Faith

As we approach the one year anniversary of the adoption being finalized I'm going to write about how Faith, Hope and Love have played such an important role in this journey.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Faith, it has played a big part in our lives in the past 18 months. Alan and I needed to have faith in each other that we would be able to get through the adoption process. Faith in each other that we would be good parents. Faith that we would be stronger not for the journey, but because of the journey we were setting out for our life ahead. We also put our faith in prayer as we made decisions and faced obstacles during those long months. We allowed our faith to assure us that we would be up to any challenges ahead and that also we had chosen our path wisely. My faith has been reinforced by how amazing this has all been. When I look at my family now, my faith becomes real. Faith is not something I can see, or touch. It is only something I can feel inside. But isn't that what defines faith?

Fantu has recently asked how do I know that God exists. She wanted to know if what she is taught in church true. She goes on to say she loves God, but yet isn't sure if he is there. She asks; "Mom how do you know"? Fantu, it just takes Faith. The feeling you get when a prayer is answered, especially the one you felt so hard. Faith is just knowing that even though you can't see it - you know it's there. Just stop and think of all the things you have faith in.

Fantu and Abate wouldn't be human if they didn't question the existence of God. To have lived the life that they have and wonder why? I ask the same thing - why them? It also leads me to why us? These two children had to suffer such loss and hardship to be in a place that led us to them - which blessed our lives. It is because of their losses that we get to know such joy as a family. I look at how resilient these two are. They have embraced life here in Texas. They love their schools, their friends, their family. I hear laughter constantly from them. I see smiles lighting up their faces. I mourn though that Asnaku and Mekonen, Abate and Fantu's Mother and Father did not get to see these two grow. They don't hear the laughter, don't get to comfort them when sad. That they did not get a chance to build memories to carry with them. I am grateful though that Alan and I get to do these things. I rely on my faith to give me the wisdom, patience and love to lead these kids to happiness and success in their lives. I hope that they have faith in us as parents to do this. I hope that they will have faith in God to guide them,comfort them and provide for them.
Without faith would we ever be able to hope.