Precious Lives in Transition

Two weekends ago we had the amazing privilege of visiting Carson and Madelyn, two Ethiopian orphans who will soon be adopted into the “Seeker” family of Louisville, KY (names have been changed to protect the innocent). The Seekers are friends of ours from our Moody days (that is, our days at Moody Bible Institute) who have been in the adoption process for more than a year now. We are excited along with the Seekers as the adoption could be finalized within the next week or so. Until then, they remain in the agencies house, a home for those kids who have already been matched up with adoptive parents and are just waiting for the paperwork to go through. The story below consists of excerpts from the email we wrote to the Seekers after our visit:

WE GOT TO HOLD YOUR BABIES and THEY’RE DOING GREAT!! We arrived at the home around 10am and were greeted at the gate by 12-15 happy faces, (all 2-10 year old children) as well as several ladies doing countless pieces of children’s laundry (by hand). Before we made it inside, Travis had one boy clinging to his feet and I (Andrea) had one of little girl named Sarah content to ride the rest of the home tour in my arms.

After a tour of the first floor, we climbed up the stairs and finally came into the room with Carson’s crib. There he was sitting quietly - just staring at us with his big beautiful eyes! At first Carson was a bit scared of the new faces so we couldn’t pick him up right away. Instead, we continued the tour. When we finally came to the last room in the house, there were three baby girls all lined up. There in middle was Madelyn, just waking up from a nap.

We went back into the hallway, where a lady was now holding little one-year-one Carson, who she soon handed over to Travis. We then took smiley Madelyn and we all headed down to the big kids’ room where they were all playing. We sat down with Carson and Madelyn and a bunch of other kids sitting around and playing. Little Sarah was still holding onto me until she decided to start playing with my hair. When my arms were free I immediately picked Madelyn up. She is such a happy and sweet baby! So many smiles!

We also got to see one five year old girl who had just arrived last night (while she was still sleeping). Though waking up in a totally new setting, she was so happy and smiling on her first morning at the house (seemingly unaware of her mother’s impending death from AIDS and her own infection with this disease). We got to see her be introduced to her adoptive family via a care package and pictures sent from the States. What an exciting time for her and the rest of us.

It seems like such a great atmosphere there at the house. Not the dirty, rat infested orphanages that you sometimes picture. The ladies working there are all nice and diligent workers. And the fact that all the kids have families that they’re going to be united with soon is wonderful! So please know that Madelyn and Carson are in a good place, being well taken care of as they await your arrival!

The hardest part was saying goodbye. Madelyn, as usual, was full of smiles as I kissed her forehead. Carson, on the other hand, was noticeably sad as we placed him back in his crib. He whimpered a little bit so I just kept holding his hand and giving him kisses on the head. We left with the promise of returning again, but more importantly, with the hope of their very soon adoption into the Seeker family, where there is already indescribable love for these two precious lives in transition.

(sorry we can’t post pictures for this, although we have some GREAT ones!)