Six Months Home

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break."
--An ancient Chinese belief

 

Six months.  It sounds like such a long time yet, the reality is Olivia has only had a family for SIX MONTHS out of her TWENTY months of life.  She is still learning what it means to be loved unconditionally, have your needs met by your parents, to have constant siblings and a forever home.

 

Six months ago today we were handed a scared baby who was experiencing a grief that no child should ever feel.  Her body was tense and she sweated through three layers of clothing.  She continued this for days and at times even months after we first held her. 

 

Six months later I have a daughter who is filled with joy and happiness.  She is well adjusted and confident enough to test boundaries knowing that we will love her any way.  Six months later I have a daughter who has been redeemed and is a loved and cherished member of our family.  The truth is however, her scars of her past are still real.

 

We still struggle with abandonment issues, hunger and food related stress, performing for strangers to get attention and manipulative behavior that a 20 month old should not be smart enough to perform.  Just last night after being away from home for a month I put Olivia to bed and went to check on her a few minutes later.  I found her whimpering in bed covered in sweat.  Our little girl who normally seems so well adjusted gives us glimpse of the memories of her past.  I wonder when, if ever the trauma will be removed from her soul. 

 

For now, we will continue to reassure her that she is ours forever.  She is loved always. 

 

No child should ever have to feel the pain that our daughter experienced.  No child should ever have to live in an orphanage.  Every child deserves the love of a family.

 

We are so fortunate that our God knit our family together.   

 

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

 

Does this verse speak to you?  Does Olivia's story speak to you? 

If so, don't step back and wait for something to happen.  Take a leap of faith.  While I realize adoption isn't for everyone there are many ways to help the fatherless around the world.  Please feel free to contact me if you want to get involved in helping a child in need of a family.