We Promise and Covenant....part II

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will...

Ephesians 1:5

Over the course of two years (2003-2005), the Lord was pleased to place seven more children in our family for adoption. Four of them had been officially adopted November 12, 2003 in Russia. We chose to re-adopt them in the USA so they would have American birth certificates. By the time we received the court date in 2005, our three Filipino children had also arrived home. They had to wait a mandatory six-month period before it would be their turn to be adopted in 2006. 

And just like their sisters before them, we had a court adoption and a Covenant Ceremony.

However, due to our church's schedule, they had to be done in reverse order.

Friends began to arrive at our church on that bright Sunday evening, June 12, 2005.

The grandparents had already come from Virginia days before. 

I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west...bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name for I have created him for my glory. 

Isaiah 43:5-7

 As 6 o'clock approached,

everyone entered the sanctuary to get settled for the Covenant Ceremony to begin.

Pastor David Keithley officiated.

Some of our children, who were now older, took a more active role in the ceremony.

Melinda played the prelude... 

Garrison prayed the opening prayer... 

Joshua read the scripture, Ephesians 1:3-14...

Dad welcomed everyone as he presented

the video of a brief overview of our trip to Russia.

Pastor David Keithley lead us in our vows;

the same vows used five years ago with our girls (see We Promise and Covenant....)

only the names had been changed and the rest of the children's names added.

Once the vows are taken, the whole family came together.

Pastor Keithley then prayed to commit our family to the keeping of the Lord.

To commemorate the vows, all four children received cross necklaces.

(Adrianna had received her gold heart locket necklace

and the boys their dog-tags their first night with us in Russia.) 

Pastor Keithley officially recognized the Russian Orthodox Church's Baptism

of William, Peter, Zachary, and Adrianna.

Dad prayed his 'Prayer of Commitment' of our family

and invited everyone to the reception in the church's foyer. 

  

In one year it would be their turn...

Peter Sergei Sanford-11, Adrianna Ludmila Sanford and Zachary Ivan Sanford- 10

and William Alexander Sanford- 13

The next day came quickly....

We waited in the lobby of the McLean County Law and Justice Center

 for our lawyer to arrive. Then we headed up to the courtroom.

 Adrianna, Zachary, Peter, and William sit patiently

waiting for the Judge to enter the room. 

Family and friends join us for the wonderful event.

The other 10 children sit behind us in the courtroom.

The court proceeding move quickly. Once all was done,

the Judge allows us to take some pictures with him.

The whole family...2005 

FAST FORWARD.....to Sunday, May 21, 2006.

The long awaited adoption of our three Filipino children had arrived. They were to finally and fully be ours which included us giving them new names.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:3

At 1 o'clock everyone was seated in the sanctuary.

And as was done just one year before...

Pastor David Keithley officiated.

And the older children were once again involved in the ceremony.

Melinda played the prelude... 

Garrison lead us all in prayer...

William read the scripture, Ephesians 1:3-14...

Dad welcomed everyone and introduce the brief video of our trip to the Philippines. 

As he did one year ago, Pastor David Keithley lead us in our vows;

the same vows used six years ago with our girls (see We Promise and Covenant....)

only the names had been changed and the rest of the children's names added.

Pastor Keithley prayed to commit our family to the keeping of the Lord.

(Joshua joined us' by phone' as he was in training at Kessler Air Force Base.)

Then we all joined together as a family.

Pastor Keithley officially recognizes Derick and Nathan's baptisms by the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines and Elaina's covenant baptism by this church, Christ Church, PCA.

Like their siblings before them, to commemorate the vows,

all three children received cross necklaces.

(Elaina had received her gold heart locket necklace and the boys their dog-tags

their first night under our guardianship in the Philippines.) 

Dad prayed to once again commit this family to the Lord.

The Sanford Family!

A dessert reception followed...

Cake...

...and punch! 

 Derick Jonathan Sanford, 12 years old.

Nathan Jay-R Sanford, 10 years old.

Elaina Maggie Sanford, 8 years old.

Our very happy children!

The familiar scenes begin...

at the McLean County Law and Justice Center.

Our lawyer for the third time...Thomas Wilson, Esq.  

In the courtroom, with both sets of grandparents, an uncle and aunt....  

...and all the siblings (minus Joshua).

Nathan got upset because of one of his siblings.

Daddy fixed the situation with a big hug. 

Waiting for the Judge... 

...and then it was done. 

The Sanford family...2006! 

And soon, very soon.....we will be doing this again!

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it...

Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man: so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.

Psalm 127:1,3-5a

We Promise and Covenant...

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will...

Ephesians 1:5

It was April 25, 2000.

We had known for months this was the day the Illinois' DCFS had arranged with the court to finalize the adoption of our four foster children. And we anxiously awaited the ending of that mandatory six-month waiting period for our daughters to finally and fully be ours which included us giving them new names. 

However, as we reflected on the adoption of our four girls we knew it was not the government who was giving us these children, but the Lord! 

So we decided to have a Covenant Ceremony where we would invite our family and friends to witness our taking of covenant vows before God; thereby, joining us forever as family in the name of the Lord.

The morning of the court adoption, with the covenant ceremony to follow,

we gathered in our living room for the grandparents to take pictures.

We then all headed to McLean County Law and Justice Center

in downtown Bloomington, IL and settled in the courtroom.

Family and friends were able to join us

to witness what God was doing in the Sanford Family.

At 10 o'clock, Judge Dozier called the courtroom to order. 

Bob was asked to the stand first and questioned regarding our home situation, children's names and birthdays, support network, and homeschooling. One question stood out among the rest, when the cross-examiner asked him, "Why four?" To which Bob answered, "Why four? I guess ask God. I don't know why four. Because three of them are siblings and we already had Rebecca in our home when the other siblings came up for adoption and there was really no choice for us at that point, it was just a matter of course."

Katherine also took the stand, answering many questions. This is what stood out with the cross-examiner: Q-"This really matters a lot to you, does it not, Mrs. Sanford?" A-"Yes, it does. It has been on my heart since I was about 13 years old." Q-"How old?" A-"Thirteen." Q-What is it that you began to experience at that time?" A-"It was through reading a book that I realized that...ah...different people have different callings in this life and I just knew my calling was to be a mother and as time went on I was blessed with three children, but I knew that I wanted more and that adoption was the way I wanted to go and it just took time for that to happen."

Finally comments while in court...

Guardian Ad Litem: 

"Well, fortunately the world is not designed the way I think. Judge, I think the critical thing here is that It matters to everybody that this be done. I have met with the parents in my office. Initially had concerns about the size. I had concerns about the lack of social interaction with diverse cultures but, you know, those are just my life preferences and not an objection to this so, I recommend that the adoption be approved."

The Judge:

"When you start reading the file you see this many children being adopted at once, first you think they are all siblings and you see the one is not and today we don't normally see families this large; but I was the oldest of seven children, had three brothers and three sisters in a home with five bedrooms and one bathroom; and somebody probably should have warned Joshua and Garrison, even with three bathrooms they will probably never get in there, but other than that I don't see any downside to this. It is obvious that this is a very loving family, united already. And sometimes what I see of the world and what is going on in schools I have begun to have more appreciation sometimes for home school. It is obviously not for everyone. Takes a great deal of self-discipline. When that is done right it can be a wonderful experience as well, not to say all public schools are not good experiences, too many times those experiences in public schools are equally as good. I don't see a basis to prefer one over the other except if it is done right I think I probably prefer home school theses days with what I see going on sometimes, but not particularly Bloomington/Normal. So I just have nothing but admiration for this family and what they have done and what they are and I think it molds well for the future of our country when we see children getting this kind of love and religious upbringing and moral values I am sure they are going to be trained in. Back to the more formal things....the court finds that these petitioners have met all statutory requirements; that they have bonded with the children already as a family, that they are fit and proper parents and exceptionally so and it is in the best interest of these children that this Adoption Petition be granted and not be any further waiting period or delay....Judgement of Adoption is hereby entered. Congratulations."

(No, our memory is not that great. It is just that on that day we had requested, and received a few days later, the transcripts of the court proceedings. :-)

The courtroom erupted into applause!

Our family was very blessed by the joy that filled the room!

Judge Dozier allowed us to take a picture with him in his courtroom. 

Mom and her now eldest daughter, Cassandra!

After more hugs and more pictures and a few more court requirements, we all travel to our church, Evangelical-Free, about 10 minutes away.

Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's;

and unto God the things that are God's.

Matthew 22:21

Once everyone was settled in their seats, the Covenant Ceremony began.

Pastor Rick Wagner officiated. 

As the music played, 'Meant for this Moment' by Carman, our family walked in carrying candles. Each was lighted from Dad's candle then placed in a circle around an unlit center candle.

Pastor Wagner opened the ceremony in prayer.

He then lead us in our vows....

"Dear Family and Friends,

We are gathered together in the presence of God and these witnesses to join these four, beautiful girls with this family, and commit this union to Him. 

Adoption is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, soberly, and in fear of God. It is a union whereby parents commit themselves to the nurturing, well-being, and love of children not born to them. This union illustrates the holy relationship between Christ and man. Therefore, Bob and Katherine desire to vow and covenant before God, a forever adoption in the same manner that our Lord and Savior has adopted us as expressly stated in Ephesians 1:5, confirming before God that Cassandra, Susanna, Victoria and Rebecca were predestined to be adopted by them in accordance with our Lord's pleasure and will."

"Bob and Katherine, will you promise and covenant before God and these witnesses to be loving, and nurturing parents to Cassandra, Susanna, Victoria, and Rebecca, sharing all the Lord has planned for your family, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond, using scripture as your guide to educate and train them, and in all circumstances of your life together, to be faithful parents, just as the Lord has adopted you and been faithful to you?"

To which we responded, "We do."

"Will you Josh, Garrison, and Melinda covenant before God to accept Cassandra, Susanna, Victoria, and Rebecca to be your sisters, sharing without reservation your parents, your home, and your life, loving and accepting them in your family as Christ has accepted you into His?"

To which they answered, "I do."

"Will your Cassandra, Susanna, Victoria, and Rebecca covenant before God to accept Bob and Katherine as your parents, and Josh, Garrison, and Melinda as your siblings, sharing your heart, your love, and your future, fully believing that this is ordained and blessed by God as His plan for your life?"

To which they all responded, "I do."

To commemorate the vows...

...all the girls received a gold heart locket necklace.

Dad read a poem...

Adoption Creed

Not flesh of my flesh,

Nor bone of my bone,

But still miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute

You didn't grow under my heart,

but in it. 

by Laura Leiden (1986)

He then extinguishes the individual candles, after lighting the center candle,

signifying 'one family in Christ'.

Daddy prays, committing all the children to the Lord...

"Father God,

Katherine and I come before you this morning in the presence of our family and friends to commit our lives to you and all of our children, Joshua, Cassandra, Garrison, Melinda, Susanna, Victoria, and Rebecca.

We are completely overwhelmed by your will and your grace during this time in our lives. You call many different poeple to different purposes with thier lives. Some to ministry, some to evangelism, and many to raising children for the lOrd. Katherine and I are not worthy of our calling but with your help, Lord, we know everything is possible.

Lord, this morning we have rendered unto Casear what is Casear and officially committed before man to provide financially for Cassandra, Susanna, Victoria, and Rebecca. Now Lord, we caome before you and commit to love them, care from them and do our best for them with your help to point them towards a relationship with your Son Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and the king of kings.

Our hearts are filled with emotion today Lord, with joy, with hope and with love.

Thank you for answering our prayers. And now that you have, we ask for the patience, perseverance and wisdom to handle the days, months, and years ahead. 

In your Name, Lord Jesus,

Amen."   

Pastor Wagner then committed the family to the keeping of the Lord.

And prayed for our family as well. 

Cassandra and Susanna had made professions of faith. Now adopted into their Christian family with their new names, they chose to be baptized as believers on this day to make their faith public. 

Cassandra Renee Sanford (11 years old)

Susanna Stephanie Sanford (8 years old)

Our family and friends who came to celebrate and witness our Covenant Ceremony 

and our daughters' baptism. 

The ceremony ended with Pastor Wagner praying for the Reception.

Someone captured a wonderful photo of these two adorable 3 year olds!

Victoria Shania Sanford and Rebecca Liyah Sanford

As the music played, 'Household of Faith' by Steve Green, everyone

filed into the fellowship hall past the cake and photos of the family to a delicious meal. 

Time for the cake cutting! 

After the reception and all was cleaned up, we headed home to relax.

The children had some presents to open.

A few weeks later, we received a wonderful gift in the mail from Lisa English, our former neighbor who helped us so much with the girls when they first came. 

This gift, a beautiful scrapbook, 'told the story' of that special day on April 25, 2000. 

Little did we know,

how important this Covenant Ceremony truly was for the future,

or how this Adoption Journey was just the beginning

of what the Lord had planned for our family!

To be continued....

My First Christmas

(Editors note: Last week, we asked our children, do you remember your first Christmas in our family? Some did, most did not, but they did remember impressions of early Christmases here. Our son Nathan took it upon himself to draw a picture of Christmas scenes and then to write about Christmas. He is pleased to share it on our blog. These are his thoughts and words. We are very proud of how much he has learned over his eight Christmases with us. )

By Nathan Sanford

17 years old

(Adopted from Philippines at 9 years old)

What I thought of my first Christmas?

To be honest, I really did not know what Christmas was about and why we celebrated it. All I thought of was good food and my presents. I did know though that Jesus was born and that he was very special. 

What do I think about Christmas now?

I still can't wait for the good food and to open my presents. But I know a lot more of why Jesus was born and why we celebrate Christmas. 

Why do my parents give presents to us? 

My parents give gifts because it reminds us that God sent us a gift, that is Jesus - who died on the cross, taking God's wrath upon himself for our sins, and raising up again - but most of all, to remember God's love for us. Without that, we are all dead in our sin. And there would be no such thing as Christmas.

Why have Christmas with a pine tree, a nativity set, and lights and ornaments?

A pine tree is the tree that lives all year round. And since Christ is always living and is the same all year round, it kind of represents him. A nativity set tells the story. It is the story of that famous first Christmas long ago when Jesus was born. Lights and ornaments give brightness to our house. It makes it alive and cozy. It makes it warm and looks so nice. I just like to sit down and look at it all on the tree. It is the same with Jesus. He is the light and his brightness is known around the world. When I am with him I feel cozy, in awe of who he is. It makes me warm and amazed that he would want me with him. And I feel like sitting down to look at him and listen to him. 

Why celebrate Christmas at all? 

We celebrate because of what Christmas is truly about - God so loved us that he gave his only son to be born in earth in the lowest degree, he took our sins, took God's wrath, died for us, arose again - so through him we might have fellowship with God and be at one with him. And for that I am thankful and give praise and honor to him who is worthy to have it, Jesus the Son and God our Father.

Merry Christmas and may God bless you!!

Joy to the World

Christmas time is here. It brings joy and celebration as well as global recognition for 'the babe lying in a manger'. There is no other time or season in the year when we can be about our errands and be blessed to hear over any given radio station or store loudspeaker beautiful renditions of Hark the Herald Angels, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World or any other carol of our Lord Jesus' birth. It is a glorious time!

For the adoptive family the Christmas season can carry many levels of emotions. We easily remember the joy of our first Christmas with each adopted child. It was a time of delight and wonder as for the first time this child beheld Daddy putting the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree and then joined in the family tradition of decorating it with glass balls and handmade ornaments. After which the little stable is placed under the tree and the box with the Creche is opened; Mom has a marvelous time of telling how this was the same one she had as a child. And as each piece is unwrapped from its tissue paper and place in its spot, the story of Jesus' nativity would be told - born of his mother Mary in a stable with his adopted dad Joseph caring for both of them; the shepherds come to see him because the angels had told them of his birth; though they did not come until much later, the Wise Men and camels are added to complete the scene. Dad would go into the bedroom and after a time would come out bearing stacks of wrapped presents filling the children's eyes with wonder and excitement. The energy in the house was electrical. All of it a dream come true now that they had a family of their very own.

It can be, as it is for us this year, a time of yearning for things not to be. We have four children who we had hoped would be with us this year to celebrate our Savior's birth, but it is not to be. So we look forward to next year when they will be here sharing in our Christmas traditions and joy.

But Christmas can also be a very hard time for adoptive parents which has been our experience many years. This season of celebration and peace has been marked by rebellion and anguish. The child, born of our heart, has caused nothing but turmoil all year long; sometimes acting out in ways that can never be made public. We wrestled with this deep in our heart before the Lord. Why should they be blessed with gifts as if their behavior has no consequences? They think nothing of how their actions are hurting the family. In fact, they do not even care about anyone in the family. Why should we take our money and purchase anything for this ungrateful, selfish, extremely manipulating, violent, deceitful, lying child?

As with many things in our adoption journey, the Lord has been teaching us what his Word 'really' means. But the short answer to a rather yearly question is as simple as it is profound. And it was one done by God himself.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Jesus is our example and master. He gave us the greatest gift of all when we were most unappreciative. And truth be told most days still, we do not reflect properly on how we are rebellious to our Father each day, each year, and yet, he still pours out his love and mercy on us.

 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.

1 Peter 3:18

We have learned that giving at Christmas is not about behavior rewarded, but love being given. No matter what our children have put us through, we must give as Christ gave. Our desire is to reflect the Light that came to shine in darkness as celebrated this time of year; that all hearts be turned to Jesus, exalting him and the great love he poured out in obedience to his Father with the joy that 'he rules the world in truth and grace'. We can trust our kindness and mercy will not go unnoticed by our Savior; it is a glorious sign that in our hearts 'the Savior reigns'.