We will be on our way to see you again in less than two weeks! I knew this time would fly by and it has. I want to share something with you and have it written down so that I remember it. The last week has been a bit difficult as your country is going through some changes in their adoption laws and it is requiring more paperwork/procedures for us. Also there is hesitation coming from people from your orphanage as they don't understand why we would want to adopt a child that has Down syndrome. They do not understand why it is so important for you to have a family to love and care for you. The opportunity to shine and be seen by the world. In their culture they believe that children with special needs, need to be under the care of nurses in an institution. We are breaking new ground and trying to show them how you will thrive being part of a family and going to school.
As these new requirements have developed I started feeling very anxious and worried about our court date coming up. I thought of everything that could possibly go wrong and felt helpless and scared. Thank goodness for your Dad because he reminded me of a talk given by Elder Jeffery R. Holland, a leader in the LDS church, that I feel was written just for me. Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence He talks about personal revelation and tells how the story of Moses parting the Red Sea is a great example of revelation. He was doing what the Lord asked of him in leading the Children of Israel out of bondage, but still came upon obstacles in the process. Even when it seemed so impossible when they were surrounded and faced the Red Sea in their path, the Lord provided. Miraculously the Sea parted and they were able to escape and Moses was able to lead them through it. This was all possible because the Lord was helping him.
"Moses' message to you today is, "Don't let your guard down." Don't assume that a great revelation, some marvelous illuminating moment, or the opening of an inspired path is the end of it. Remember, it isn't over until it's over."
We are continually being reminded that Heavenly Father is paving the way before us and even when set backs come we must remember that He is still here, orchestrating this journey.
"I wish to encourage every one of you today regarding opposition that so often comes after enlightened decisions have been made, after moments of revelation and conviction have given us a peace and an assurance we thought we would never lose. "
"After you have gotten the message, after you have paid the price to feel his love and hear the word of the Lord, "go forward." Don't fear, don't vacillate, don't quibble, don't whine. You may, like Alma going to Ammonihah, have to find a route that leads an unusual way, but that is exactly what the Lord was doing here for the children of Israel. Nobody had ever crossed the Red Sea this way, but so what? There's always a first time. With the spirit of revelation, dismiss your fears and wade in with both feet. In the words of Joseph Smith, "Brethren [and, I would add, sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" (D&C 128:22)."
"The third lesson from the Lord's spirit of revelation in the miracle of the crossing of the Red Sea is that, along with the illuminating revelation that points us toward a righteous purpose or duty, God will also provide the means and power to achieve that purpose. Trust in that eternal truth. If God has told you something is right, if something is indeed true for you, he will provide the way for you to accomplish it."
I'm trying really hard to strengthen my faith and remember that yes, Heavenly Father did tell me and your dad that adopting you was right and so we must continue to remember that and the many miracles that have gotten us this far. He will not leave us now, He is with us to the end, and will goon even after you are home with us.
The lesson in Relief Society on Sunday was also very valuable to us at this time. I would like to share of few excerpts from it, the title is "The Strengthening Power of Faith", by President George Albert Smith, a past prophet of our church.
"Faith is a gift from the Lord through which the righteous are empowered to do remarkable things"
"It is this principle, my brethren and sisters, that points us heavenward, that gives us hope in the battle of life. When we become confused, and find ourselves confronted by obstacles we seemingly, cannot overcome, having faith in the Redeemer of the world, we can go to Him and know that our prayers will be answered for our good."
"Now remember, give the Lord a chance. You are going to ask a favor. Give the Lord a chance. Ask him to open the way."
"The Lord has a way of accomplishing things that we are unable to do, and never asks us to do anything that he does not make the way possible. That is what he told us through Nephi. He will not require anything without preparing the way."
"If you have something that the Lord asks or expects you to do and you don't know just how to proceed, do your best. Move in the direction that you ought to go; trust the Lord, give him a chance, and he will never fail you.
"What a wonderful thing it is to know that we can if we will hold our Heavenly Father's hand and be guided by him."
We will do as Elder Holland and President Smith advised by GOING FORWARD, doing our best, and trusting that the Lord will make up the difference. We know that many people will be praying for us as we go before the judge and that her heart and the others making decisions in your country will understand why we want you in our family. Why we would go such great lengths to get you. You are worth it! You are a daughter of God and He has a plan for your life. We are so blessed to be a part of that plan. I can't wait to see you! I'll be counting the days until we meet again.
Love Mommy
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| It won't be long until you are part of this picture! |
