Thursday, June 13, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Following up on my last post
::Read the post below this first if you haven't read it yet::
I was waiting to update the last post because there was more to the story that unfolded the next day. However, that's no longer the case (long story) and we are moving forward with these pretty little necklaces. I've made more designs and will be working on even more today and tomorrow. I love the way these look when the light hits them! They can go on any chain you already have or can be added to a chain with a cross or other pendant.
The donation button is in the post below: $10 if you're local, $12 if you need it shipped. Please specify which design you would like and make sure your shipping address is included.
Designs: pink paisley, blue paisley, chevron, diagonal stripe
(I made some for a friend with a photograph as well
so if you have a specific request, I can do that too!)
Last time, we had a couple of HUGE garage sales that many families donated towards and they generated a lot of funds. This time, we don't have time to get all that organized but are willing to take any items you would like to get rid of and we will sell them on Craigslist. If you have small appliances, furniture, etc. that you are wanting to part with just let us know. God provided for our last adoption through everyone's 'extras'. We are all so abundantly blessed with more than we need and it's pretty cool to see how God works through it.
Would you please pray for us? Like I've said before, I won't put a lot of the personal information out there about "P" and her situation because I don't feel it's my place to do so. However, her situation and life choices affect our family and we are getting to know her better and better as time goes on.
*We are getting close to the end and stress levels are rising. We all need peace.
*Strength for all parties
*Finances
*Healthy baby
We have some pretty incredible friends who ask about the adoption often and are so supportive. Thank you. I know this isn't a common situation for adding children into families and there are so many variables and unknowns. For those of you navigating this with us, you have no idea how great it is to have you by our side. We understand you may not always know what to say or how to support us...truth is, we're not always sure of what we need! As of now, we need lots of prayer and a little financial support. God knows how this works out already and He wouldn't have sent us down this road without a purpose. I'm anxious to see how it all works out!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
I hesitate to write this. I've had some information for over 2 weeks that I haven't wanted to talk about but I really can't put it off any longer. The truth is, this adoption is costing us more than we imagined and planned for. There has been a wide range of mixed emotions in our home over this topic and currently we're feeling peace because we know, even if we don't understand, that this is part of God's plan for our adoption journey and we must rise to the call. He's got the details figured out, I just know it. We are in this thing until the end and there's no turning back.
I don't like putting financials out in the open too much but here's the situation (please excuse me if I'm slightly vague). We received the Adoption Tax Credit a year ago from Silas' adoption which we initially planned on saving but we really felt like God was putting this next adoption in front of us and paving the way. Just so happens that the amount of the credit was exactly what we needed to completely pay the agency fees for the adoption plus a little extra to buy bunk beds for the boys' room. Next, we knew there would be expenses once we got matched with the birth mom to help support her until the baby comes. This is where babysitting comes in to play. I have babysat several kids in our home since August and saved every dollar I've earned to put towards these expenses.
We had it all planned out and it would be accomplished totally on our own. Great! Right? I really should have known better. Has God not taught me time and time again that I can not make a plan and execute it on my own without flaw? Right here at the end He's coming in and showing that what I can do on my own will never be enough. We don't have enough money. It hurts to type that out...makes me feel somewhat of a failure. If I let myself really realize what's going on, I realize that we jumped into this adoption with some blind faith, God has provided in every step, shown Himself in the details, and I must finish it in blind faith as well. Satan keeps putting fear in me that I need to turn back into faith.
We are glad to have the opportunity to support the mom with whom we have been matched and her children but we can't do it alone. My sweet friend, Jenny, told me that I had to let go of my pride and ask for help. I guess we were just so thankful we didn't have to do fund raising this time around like we did with Silas' adoption. Don't you just love friends who tell you what you need to hear?
We don't have time to plan any kind of event but I am able to make things during nap time and in the evenings so here it is...aside from doing odds and ends stuff for some extra money, I have decided to make glass pendants to sell. These are rectangle (7/8" x 1.25") and can be placed on any chain you already have in your jewelry box. I'm starting out with a limited variety of designs and if they sell well, I'll get more supplies to make more!
Cost: $10 for locals or $12 shipped
Please specify which design you would like when you place your order: Chevron, Stripes (same colors as chevron), Pink Paisley Flower (each of these designs are slightly different).
Don't forget to add your mailing address if you would like it shipped to you.
I don't like putting financials out in the open too much but here's the situation (please excuse me if I'm slightly vague). We received the Adoption Tax Credit a year ago from Silas' adoption which we initially planned on saving but we really felt like God was putting this next adoption in front of us and paving the way. Just so happens that the amount of the credit was exactly what we needed to completely pay the agency fees for the adoption plus a little extra to buy bunk beds for the boys' room. Next, we knew there would be expenses once we got matched with the birth mom to help support her until the baby comes. This is where babysitting comes in to play. I have babysat several kids in our home since August and saved every dollar I've earned to put towards these expenses.
We had it all planned out and it would be accomplished totally on our own. Great! Right? I really should have known better. Has God not taught me time and time again that I can not make a plan and execute it on my own without flaw? Right here at the end He's coming in and showing that what I can do on my own will never be enough. We don't have enough money. It hurts to type that out...makes me feel somewhat of a failure. If I let myself really realize what's going on, I realize that we jumped into this adoption with some blind faith, God has provided in every step, shown Himself in the details, and I must finish it in blind faith as well. Satan keeps putting fear in me that I need to turn back into faith.
We are glad to have the opportunity to support the mom with whom we have been matched and her children but we can't do it alone. My sweet friend, Jenny, told me that I had to let go of my pride and ask for help. I guess we were just so thankful we didn't have to do fund raising this time around like we did with Silas' adoption. Don't you just love friends who tell you what you need to hear?
We don't have time to plan any kind of event but I am able to make things during nap time and in the evenings so here it is...aside from doing odds and ends stuff for some extra money, I have decided to make glass pendants to sell. These are rectangle (7/8" x 1.25") and can be placed on any chain you already have in your jewelry box. I'm starting out with a limited variety of designs and if they sell well, I'll get more supplies to make more!
Cost: $10 for locals or $12 shipped
Please specify which design you would like when you place your order: Chevron, Stripes (same colors as chevron), Pink Paisley Flower (each of these designs are slightly different).
Don't forget to add your mailing address if you would like it shipped to you.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
We are matched! And other updates...
Just a few quick updates...
We got our match!! On the morning of March 14 I was texting Kandi, our agency director, when she replied with, "Okay, I'm standing here talking with who I think will be your birth mother. I'll call you soon." What!?!? My heart started to race, I texted that to Justin and another friend and waited with crazy anticipation! I waited around not sure whether I should go ahead and shower or not...you know, as soon as I stepped in the shower the phone was sure to ring. So I waited...
A couple of hours later she called and this is the information I was given (at least some of it-I won't go into personal information about her online or any information that I would consider to be the baby's background story):
"Mama P" is 26
It's a BOY!!
She has several children
She lives locally
She has requested that I be at all doctor appointments and in the delivery room YAY!!
Once the baby comes she would like a closed adoption but would like to get to know us in the meantime
She's due in July
She's very easy to talk to and funny
Her life is somewhat of a mess right now but she's working to get it straight
Wow, I just can't believe we're going to have THREE boys! Sigh...
I asked Kandi later that day what it was about us that made her choose us. I know she looked at 4 families and we were her pick but I was curious as to 'why us?' She said she just felt like we were it. We were the first book she looked at and didn't really want to look at others because her mind was made up. She liked that we already had kids, that we had adopted before, that we had Silas, and she just liked the way we looked.
The next step in the process was to meet each other and make sure this is what both of us want. We met with Amy, our coordinator, for lunch that next Wednesday. It was Justin, me, Amy, 'P', and her 3 boys at Chick-Fil-A. We ate and talked for about 2 hours. Luckily, there weren't many awkward moments and we left there feeling confident in her decision, feeling like this was the perfect match. We already love her! She said she had a doctor's appointment the next Monday and she wanted me there. Wow, it just feels good.
Monday, March 25, 2013 was my 30th birthday!! The best birthday present I could have ever gotten was seeing our future baby boy wiggling around on the ultrasound screen and hearing his sweet heartbeat! Yes, feels really good. After giving 'P' a few hugs, I left the appointment with ultrasound pictures and a full heart. Is this really happening?
Last week I went to her next appointment with her and was able to get some maternity clothing to her, for which she was very grateful. I love getting to know her and be with her throughout the pregnancy. The due date is mid-July but there are many factors that are pointing towards him coming early so we shall see!
This adoption will be different than Silas' was, as I plan to keep any identifying information for her private since she would like a closed adoption. However, I know many are curious about what all is going on with us and this isn't exactly a common situation so there may be lots of questions. If you ever want to know anything please ask. I love discussing adoption, how God is working through this situation, and would be more willing to answer slightly more personal questions in person instead of online. I'll be blogging about how very apparent God has been through the past month very soon because I have lots to say about it but I needed to get the update out there for everyone first.
One more piece of information you may be wondering about...this is not our baby yet and she has the right to change her mind at any point before we go to court. We are all feeling confident about the match, she is very set in her decision, and we are planning the nursery as if we are bringing him home from the hospital this summer. All the while, we know there is a chance this may not happen. This is no surprise to us and we knew this when we signed up for it but we have to move forward as if it's happening for good. Yes, if she backed out we would be devastated...but we are loving with risk. We're in this knowing God is in control and we have no idea how this journey will end but we are trusting that He's sovereign.
We got our match!! On the morning of March 14 I was texting Kandi, our agency director, when she replied with, "Okay, I'm standing here talking with who I think will be your birth mother. I'll call you soon." What!?!? My heart started to race, I texted that to Justin and another friend and waited with crazy anticipation! I waited around not sure whether I should go ahead and shower or not...you know, as soon as I stepped in the shower the phone was sure to ring. So I waited...
A couple of hours later she called and this is the information I was given (at least some of it-I won't go into personal information about her online or any information that I would consider to be the baby's background story):
"Mama P" is 26
It's a BOY!!
She has several children
She lives locally
She has requested that I be at all doctor appointments and in the delivery room YAY!!
Once the baby comes she would like a closed adoption but would like to get to know us in the meantime
She's due in July
She's very easy to talk to and funny
Her life is somewhat of a mess right now but she's working to get it straight
Wow, I just can't believe we're going to have THREE boys! Sigh...
I asked Kandi later that day what it was about us that made her choose us. I know she looked at 4 families and we were her pick but I was curious as to 'why us?' She said she just felt like we were it. We were the first book she looked at and didn't really want to look at others because her mind was made up. She liked that we already had kids, that we had adopted before, that we had Silas, and she just liked the way we looked.
The next step in the process was to meet each other and make sure this is what both of us want. We met with Amy, our coordinator, for lunch that next Wednesday. It was Justin, me, Amy, 'P', and her 3 boys at Chick-Fil-A. We ate and talked for about 2 hours. Luckily, there weren't many awkward moments and we left there feeling confident in her decision, feeling like this was the perfect match. We already love her! She said she had a doctor's appointment the next Monday and she wanted me there. Wow, it just feels good.
Monday, March 25, 2013 was my 30th birthday!! The best birthday present I could have ever gotten was seeing our future baby boy wiggling around on the ultrasound screen and hearing his sweet heartbeat! Yes, feels really good. After giving 'P' a few hugs, I left the appointment with ultrasound pictures and a full heart. Is this really happening?
Last week I went to her next appointment with her and was able to get some maternity clothing to her, for which she was very grateful. I love getting to know her and be with her throughout the pregnancy. The due date is mid-July but there are many factors that are pointing towards him coming early so we shall see!
This adoption will be different than Silas' was, as I plan to keep any identifying information for her private since she would like a closed adoption. However, I know many are curious about what all is going on with us and this isn't exactly a common situation so there may be lots of questions. If you ever want to know anything please ask. I love discussing adoption, how God is working through this situation, and would be more willing to answer slightly more personal questions in person instead of online. I'll be blogging about how very apparent God has been through the past month very soon because I have lots to say about it but I needed to get the update out there for everyone first.
One more piece of information you may be wondering about...this is not our baby yet and she has the right to change her mind at any point before we go to court. We are all feeling confident about the match, she is very set in her decision, and we are planning the nursery as if we are bringing him home from the hospital this summer. All the while, we know there is a chance this may not happen. This is no surprise to us and we knew this when we signed up for it but we have to move forward as if it's happening for good. Yes, if she backed out we would be devastated...but we are loving with risk. We're in this knowing God is in control and we have no idea how this journey will end but we are trusting that He's sovereign.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
What I see when I see him
I get asked this question from time to time...
"So, when you look at Silas, who do you see? Do you see a little African boy who you adopted or do you see your son?"
That's an interesting question because now that he's been in our lives about 2 years now,
the answer has changed.
March 2011
This picture was taken a couple of weeks before we went to pick him up. It's one of my least favorite pictures. I guess it's a mother's intuition but I just felt like something was off. It wasn't until after we got home that I realized how sick he had been.
When I look back at this picture, I see lifeless eyes, weakness, sadness, tiredness, an orphan unattached to anyone, a heart crushed by abandonment, a baby longing for love and affection. My heart hurt for him as I counted down the days until he would be united with us as a family.
June 2012
I can't believe this picture is almost 9 months old. It's one of my favorite pictures because it shows his personality so well. There's no denying how he feels about being a part of our family.
When I look at him now, I see life in eyes that beam when he smiles; personality that permeates the room. I see his birth mother's beauty. I see a little boy who has come so far and has healed so much from emotional scars. Sure, he doesn't look like the rest of the family but I don't think much about that...I simply see my son.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Finally starting to get excited
I've had a hard time really being excited about this adoption. I'm not really sure why, but I haven't. Since Christmas, I've started to gather some baby goods!
*We returned our crib that both boys used due to the recall several years ago finally and got a FULL refund! It just so happens that while we were at Target we saw some cribs on clearance and bought one. Now we have extra money on a gift card that we can buy some other things we will need! The crib is beautiful and it's just cool to have something brand new for this baby, as most other things will have gone through 2 kids.
*Our infant carseat carrier is now over 5 years old so we had to get rid of it and get a new one of those.
*Thanks to Zulily, I got a new fabulous diaper bag super cheap!
*A packNplay...we borrowed a bassinet when Cooper was born but I didn't have anything good for the new baby to sleep in with us when it gets here. I found a like-new packNplay at Rhea Lana the other day that has a bassinet level in it for a fantastic price.
*There are a couple of other things that we borrowed for Cooper and didn't need for Silas such as a playmat/gym thing and a swing that I was able to find used at Rhea Lana recently.
I think all we have left to get are gender specific things such as bedding, clothing, and paint for the accent wall in the nursery to match the bedding.
There are so few things we can plan about this adoption that it feels good to be somewhat prepared with the 'stuff' we may need. Hoping we get our call soon.
*We returned our crib that both boys used due to the recall several years ago finally and got a FULL refund! It just so happens that while we were at Target we saw some cribs on clearance and bought one. Now we have extra money on a gift card that we can buy some other things we will need! The crib is beautiful and it's just cool to have something brand new for this baby, as most other things will have gone through 2 kids.
*Our infant carseat carrier is now over 5 years old so we had to get rid of it and get a new one of those.
*Thanks to Zulily, I got a new fabulous diaper bag super cheap!
*A packNplay...we borrowed a bassinet when Cooper was born but I didn't have anything good for the new baby to sleep in with us when it gets here. I found a like-new packNplay at Rhea Lana the other day that has a bassinet level in it for a fantastic price.
*There are a couple of other things that we borrowed for Cooper and didn't need for Silas such as a playmat/gym thing and a swing that I was able to find used at Rhea Lana recently.
I think all we have left to get are gender specific things such as bedding, clothing, and paint for the accent wall in the nursery to match the bedding.
There are so few things we can plan about this adoption that it feels good to be somewhat prepared with the 'stuff' we may need. Hoping we get our call soon.
FAQ's Round #2
I wrote this several months ago and have just left it in my drafts. I haven't felt the need to blog much at all during this adoption. So many thoughts and emotions to process. I feel like it's time to start now, though.
I'm quickly finding that domestic adoption has just as many myths, preconceived notions, and misinformation surrounding it as international adoption does. One of my goals of blogging through Silas' adoption was to debunk some myths of international adoption so I guess I better do the same for this one as well. These are the most common questions we have been getting lately.
~Are you going through DHS?
No, we aren't. We have chosen to use a local Christian agency who does domestic adoptions; mainly with birth mothers who are choosing to place their newborns for adoption. We feel very comfortable with this agency and they do lots of counseling with both their adoptive families and birth mothers. They take their time, they're thorough, and take care of both parties.
~Why a domestic adoption?
Simple. This is where God has led us.
~So, can you not have any more kids?
Maybe, maybe not. Honestly, my reproductive health isn't anyone's business but what I will say is that it wouldn't be wise to try and get pregnant. We're okay with that.
I ended up needing a hysterectomy a few months ago. We didn't start either adoption as a 'plan B' for not getting pregnant; we always wanted to adopt. It just so happens that now I'm unable to have any more biological children. Would I have liked to get pregnant again some day? Yes, of course, but I know this is God's plan for my life and I'm working on accepting it.
~Isn't adoption expensive? And you're not working, are you?
Yes, it is expensive and no, I'm not teaching right now. However, it's not much different than the cost of a hospital birth and doctor's fees for someone who doesn't have maternity coverage. This adoption will not cost as much as the last due to many factors. Luckily we were able to qualify for the adoption tax credit last year (weren't even aware of it before we started Silas' adoption) and it has paid for the majority of this one. To finish up paying for the rest of the costs, I'm babysitting a few kids during the week. Amazing how God puts an opportunity out there that He wants you to take, and then provides the means!
~Who are you going to adopt?
We know it will be an African American newborn. Other than that, we have no idea. We completed a profile book showing who we are and when there are expectant mothers who come to the agency, they will look through the books and choose the family they want for their child.
~Is the birth mom going to show up at your door step and want to take her kid back?
No. With this type of adoption, and with the counseling our agency does with the birth mothers, this kind of thing doesn't happen. Ten days after birth we will go to court and we will become the parents. Until then, even when we have custody of the baby after the hospital, the baby will not be our child yet and it's mother has the right to change her mind and choose to parent. We respect this and if she feels that she is capable,and in the posititon to parent, then she should. If there is such a disruption, it will happen before we go to court on day 10.
~Are you going to have a relationship with the birth mother?
It depends on her situation and what we are comfortable with. We believe that there is much healing in a semi-open adoption arrangement. We'll have to see what the birth mother requests and come up with a plan together.
~How long does it take?
We have no idea. It depends on when our family is chosen and how far along she is when we are chosen. If at any point there is a disruption and she chooses to parent, we wait to be chosen by someone else. Could be next month, could be next year.
~Don't you already have your hands full right now?
I sure do! Full of love, silliness, and fun! Can't wait to add to it!
We do understand there is a lot of risk in this decision. We also know there is beauty in risk and we are completely walking by faith, as this is certainly a God-led journey.
I'm quickly finding that domestic adoption has just as many myths, preconceived notions, and misinformation surrounding it as international adoption does. One of my goals of blogging through Silas' adoption was to debunk some myths of international adoption so I guess I better do the same for this one as well. These are the most common questions we have been getting lately.
~Are you going through DHS?
No, we aren't. We have chosen to use a local Christian agency who does domestic adoptions; mainly with birth mothers who are choosing to place their newborns for adoption. We feel very comfortable with this agency and they do lots of counseling with both their adoptive families and birth mothers. They take their time, they're thorough, and take care of both parties.
~Why a domestic adoption?
Simple. This is where God has led us.
~So, can you not have any more kids?
I ended up needing a hysterectomy a few months ago. We didn't start either adoption as a 'plan B' for not getting pregnant; we always wanted to adopt. It just so happens that now I'm unable to have any more biological children. Would I have liked to get pregnant again some day? Yes, of course, but I know this is God's plan for my life and I'm working on accepting it.
~Isn't adoption expensive? And you're not working, are you?
Yes, it is expensive and no, I'm not teaching right now. However, it's not much different than the cost of a hospital birth and doctor's fees for someone who doesn't have maternity coverage. This adoption will not cost as much as the last due to many factors. Luckily we were able to qualify for the adoption tax credit last year (weren't even aware of it before we started Silas' adoption) and it has paid for the majority of this one. To finish up paying for the rest of the costs, I'm babysitting a few kids during the week. Amazing how God puts an opportunity out there that He wants you to take, and then provides the means!
~Who are you going to adopt?
We know it will be an African American newborn. Other than that, we have no idea. We completed a profile book showing who we are and when there are expectant mothers who come to the agency, they will look through the books and choose the family they want for their child.
~Is the birth mom going to show up at your door step and want to take her kid back?
No. With this type of adoption, and with the counseling our agency does with the birth mothers, this kind of thing doesn't happen. Ten days after birth we will go to court and we will become the parents. Until then, even when we have custody of the baby after the hospital, the baby will not be our child yet and it's mother has the right to change her mind and choose to parent. We respect this and if she feels that she is capable,and in the posititon to parent, then she should. If there is such a disruption, it will happen before we go to court on day 10.
~Are you going to have a relationship with the birth mother?
It depends on her situation and what we are comfortable with. We believe that there is much healing in a semi-open adoption arrangement. We'll have to see what the birth mother requests and come up with a plan together.
~How long does it take?
We have no idea. It depends on when our family is chosen and how far along she is when we are chosen. If at any point there is a disruption and she chooses to parent, we wait to be chosen by someone else. Could be next month, could be next year.
~Don't you already have your hands full right now?
I sure do! Full of love, silliness, and fun! Can't wait to add to it!
We do understand there is a lot of risk in this decision. We also know there is beauty in risk and we are completely walking by faith, as this is certainly a God-led journey.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Lord above, I need a miracle
Last Thursday, my husband and I witnessed God at work. No kidding...God's still in the miracle business.
We were sitting at dinner and he received a random text message from a random person.
Text: I want to commit suicide.
We found out soon enough that this was no random incident. This was part of a bigger plan.
We immediately wondered who it may be from the food pantry that was reaching out to us, as many of our customers have Justin's number. I had to leave for a meeting and I told him to keep this person talking and get some information...and that who knows, it may just be a joke. When I got home, I found out the rest of the story. The following is their conversation. I believe it took place over the course of an hour or so.
J: Who is this?
Her: Wrong number.
J: I advise that you do not do it.
Her: If you had the problems I did you would think about the same thing too. You just don't understand. My mom is sick and we are HOMELESS.
J: I'm sorry. Where do you live?
Her: Right now nowhere at all but we're in NLR.
J: Before you make any decisions please call Danny at Levy Church of Christ at 753-4860.
Her: Do you think maybe he could help us get into a shelter?
J: Yes, or call Paul at River City Ministry ***-****. He works at River City which is a homeless ministry. What's your name?
Her: "Tanya". Thank you. God bless you forever.
J: Who were you trying to text?
Her: My sister
J: Just curious how you got this number.
Her: You guys have similar numbers.
J: Gotcha. Please call both of those men tomorrow. Paul can help you and Danny can help talk with you.
Her: I did and I thank you so much. I am forever grateful.
J: Did you get a hold of Paul?
Her: What's your name? I'm going to the place tomorrow morning and yes, thank you. I did get in touch with him.
J: Justin
Her: I will never forget you.
J: Great. I'll be praying for you. Stay strong. Jesus is your friend and He loves you.
Her: Thank you Justin. You'll always be in my prayers. Always.
I came home from my meeting and he read all of this to me and I was overwhelmed at the entire situation. It's a pretty huge deal to wrap your head around. What if he had ignored the random text? What if he had just written it off as a joke? We went to bed that night thankful for the opportunity to share the information, not knowing whether there would be any follow through on her part. He knew he had done the right thing by directing her to some great resources.
What happened next is the part that completely blows my mind. Justin called me Friday and said, "You'll never guess who called me today. It was Tanya!! She said she had gotten in touch with River City and she got into a house and it's close to her job!" Not even 18 hours before this she had been at the brink of despair and now she has a home and hope for her future. All because of this 'random' situation. Like I said before, we found out this was no random event. God is my only explanation. He's still in the miracle business.
Ever since then, the Third Day song "I Need A Miracle" has been in my head. Here's an excerpt...
Well no matter who you are
And no matter what you've done
There will come a time
When you can't make it on your own
And in your hour of desperation
Know you're not the only one
Prayin' "Lord above, I need a miracle"
I need a miracle
He lost his job and all he had in the fall of '09
Now he feared the worst, that he would lose his children and his wife
So he drove down deep into the woods and thought he'd end it all
And prayed, "Lord above, I need a miracle"
Chorus
He turned on the radio to hear a song for the last time
He didn't know what he was looking for even what he'd find
And the song he heard it gave him hope and strength to carry on
And on that night, they found a miracle
They found a miracle
And in your hour of desperation
Know you're not the only one
Prayin' "Lord above, I need a miracle"
Lord above, I need a miracle
(Her name was changed and a personal cell phone number was omitted.)
We were sitting at dinner and he received a random text message from a random person.
Text: I want to commit suicide.
We found out soon enough that this was no random incident. This was part of a bigger plan.
We immediately wondered who it may be from the food pantry that was reaching out to us, as many of our customers have Justin's number. I had to leave for a meeting and I told him to keep this person talking and get some information...and that who knows, it may just be a joke. When I got home, I found out the rest of the story. The following is their conversation. I believe it took place over the course of an hour or so.
J: Who is this?
Her: Wrong number.
J: I advise that you do not do it.
Her: If you had the problems I did you would think about the same thing too. You just don't understand. My mom is sick and we are HOMELESS.
J: I'm sorry. Where do you live?
Her: Right now nowhere at all but we're in NLR.
J: Before you make any decisions please call Danny at Levy Church of Christ at 753-4860.
Her: Do you think maybe he could help us get into a shelter?
J: Yes, or call Paul at River City Ministry ***-****. He works at River City which is a homeless ministry. What's your name?
Her: "Tanya". Thank you. God bless you forever.
J: Who were you trying to text?
Her: My sister
J: Just curious how you got this number.
Her: You guys have similar numbers.
J: Gotcha. Please call both of those men tomorrow. Paul can help you and Danny can help talk with you.
Her: I did and I thank you so much. I am forever grateful.
J: Did you get a hold of Paul?
Her: What's your name? I'm going to the place tomorrow morning and yes, thank you. I did get in touch with him.
J: Justin
Her: I will never forget you.
J: Great. I'll be praying for you. Stay strong. Jesus is your friend and He loves you.
Her: Thank you Justin. You'll always be in my prayers. Always.
I came home from my meeting and he read all of this to me and I was overwhelmed at the entire situation. It's a pretty huge deal to wrap your head around. What if he had ignored the random text? What if he had just written it off as a joke? We went to bed that night thankful for the opportunity to share the information, not knowing whether there would be any follow through on her part. He knew he had done the right thing by directing her to some great resources.
What happened next is the part that completely blows my mind. Justin called me Friday and said, "You'll never guess who called me today. It was Tanya!! She said she had gotten in touch with River City and she got into a house and it's close to her job!" Not even 18 hours before this she had been at the brink of despair and now she has a home and hope for her future. All because of this 'random' situation. Like I said before, we found out this was no random event. God is my only explanation. He's still in the miracle business.
Ever since then, the Third Day song "I Need A Miracle" has been in my head. Here's an excerpt...
Well no matter who you are
And no matter what you've done
There will come a time
When you can't make it on your own
And in your hour of desperation
Know you're not the only one
Prayin' "Lord above, I need a miracle"
I need a miracle
He lost his job and all he had in the fall of '09
Now he feared the worst, that he would lose his children and his wife
So he drove down deep into the woods and thought he'd end it all
And prayed, "Lord above, I need a miracle"
Chorus
He turned on the radio to hear a song for the last time
He didn't know what he was looking for even what he'd find
And the song he heard it gave him hope and strength to carry on
And on that night, they found a miracle
They found a miracle
And in your hour of desperation
Know you're not the only one
Prayin' "Lord above, I need a miracle"
Lord above, I need a miracle
(Her name was changed and a personal cell phone number was omitted.)
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