Magical Moments

A most beautiful thing happened this week.  One little girl, after living all 9 years of her life in an orphanage, walked out the door with her forever family.  I (and I’m sure others here at Hogar de Esperanza) feel so blessed to have witnessed and participated in uniting this family.  No blog post could capture the wonder and anticipation that has filled this place this week, but I’m going to share a few of my favorite moments:

Tears of love and joy were shed during conversations between the Peruvian workers and the family—the workers here have so much love for these children; their work here is so much more than a job. Hearing from the staff how this process of adoption has encouraged/changed/blessed them were some of my favorite moments. I am amazed at the long, long journey that adoption is.  It’s a process that is beautiful, laborious, filled with disappointments and challenges, but, ultimately, filled with promise and hope for a better future. 

During a family excursion (which I had the privilege of joining), as I looked in the rearview mirror of the taxi, I watched a beautiful little girl steal a look out of the corner of her eye at her new mother (beautiful as well).  She thought for a moment, and then her face broke into a beautiful, joyful smile. 

Heartfelt conversations with the parents taught me so much about trusting God, His plan for our lives, and His timing.  This little girl is entering into such a wonderful family.

The same morning that this precious child was to leave the orphanage with her forever family, a group of ladies from a local church were arriving to help around the orphanage for the day and play with the kids.  A pastor accompanied them and had the chance to talk to the adoptive family.  We found out that this was the same pastor that had first brought this little girl to the orphanage as an infant.   He had arrived this morning at the orphanage without any knowledge that her adoption was taking place, much less that she was leaving that particular day.  He was able to see the work come full circle and connect with the family—God is so good!

As our work on this adoption finishes, would you pray with me?  First, let’s pray a prayer of thanks and praise for successful adoptions and for families who are in the process of adoption.  Let’s pray for strength and wisdom for adoptive families in the times when adjustments are difficult and challenging.  Pray that more families would be found for children who so desperately need them…children not only in Peru, but around the world.  Pray that more and more resources would be made available for families who are called to adopt. And finally, join me in praying about what God wants YOU to do to care for His precious children--whether they be just around the corner or all the way around the world.

With love, C