When They Told Her About Us
I found the old rhythm and, though it’s new to me here, I’m just as desperate for it as I was there. Here, I need an escape from nights without power, inches of water on the floor but none from the spigot, and mosquitoes trapped inside the net that’s supposed to protect me from yet another bite. I need moments where I’m reminded that the little annoyances (and sometimes big heart-issues) that have just surfaced in my flock are all a part of a bigger story.
My survival is Him.
Minutes of worship, over the sink or as I try to fall asleep during the loud Kampala night, are my sustenance. The very thing that’s been most-opposed since I’ve been here — adoration — is my lifeline.
Looking at the Man who knows my weakest moments and telling Him how good He is — so simple, yet so easily dropped off my list of important. I start to believe, too, it’s because I’m too busy, too many hungry mouths to feed and broken hearts to mend.
But really it’s because when I adore, He receives glory. And there is a hot-battle against His glory.
Part of my life-of-adoration is telling the story. My story. Their stories. His story. His glory.
To me and back to Him. And, today, to you.
Our little Lily has lived all of her memoried-years as an orphan. We’re witnessing a holy regression, as this child we’ve allowed to be infant learns, for the first time, how to receive love from a mommy and daddy. It’s messy. And it’s wonderful. It’s an honor to dress the wounds of one who doesn’t yet know she’s wounded.
One of her sweet surrogates put together this video* of when they first told her she had a family coming for her. You will see a few minutes of her responses to a photo book we sent, and then a few minutes of photographs and a letter from this child who, days before, was orphan-clad — but here has just begun to know steady food, clean clothing and kisses from another. All in preparation for her family.
The Father left his 99 in pursuit of this one little lamb.
And for this we adore Him.
(to view the video, make sure you’re viewing on EBTIS.com)
He is a good Daddy.
**The music Mandie Joy used for this video is from Jon Thurlow’s Strong Love Album. Friends, if you have not yet purchased a Thurlow CD …it’s a must to add to your collection. His music takes my gaze higher.
What a gift to have those moments captured! Lily exudes peacefulness and joy.
Yes, adoration is strongly opposed everywhere…here in my world, for sure. ;o) Love, love, love Jon Thurlow and his team.
That video is precious. A holy regression; what powerful words and I cannot wait to see God’s redemptive work in her life!
I continue to be overwhelmed and inspired by your posts. Thank you!!
I love the song. Lily has such a beautiful spirit. God is so good.
She is soooo beautiful! I wish I lived next door and could learn daily from your journey as we walk behind you. Thank you for these glimpses…they are a gift! Love to you and your beautiful brood:) You are so often in my prayers. And thank you for reminding me of the power of adoration.
Thank you, Sara — she’s so beautiful.
gosh.
That was beautiful!! Thanks for posting.
Bawling…;) good tears!!! Cant wait to meet your beautiful daughters!!!!
Beautiful story, Sarah! It reminds me of one of Tim Reimherr’s choruses that I used to sing on his team, “It’s My story for My glory. Now my story will unfold.” May the Lord grace yours and Nate’s eyes as you capture the unfolding of such precious stories that He has joined to yours!
I absolutely love the joy, the excitement, the pure heart that just pours from your sweet Lily. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful video! (we thought of — and prayed for — you all when we found ourselves driving through KC in a downpour on I-70W Sunday afternoon)
This video is a beautiful gift…amazing!
I am in tears …your video is beautiful….I will be traveling with my husband to meet our 11 year old daughter Rahwa on the 27th of Dec for court….We are a blessed people to experience God’s most intimite love with these precious children…Many blessings and God’ss peace to your family….so sweet…..
Traci,
HOW EXCITING! Eleven?! Oh, how precious. Congratulations!
Warmly,
Sara
Beautiful…thank you for sharing your beautiful family!