a video. a reflection. a plea.

This girl. Her laugh is infectious. Her smile lights up the room. Her strength, courage and bravery humbles us. I can’t imagine life without her. What if we had missed the whisper of God? He whispered in my ear in July 2009, telling me that we’d be adopting a baby girl. Though, at that time I had no idea he was forming Tahlia in her birthmom’s womb. Wow, He had great plans for her life and ours. Then, in November of 2010, He spoke loud and clear to Brian.

What if we had missed His heart?? What if we had given in to our fears….

then, our lives (ours and Tahlia’s) would have never intercepted in such a powerful and miraculous way 2 months ago. We would have missed this blessing. We would have missed the joy. We would have missed Tahlia.

What if we had worried too much about the “money factor”? ….then, we would have never seen God move mountains to provide for us to go get her. And, He did. We are in exactly the same spot “financially” as we were over a year ago, before we set out on this journey. See people, God’s heart is for the orphan. He will do it! Had we not stepped out, then our faith would still be the same, never stretched. We would have not understood the power of God in a real and personal way. Our kids would have not experienced their prayers being answered in miraculous ways.

What if we had worried about “special needs”..her special need, to the point of not stepping out?
…then we would have missed this special special girl. Oh, it brings me to tears to imagine that we could have missed her had we given in to our initial “cleft lip/palate” fears. We would have missed her smile…that amazing sunshiney smile!

What if we had said: “no, four kids is already soooo much by today’s standards, people will think we are crazy!!”

Then, we would have missed the extra beautiful noise, and joyful chaos in our house that brings meaning to our lives. We would have had less giggles, less running feet, less dirty clothes, less of everything that symbolizes a filled heart.

Sure, it’s hard. The days are difficult at times, but difficult doesn’t mean it’s not right or God’s will.

You know what??? I’d do it again, in a heart beat!! Oh yes….If the Lord tells us to go again….We will go!!!! I’d give anything to do it again soon, and bring home another waiting child. Though it doesn’t look like that will happen anytime in the near future, we will never say never. I am not closing the door on the possibility down the road. I NEVER want to miss God’s nudges…not ever!

Cause, We will stand before Him one day. I want to be able to say to my Father in Heaven, “We listened to your calling, Lord…we trusted, we obeyed and stepped out in Faith.”

My plea to anyone considering adoption…don’t let fears stop you!!!! Step out, a child is waiting for his/her family. It’ll never be the perfect time. But, that’s because we don’t live in a perfect world. But, I’ll tell you what! You’re family is the “perfect family” for a waiting child. If you have enough love to give, there is a child who REALLY NEEDS IT!