It has been 7 months since we arrived home from the Philippines with our four children. It is actually hard to believe because it seems like they have been a part of our family forever! From the moment we arrived home, life has been 'normal'. Which quite honestly, is not normal. Never in all of our five adoptions have we experienced the smooth transition of children joining our family.
We could say there are reasons for this such as Mom and Dad are calmer and know what to expect; or the children have hearts that embrace us as parents. But actually, we know it is all just the work of the Lord.
However, the transition has not been without many teaching moments.
We have had to teach and train our children how to think analytically; speak English correctly and articulately; control tempers (the 6 year olds are still working on that one); stop nonsense chatter and speak purposefully; talk politely to siblings; look parents in the eye while talking; and go deeper in the Word of God so that it is not just words but also action from the heart.
However, they came to us all 'Sanford'; telling the truth, obeying mom and dad, doing what is right, and loving the Lord and family. Also, they are all 'Sanford' in that they love grandparents, big siblings and little nieces who live out of the house; eating pizza with a movie; playing games; reading books; singing songs; camping; swimming; riding bikes; serving at home and in the church; honoring their mom and dad. They have embraced our family-isms and that is a miracle!
Isaiah will be celebrating his 16 birthday this month. It is a special one for all Sanford children. Mom and Dad take the child to a restaurant of their choice. Then our sons receive a Knight statue and a calling out to be a man with their first real knife. (Our daughters got their ears pierced, but we are going to have to come up with a new tradition for Brianna and Olivia because their ears are already pierced.)
We could say there are reasons for this such as Mom and Dad are calmer and know what to expect; or the children have hearts that embrace us as parents. But actually, we know it is all just the work of the Lord.
However, the transition has not been without many teaching moments.
We have had to teach and train our children how to think analytically; speak English correctly and articulately; control tempers (the 6 year olds are still working on that one); stop nonsense chatter and speak purposefully; talk politely to siblings; look parents in the eye while talking; and go deeper in the Word of God so that it is not just words but also action from the heart.
However, they came to us all 'Sanford'; telling the truth, obeying mom and dad, doing what is right, and loving the Lord and family. Also, they are all 'Sanford' in that they love grandparents, big siblings and little nieces who live out of the house; eating pizza with a movie; playing games; reading books; singing songs; camping; swimming; riding bikes; serving at home and in the church; honoring their mom and dad. They have embraced our family-isms and that is a miracle!
Isaiah will be celebrating his 16 birthday this month. It is a special one for all Sanford children. Mom and Dad take the child to a restaurant of their choice. Then our sons receive a Knight statue and a calling out to be a man with their first real knife. (Our daughters got their ears pierced, but we are going to have to come up with a new tradition for Brianna and Olivia because their ears are already pierced.)
I admit, my heart smiles with joy in the Lord, when someone will ask that innocent question...
"So, how many children have you adopted?"
After quickly doing the mind stretch of starting with our total children, subtracting three, I then state...
"15."
The recipient of that mind-boggling information betrays their thoughts with the immediate wide-eyed look of amazement, followed by the 'I could never do that, you are crazy people' kind of look.
I marvel too because I know we could never do it either.
It is but for the grace of God.
Adoption is God's idea and God's plan.
And now, we excitedly await the paperwork from the Philippines so our lawyer can proceed with the finalization of Isaiah, Brianna, Olivia and Luke's adoption.
And it is wonderful!
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