may not feel that way right now). Sounds very hard for a child to experience, but necessary for her to move forward in making a proper attachment with us.
Thanks for praying for us today. We will let you know how it goes as soon as we all recover.
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7 comments:
Everyday I look forward to reading your blog and the tears that are sure to follow! :) Emily has enjoyed seeing Sam's new sister as well. She too calls her "Baby Hadley". I am continuing to pray for Hadley's heart with the knowledge that God sees each tear that falls from those precious eyes. He will heal her heart and yours as well ~ and bond you together in such a special way. She has a beautiful smile - I pray you see more and more of it!
Love you all!!!
Terri Cox
P.S. this blog just popped up as I was writing. I am praying specifically as you visit the orphanage - for Hadley's peace and ability to move forward. Also, that you would get an abudance of information to better help her.
Pat and Karen...Tracy fw Christi's blog info on to me...I am thrilled to watch things unfold for yall...As our family transitions to life in Houston, reading about God's faithfulness to you through this experience has preached to me today!! I will say, that it has made me add to the alloted TEAR FALL for one day though. Our removal from "HOME" is nothing compared to sweet Hadley's, but just as God is continuing to soften my heart and transition our family, I pray he will do the same for Hadley!! May God bless your remaining time there and your trip home...What a beautiful little girl to be a part of a beautiful family!!! Looking forward to hearing about her HOMECOMING to BHAM!!! Take Care!! Char and the Drescher family
We are praying and excited about seeing God work. We pray that you will have another glimpse of His perfect faithfulness today.
the metcalfs
Dear Pat and Karen,
This website has been fantastic! Pat, I know I've only met you once, but I feel like I've known you and your family forever! Thank you so much for allowing Hany and me to share in your experience! Hadley is so beautiful! I hope that I may meet her when you bring her home. Thanks again for the pictures and narrative! Best wishes in your travels back.
Love, Julie Rezk
Pat and Karen,
God is sooo good! I am so encouraged by how well things are going (thanks for being honest - it helps us know what to pray!) Hadley is BEAUTIFUL!!! I will never forget the shopping picture. The slide show got me, I'm still crying. You all have so much love to give, it's obvious in these pictures. As our pastor would say, " Hadley hit the sovereignty jackpot!" We love you and are praying for all 6 of you.
Mandy
Karen & Pat~ I don't even know how to describe how my emotions went up and down thru each posting! I am soooooo excited and can't wait for your return. I am praying for you all and for Handley's transition. It seems (big surprise) that the Father is hearing all of our requests and I can't wait to see you ALL in person!! Keep up the updates!! LOVE, Love, LOVE them!! Beth
Pat and Karen,
Keeping up with your journey every day. I know how hard this must be on you and on your new daughter. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Bryan's brother Kevin and his wife have bonded with Autumn, who came to them at 10 months old. She is a beautiful child and very much loved and wanted.
Thinking of you all,
Margaret Kaetz Kelley
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