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Thursday, July 26, 2007

ROAD TO MAGGIE


I thought I might take a chance and explain our decision to adopt our daughter from the Children of Promise List (Special Needs Children). We knew with our second adoption we would be going special needs, but had no idea what God had in store for us. I remember when the first list came out and I just seemed so scared about so many things. What could we handle, how would this affect our daily life, what are the financial responsibilities, etc... With prayer and some much needed advice/explanations (thanks Kimber/Yolanda) God grew me so much. The first list I was so unsure that we didn't even request some minor needs and after spending much time on my knees and talking with Scott God made His path more clear. (Side Note- Remember Scott has refused to look at any faces of the girls. He only wants to know the need and says he will look at her face when she is ours - He now has a face to look at everyday).

I think the turning point for us was when the one COP list came out a second time and the little girl with the missing forearms had not been chosen first time around. Scott happened to walk into the room while she was up on my computer and asked about her. I said I wasn't sure and He said why not? So we didn't tell anyone and we just prayed for 3 days. It is amazing how clear God can be when we are only talking and listening to Him. I am usually one to call all my friends and ask for prayer while asking for their opinion, but not this time. It was amazing how clear it was that we were to put in for this little girl and I actually believed she would ours. God had other plans and now we have been matched with our beautiful Maggie.

I say all that to say that God can stretch you, grow you, and bless you beyond your wildest dreams when you go ONE ON ONE with Him. Thank you Lord for using me and allowing me to be this beautiful child's mother.

20 kind words.:

Kathi said...

that's a cool post;

i just read your message on mine; thank you. i'm so excited for you guys about maggie...and that's totally awesome that you already have her "medical journey" underway. i'm so sorry she got burned though. I still can't believe that emily said that about covering her baby doll so she doesn't get burned...that kind of tugs at your heart strings a little. can't wait to hear about your journey to her...if u can, can u blog as your on your journey?

say hi to scott an everyone else for me. leg is ok; go to the doctor on monday, for hopefully the last time with this guy...and i'm hoping he'll take me off the coumadin. say prayers

Steffie B. said...

And a wonderful Mother and Family you will be to this precious, precious little girl.

Verna said...

You are all going to be so blessed as a family. Can't wait to see that little one in your arms.

Adele said...

Oh Gwen, you sound just like me. When I have big prayer requests, I usually call on my friends and hint around for their opinion also. When we were deciding about adopting again, for some reason we didn't tell a soul! This was very, VERY hard for me but I felt like it was something I needed to spend one on one time with God about to make sure I was clear on what HE wanted me to do. So, you are right that when we spend one on one time with Him, HE will show us all kinds of things. I am delighted to found your blog and look forward to this amazing journey to Maggie.

Chrissie said...

Thanks for being so honest and transparent Gwen. I hope that it inspires other famlies to consider opening their homes to waiting children. Every child needs a home.

I was wondering if it is medically necessary for Maggie to have the burn covered? Is that why you have bought the scarfs and bandanas or is it more for cosmetic reasons? Does she have the area covered at the orphanage? Just curious...don't mean to pry.

Holly said...

Wonderful post. I know you are all so anxious to have little Maggie in your arms.

Anonymous said...

Gwen,

Maggie's beautiful photos are covering our fridge now, and I am in awe of how He drew you together with her. I can't wait to meet Emily Rui's baby sister!

You have me wanting to shop for scarves for you!!

Love ya, girl!
Kimber

Elizabeth said...

Hi Gwen,
thanks for your comments on my blog. Nice to meet another family adopting a waiting child. Your sweet girls face is lovely.
To get my book (I'm always thrilled to be asked) you just copy and paste the link for it under the photo for the book on my blog on the right side. OR you can scroll down a few posts at my place and find I've hyperlinked it afew times. Otherwise you can also go to lulu.com and type in 'Lovebug'. Thanks for asking!

Liz and Ava said...

That was such a heart warming post, it brought tears to my eyes!
I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner re emailing you about attachment with toddlers...I can't seem to get myself very organized since returning from China...I hate to see what things are like once I return to work!
Email me at:lizspooner@rogers.com
and I'll try and answer any questions you have...I'm certainly not an expert...but my agency did a session on attachment in adoption that I attended prior to traveling to China.

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen,
I am so touched by your post. You really are just larger than life to me. It is amazing what God can do. He has His plan and his path for us.

Tina said...

I am deeply reminded that MAN looks on the outer appearance and God looks on the heart...

Maggie will be SEEN by SO many people because you looked with eyes of God... and now you can teach others to do that as well...

Can't wait for the even more profound ONE on ONE revelations God will bring to you in the coming months...

The Phillips said...

Gwen,
I just wanted to congratulate you and your family on your beautiful little girl! She is so blessed to have you all! I love reading your posts because you have such a passion for Jesus Christ and for adoption - you are an amazing person.

Sidenote: I FINALLY updated my blog-I definitely get the Bad Blogger Award! :)

Praying for you,
Brittany

Laura Nipper said...

Gwen thanks for sharing your story as to why you felt lead to adopt from the special needs list. Maggie will be perfect for your family and know she well be well loved by all. God is so good.

jennifer said...

It's such an amazing journey. I can't wait to see you together.

Nikki said...

Your family is such a wonderful example of what God can do if you let Him...His plans are so much better than ours could ever be.
Keep spending that one on one time with Him! You are an inspiration...we love ALL THE OATSVALLS. Cannot wait to meet sweet Maggie.

Beckyb said...

I have just LOVED sharing this journey with you - I love how you give all the glory to God - He is SO much bigger than what we could ever think!!! I'm so glad He's in control and NOT US!!! We are so thrilled for you and love watching God work!

mommy24treasures said...

what a lovely true from the heart post. Your Maggie is just an absolutely beautiful child of God. What a very blessed family you all will be. He is so faithful, so good.

LaLa said...

What a beautiful tribute to your daughter...I hope you get to travel soon!

Lauren said...

Such a neat post! I am still in awe everyday at the amazing work the my Father does!

Gracie said...

Know youre excited! Hold in there

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