A new trend in the making

It’s been a few weeks now since my children have been home with me. I’m amazed that things have gone so smoothly, and it feels like normal for us. There are obviously a couple of awkward moments, but they slide by pretty quick. Even though it is a huge change for us, by God’s grace, we are adapting well. I was humbled by all the good wishes of family and friends and so grateful for their continued prayers. As is normal here at the Ranch, life keeps changing on us. At least in the inflow and outflow of children. Although for the last couple of months, it’s been more of an outflow.

In the last few days, we are once again witnessing three families coming together. Our youngest baby girl has gone to a new home, and we are so thrilled to see her go and be a blessing to a lucky couple. As much as we love having her here and seeing her grow up, we were so ecstatic that she now has a home of her own with two parents who will love and care for her. Along with her, a set of siblings are also being adopted by a family in our town. It was a long and hard wait for this family to get to the point of finally seeing this come to reality. We could not be more overjoyed. God is faithful, and He has made a way for this family to take in these two girls, whom they have loved for over 4 years. Last but not least, is a family who has waited for MANY many years to be able to finalize their adoption of three girls. We are so happy for them and know that all those years were not in vain. God has used it for their good, and I pray they will soon get to see a glimpse of God’s glory in that.

I won’t deny that we still feel the loss of them, yet in cases like these we are comforted to know they are going off to something much better, a family of their own. For we know a home and family are precious and that is what we long for each of our kids here at the Ranch. I grew up in a family with both a mom and dad who loved God and each other, as most of you may have as well, and looking back, I am amazed at what a blessing that was. Anyway, when we have cases where you see they will experience that blessing, we rejoice.

March was a bit crazy for us. We often have those weeks where there are a few changes. I’ve probably said it before, but life here can be like a roller coaster. There are periods of calm, then come curves, uphill and downhill thrills. Before these last adoptions, we also had to bid farewell to a couple of young boys. It’s sad to report, but one overrun the grace he had been given for years and the other needed more specialized help. We also had three siblings leave, they were from a different state so they were being taken to their home state to family there. The eldest did not want to leave and it was hard for him to leave. Our prayers are with them and I pray that they will remember the Gospel that was proclaimed here and that they will respond to God’s call.

This past Sunday at church, as we sang a hymn some of the kids that have left the Ranch came to mind. Sometimes there are those that God really places in your heart. They don’t know it, but they weigh heavy in mine. How I wish I knew how they were or make sure they are on the right track. Unfortunately, that is out of my control so I have to trust God. He does know, and what’s more, He loves them more than I. And that is the most comforting thought.  So as we sung, my prayer was that they too would be part of the voices singing the praises of our Savior.

Anyway, sorry I got a bit melancholic there. You’re probably wondering how I fared on my first mother’s day. Well, it was overall good. My daughter surprised me with her post of a collage on the social network she is on, and my son was anxious to give me their gifts. I was touched by their expressions of love, and I confess there were tears involved. I pondered what I had wished for 8 years ago and to be living it out now seemed a bit surreal. Back then it seemed like so far away, and though I sometimes wish I could have been there sooner for my kids, I have to remind myself that God’s timing IS perfect. They are who they are and can probably now receive the gift of our family better than when younger, and I too am more ready to be their mom. There will always be new challenges, and through them all my prayer is that they will witness God’s power and glory.

If you feel led, please keep all these new families in your prayers, I may not be able to disclose their names but God knows exactly who they are. Also, be praying that this trend of adoption would continue not just here at the Ranch but in Mexico and the nations. Families have been under attack for so many generations, may it be overturned and may God bring healing and restoration to our families. I would love nothing more than to be out of a job due to the fact that there is no longer a need for a safe place for at-risk kids.