Dirt and Sores

A big lesson God taught me in Haiti was His complete acceptance and delight in each one of us- despite our "dirt and sores". Each day the kids- so hungry for hugs and affection would press into me as I read to them. The new "smells", the crowding and their many open and weeping wounds proved overwhelming at first- but as my love for the kids grew, I realized something-
I didn't care anymore if I brought home scabies nor did I notice their open sores rubbing up against me.
I hadn't suddenly become a better person, instead I had been given a heavenly glimpse into God's view of me. He impressed upon me that spiritually I had been an unbathed, open-sored, orphan in filthy rags and that all of my attempts to become clean or righteous on my own were like " filthy garments" ( Isaiah 64:6) Through Christ's sacrifice I have "received a spirit of adoption" (Romans 8:15). Christ took me into His arms and let my sores and wounds rub against Him and then made me whole and new in His Love! Melissa

As you probably know, we are not big on blogging. So this is kind of new to us. However, because of our interest in letting people know about our adoption process, we begrudgingly acknowledge that this is a pretty good way of keeping in touch! So, here it is. We are in the waiting game now for when Velo will join us, and we ask that you please join us in praying whether or not one more child might be a fit. As of this moment, we do not have the resources. We are praying that if it is the right thing, we will see it happen! Love, Dean and Melissa.

Joy!

The night before my trip to Haiti ( in June), our family gathered to pray- the kids finished our prayer with, " God, please give Velo joy and laughter." He has had a "reputation" for being a pretty sad fellow, so this prayer had been a common one in our home! I was discouraged the first day at the orphanage as Velo remained an anxious and tearful boy. I knew though, that our hearts were committed to this child, anxious or happy- but prayed again- " God, you know the desire of my heart would be to see him smile and laugh, even if it is when he has come to live with us and hopefully is healthier physically." God is so faithful- as this pictures shows- I had the privilege of watching Velo playing, laughing and smiling that afternoon as he rolled a toy truck to his friend. Sometimes He has us wait for an answered prayer- but other times He delights us with the desire of our heart the very same day!

Melissa

Independence Day

I have to confess that most of my July Fourths have come and gone without much thought about its meaning. But this summer, as our family expectantly waits to bring home Velo, the idea of his "independence" is in my thoughts. He cannot even be aware of the freedom that waits for him: his freedom from sickness (or at least access to prevent or treat it); his freedom from a lack of opportunity; It is my prayer that regardless of what Velo grows up to be and accomplish, that his homeland will be healed and that the Haitian people will have their own independence from these temporal afflictions. I am reminded too of our our ultimate independence that is untethered from the man-made structures and defects of our world -- freedom in and through Christ, the healer, who gives hope to all, regardless of the nation of their birth and life. Happy Independence Day!
DR