Thursday, July 25, 2013

Eager Longing for the Completion of Adoption

In just a few short hours, we'll load A and G into the Suburban and travel 2 hours to gather more evidence to prove to someone out there, that "Yes, Kibrom James, indeed is, Gabriel John Kibrom Laubach.  When He crossed US lines, he was a citizen, they tell us, but there's really no way to hypothetically prove he belongs here unless every.single.piece. of paperwork is accurate. (Ah, the world of adoption.)  Due to a typographical error, we're still jumping through hoops and fingerprinting our 4 year old to prove he is who we say he is, that he has a new name. That he has the inheritance, obligations, and privileges of James Laubach.  And furthermore, he's not only a "permanent resident", he's a "citizen" here.  As if he's always belonged here.  Yes, in the adoption world there is a difference.

I've scrawled the words "sons of God" in my journal countless times and today I read, when we read "sons of God" in the New Testament, it refers to our adoption.  Because of Jesus, we are adopted as "sons of God".  Under the law, we were slaves, awaiting adoption.

Jesus.changed.everything.

He was the ransom that allows us to be adopted children of God Almighty.  A few tens of thousands of dollars in the adoption world is nothing compared to the priceless blood of Christ, because we can bring a child 7,000 miles, from continent to continent, but only Christ can bring many sons from death to life, slave to child.

Like, Gabriel John Kibrom Laubach, who has been given the Laubach name, we who have been bought with blood, have the inheritance, privileges, and obligations of God.  Unlike we fallen, prone to inaccuracy, people, God completes His work perfectly, right down to every drop of blood, nail, and thorn.  When He says, It is finished, well then, It.Is.Finished.  No need to travel back and forth, complete more paperwork, wonder if it the adoption really went through.

Praying for the completion of the adoption of this son of ours because paperwork really can make you temporarily insane-ask any adoptive mama.

Praying, yes humbly pleading, for those this coming Sunday as siblings gather and heads bow.  Adoption taking place in the heavenlies, long before we with finite minds perceive it.  Is there anything more joyous, more can-hardly-even-breathe in, than when a child is presented by the Father to the rest of the family?
Praying the tears never stop falling and joy never fades, as one more child joyfully and willingly proclaims, "Yes, I want to be adopted."
Romans 8:19  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  

Monday, July 15, 2013

God's Family-the Church

Something clicked as we sat there talking, Nancy and I, reflecting, as our church family picnic drew to an end..

This truly is an adoptive family.  Each of us adopted into this family by our Father, broken and being healed.  A larger picture of Freedom, seen last night, as the pieces came together for a gathering. This family-what God intends for us as His children, as we work together, strive together, play together, deny self for the sake of the gospel.  Freedom Fellowship, part of a bigger picture, God's children, His church.

Some of us come, just as adopted children, totally broken and bruised from our former way of life.  Some of us come, perhaps a little less scarred.  So, we encourage, and yes sometimes, push and pull through sweat and tears, each other along, reminding one another what this "inheritance" means. Reminding one another that "you were chosen and you belong in this family".   Reminding one another that we're alive (no longer dead), we've been made new, we're each accepted into this family-always-no place for jealousy-ever, we are blessed in Jesus, we have a strong Father-a strong God, our Father is FOR us, we will NEVER EVER be abandoned again-ever, our Father fights for us, we are for one another-we will fight for one another, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, there is JOY here...for the praise of our God's glorious grace.

From my small place at the pool (just one perspective among many):

The dads of the littles, played in the pool with them...a blessing to watch.

The dads of the bigs...they jumped right in.  Keith, Steve, and Curt clumped down that oh-my, will-it-hold-together slide, screamed like little girls once or twice, for the enjoyment of the rest of us.

Rachael, with her laughing eyes, tried to bully Christine into going down the slide...way to stick to your guns, Chris! (or perhaps you're a wimp :-)

The joy that Rachael and Tish showed, just playing in the water...so thankful they help to lead our young ones.  So thankful these sisters lead me to joy in my Father.

The young boys/men lined up to go off the dive...brave young men...so thankful for them.

Ruth, flipping and turning, right off that dive...Yes.  You.go.girl.

Manny (aka Mr. T.) chomping down chips beside Mr. "I'm Bigger Now, beside two white mamas who often wondered if they'd ever be home.  Thank you for your faithfulness, God.

Mike, a brother behind the scenes, cooked chicken for everyone!

Missy, leaving dripping wet, well 'cause, someone thought she looked hot.

Liz spotting Jules and Cole 50 cents for much needed chips :-)

The Keefers shared a chair with a woman, whose husband watched her children, 'cause she needed to just.sit.and.talk.with her older sister.

The missing members of the family were missed, all the while, given blessing to go.

The "older" girls, caring for the littles, so the mamas could have an entire conversation.  Love them.

Family who served the rest by dishing food, carrying water, carrying chairs, police-ing the bouncy things-go Megan!, making signs, organizing, reminding us week after week in the bulletin...

Eddy, in his new role in our family, serving, loving, and playing well, right along with Libby-loving, laughing, talking, and taking photos.

Christine and Curt were able to drive to the picnic together-blessing.

Our boys on skateboards and rollerblades and things looking like skateboards...so fun.

Wearing someones flip flops home, 'cause I guess other women like black Old Navy flip flops, too.

Thank you, God, for this family, this place to learn and grow, into the likeness of your Son, for your glorious Name.











Sunday, July 14, 2013

July...

Coffee Face

The Fall

Look Out World

G and A with their Chicken (thanks, Katie :-)

Happy B.Day, Daddy.

Goof Troops

FINALLY "bigger"

Father and Son

Cousins are Awesome

15 Years...

Sisters

Goofing in the Ocean

Daddy's B.Day @ Penn's Creek

Buddies

Daddy's B.Day...We took way too many pics, Jules.

Pants going down...

Hope this never gets old for you, Cole.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Rethinking our Role Models :-)...

So, Julia announced last night, since everyone was present (she said), that she wants a goat dummy (for tying-sorry goat lovers) for Christmas...thanks Amy Good.  I guess it would be better than her using Ana, as she's been doing.

Ana comes in this morning, and asks for a grocery bag for her chicken, 'cause it's dead, after viewing Katie Benner's blog (Katie Loves Haiti)  on which she shares how she bought a chicken at the market, and then butchered it in the backyard...oh my.

Many mornings, Gabriel tells Ana to get her "horse boots" on...they're heading for the stable (aka bikes in shed).

We are so thankful for Godly young women in lives of our children.  We love you, Katie and Amy.