As with most aspects of life, the procedure of walking with a child through the adoption process is one that ebbs and flows. We live in a world where adopting a child is not a simple thing to do. It is a process that can (and often does) take many years. It requires more money than many willing families are able to come up with on their own. And there are so many legal and political hoops to jump through that some families are not able to endure to the end. All that said, it is little surprise that we often have dry seasons of adoption here at Beautiful Gate. There are children eligible and ready to be matched with a forever family, but the process can sometimes hinder the dream from becoming reality.
At least that is how we can often perceive it from our finite human observation.
Recently we were reminded that it is not the legal, political, or financial realms that dictate adoption in the long run. Our God is the Champion of adoption. In the first chapter of Ephesians we read, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…” Not only does our God support the act of adoption, He instituted it from before time began!
A couple of weeks ago, after a long season with little or no progress on many adoption cases, God opened the floodgates and we were privileged to celebrate three adoption ceremonies within two days. Not only was that a blessing in and of itself, but it was extra special because two of those children had been waiting between one and two years since being matched for their families to be given the go ahead to come and get them. There aren’t words to express the overwhelming joy that was made manifest in dancing and singing, or the deep sorrow in saying goodbye to children who we have loved and cared for for many years. It was certainly a bittersweet occasion, but one in which the sweet far outweighed the bitter.
We give praise and thanks to our Abba in heaven for showering us with His great and unending faithfulness! In addition to witnessing those three adoptions, God is continuing to show His power as a good number of other children’s cases are showing a lot of movement. Join us in praising God for His faithful love!
We also thank our adoptive families. Much of the work that we do would be for naught if it weren’t for them. We are so grateful that God has made each and every adoptive family a partner with us in brining hope and a future to the precious children in our care. Thank you to all the families who have given our former children a home. You are forever in our hearts and prayers.
