Bittersweet news.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Gertie has been adopted by a family in her country.  We are very happy for her, though it is bittersweet for us.

I got a voicemail this morning and was very concerned as to why Nancy was calling me.  Couldn't she give us the address (to ship our final paperwork) by email?  Why is she calling??? 

When I finally was able to call back she gave me the news.  It is surprising that they adopted a sick child when usually locals prefer healthy children. 

I am not surprised.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to speak with another adoptive mom who met Gertie last summer.  She reported to me that Gertie is a wonderfully loving child.  We were considering giving her the middle name of Joy.  This friend said that Joy is the perfect description of her personality.  

There is no doubt in my mind that Gertie's new family was charmed by her beautiful smile and contagious joy!  What a blessing she will be to them.  This little girl, I was told, wanted a family very badly, and now she has one.  The family she deserves.  The family that God called out to be hers.  I am grateful that she does not have to wait any longer.

Some of our friends may be wondering how this happened??  We knew when we committed to the girls, that we had no legal hold on them until our first court appointment, we meet them, and then we sign the necessary paperwork committing to adopt them.  These children do not have time to wait around for us while we are in process.  Gertie no doubt has already gotten much needed medical attention that she would have had to wait many more months for us to provide.

Still, it is hard.  I have a million questions.  Who is this family?  Will the provide her the grace she needs to bloom and be whoever she is inside.  Will they tell her about Jesus?  Will they respect her beliefs?  Will they love her unconditionally?

Here is what I do know:  God provided Gertie a family.  He knew she was waiting and He guided them to each other.  I will trust the Lord that He knows the plans that he has for her, to give her a hope and a future.
We are not her family, but God used Gertie to lead us to the possibility of adopting more than one child.  That is still our plan. 

Friends, please pray for us as we are move forward.

Love,
Michele and Jon