Ha. I just noticed this title could be misleading; curious readers might think it’s about mark and I… well, it’s not; but I hope it lures them to keep reading to learn about the plight of waiting orphans and families longing to love them. Below is a history… if you know it, move on to the how to’s of visiting our son who’s now living back in an orphanage (first time I’ve typed this without streaming tears) and managing our two “third culture” teenagers.
History…
We've known Lil Man for almost 3 years, and he's lived full time in our home for the last 9 months. As you know we entered the adoption process. Well, it seems the orphanage made a BIG mistake placing him with us so early. This premature placement was supposed to be a foster situation but of course, the paper work never materialized. When our 3-year resident requirement for adoption hit, we started the adoption process. Soon after, the orphanage informed us that we have to return Lil Man to the orphanage till we are matched with him by the agency, acting like we have not parented him and loose more precious time.
We've known Lil Man for almost 3 years, and he's lived full time in our home for the last 9 months. As you know we entered the adoption process. Well, it seems the orphanage made a BIG mistake placing him with us so early. This premature placement was supposed to be a foster situation but of course, the paper work never materialized. When our 3-year resident requirement for adoption hit, we started the adoption process. Soon after, the orphanage informed us that we have to return Lil Man to the orphanage till we are matched with him by the agency, acting like we have not parented him and loose more precious time.
Lil’ Man’s been back at the orphanage
for two weeks now. Our observations…
- All the care workers tell us how helpful and kind he is now after living with us for 9 months that actually is a mixed blessing because we’re happy with the report but don’t want to see that goodness undone.
- He eats like an animal again – fists full of carbs like rice or ugali shoved into his mouth none stop, until his cheeks puff like a chipmunk and his eyes blaze greedily.
- His visits with us are temperamental – easily disturbed by simple changes in activities or locations even if he chooses them. He can giggle and whine within the same few minutes. He ignores us, watches us, comes to us, runs from us – all interspersed on an afternoon visit.
- He’s afraid of being left behind AGAIN. Very afraid.
With that said, we spend time with him
regularly, but it comes at a cost… When he needs us most is when our two other
kids need us most - after school, mealtimes and bedtime. The family separation
is hard on everyone.
Our teens started a new international school
this year filled with different cultures and languages to negotiate. The
experience brings joy, lots of questions and the desire to share it with us -
Mom and Dad. Their schedules of events require our participation. Homework necessitates
our assistance. At the same time, Lil Man is not with us, but needs us - Mom
and Dad’s attention and continued instruction… Since we can’t take him out, we
must go there, but it’s not a place conducive to intimate family living.
We’re acquiring a few skills in the
process of trying to preserve the attachment with our son in a special needs
unit of an orphanage (which you can imagine includes every other child vying to
be noticed) and being supportive of our teens, (who walk to the orphanage to be
with Lil Man whenever they can).
We’re learning to:
- Be intentionally thoughtful about our time apart. We cannot afford to do anything haphazardly - based on emotional decisions. We pray continually, asking God where to go, what to do, and we trust our choices are from Him.
- Create concrete plans where everyone knows what to expect from all involved. Each family member who can share an opinion about strategy must. We listen and develop a list of who is doing what with intended results.
- Emphasis balance. It’s easy to think the older kids can fend for themselves and immerse energy in Lil Man’s acute needs. It’s also easy to ignore other responsibilities, but we must remember why we are here and that God’s grace is more than sufficient.
- Be honest. We all have freedom to cry, ask questions, express our feelings; we choose not to follow those unpredictable emotions. Our assurance is to shadow Holy Spirit’s courage and comfort.
- Do healthy transitions. Even the shortest goodbyes include hugs and prayers. Life takes too many twists and turns to let someone leave without the reassurance that they are care for, that they belong.
Here we are - separated yet together with
Jesus as our focus. Will you join with
us in prayer…
- The rash and fever Lil Man is experiencing will disappear.
- That healthy attachment will be preserved for us all.
- That God’s wisdom and favor abounds at the Kenya Adoption Authority meeting on October 29th.
- For our family to lean hard into God’s comfort and strength through trials.
- That we don’t worry or become anxious but bring all things to the Lord.
We must be hopeful by faith. This experience
brings our hearts to the edge an abyss we have no desire to cross but because
of the CROSS and the power of the resurrection, we can victoriously. He holds
us all.
The adoption of our little one feels like a
symbol of God's heart for the fatherless - His desire to redeem, to deliver, to
heal and restore. Only God can find a cast away child, abandoned in a tea
field, crippled, without speech and rescue such innocence from certain death.
Only God can bring a family from afar and make a way to join them together
forever. Only God can establish divine destiny, and He does it through your
prayers of great faith. Thank you for remembering those who are among the
least - the forgotten orphans; thank you for welcoming them into God's glorious
kingdom by your cries for mercy and grace. Colossians 1:13.
Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.
hugs
from the haugers Ooo0
