A lot of people knew we were having struggles, but many did not. We chose not to let everyone know all of the details. After much prayer and seeking Godly counsel, it was abundantly clear that our family was not the family that Warrior needed to grow up in. He needed to be in a home without children, or with children that are mostly grown. Even through our physical and emotional pain, we only wanted what was best for our Warrior in the end. Matt and I don't want to go into the details at this time because some are just too painful to talk about. I will tell you that Matt and I have complete peace about this decision. The "peace that passes all understanding" which can only come from God above.
"Bringing Our Warrior Home" - Warrior leaving court |
Prior to the trip, for the past two weeks, Warrior had been saying repeatedly that he wanted to go "home", "L@tvia", "Rig@" - not only during rough moments, but also during the good moments. We took this as additional confirmation that we were making the right decision. Our Warrior was telling us that this house was not his home. On the night before the flights, Matt told Warrior he would be travelling to L@tvia with Papa in the morning, and Papa would be returning to America. He understood he was leaving America and returning to his orphanage.
Even though we were only a short chapter in Warrior's life, our prayer is that it will be one which will have a huge impact on the rest of his life. Before Matt took Warrior to court on Wednesday, he prayed with him and told him to keep Jesus in his heart and to be a light to others. Matt and I may never know what seeds were planted and how they will grow, but we know our God loves Warrior so much more than we ever can. He will protect him and watch over him. When Matt and I started this blog, we never realized the impact our blog title would have until recently. Warrior is finally "home" with his caretakers and his friends. Our family will advocate for this child in hopes that he will find a home that will be the environment he can grow and thrive.
We are thankful to all of you who have prayed for us along this incredibly difficult journey. We are also very grateful for the meals and words of encouragement. Matt and I never saw this day coming, but God did. Even through our mourning, God has made his presence known. He is ALWAYS faithful and ALWAYS on time!!!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28
As we close this chapter for our family and take the time to heal, we know only good will come out of this situation. Our kids have seen a part of the world that very few people will ever see in their lifetimes. Our kids have seen the scars decades of Communist rule has left on this small Baltic country. Our kids have seen homeless children play instruments on the street to make money for food. Our kids have given clothes and money to homeless L@tvian children and adults. Our family has answered the call to host an orphan child. Our family has answered the call to adopt, even though the ending is far from what we expected. Our family has experienced an emotional roller coaster, but through it all, I hope that our kids will see the faithfulness that our whole family exhibited. It has been amazing to watch the hand of God work through all of this; from the beginning to the end for our family. Our family was only a part of one chapter in Warrior's life, but I can say I know God is not finished with our Warrior. There will be many more chapters to come. Warrior, we love you and we will pray for you as long as we are alive! You will always hold a special place in our hearts and family.
Rainbow Matt saw when leaving court in Latvi@. Warrior was happy to finally be going "home" |
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..." -Ecclesiastes 3:1
We love you!
ReplyDeleteI know this must have been a heart-breaking and difficult decision for your family. Know that our family will continue to pray and lift yours up.
ReplyDeleteI know this was a very hard decision for your family to make and I know that you did what God asked you to do.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everything happens for a reason. Even though the ending wasn't what you had planned, you gave Warrior love and maybe that's why God put you in Warrior's life for the short time you were with him. I'm sure that you planted some good seeds and that God will help those seeds grow in His own timing.
Love and prayers to you and your family,
Oh Kristi -- I'm just now reading this. My prayers are with you and Warrior as everyone heals and begins the rest of God's journey. I admire you, your honesty, and your giving spirit and heart. I will pray for your family during this time.
ReplyDeleteKristi, I wrote you and the family a long post, but it deleted itself. I was hoping I would get to see all of you at church this past Sunday. I just want you to know how extremely proud I am of all of you. You know, I know God's plan for Warrior will take place, but I get so excited to think what he has in store for you and all your children. For you obedience through this entire time, I'm sure God must have a huge blessing somewhere in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the hurt you all are feeling. I would imagine ya'll have a huge emptiness in your being. Your precious family is so sound and so faithful to our Lord. I will keep you all in my prayers.
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