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Follow Chris, Project 1.27's Executive Director, and his wife Sarah as they adopt a child from foster care, too!
Part 3 (December 18, 2006)
Dearest Friends of Project 1.27,
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
Who has understood the mind of the LORD,
or instructed him as his counselor?
Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge
or showed him the path of understanding?
* * * * * *
We sat nervously in a room with 9 Decision Makers, none of whom were us. Jalaha’s caseworker and her court-appointed attorney presented Jalaha’s life story – remarkably lengthy and raw for a mere 6-year-old. They were peppered with questions from the other Seven, and each person carried the weight of this decision in his eyes. The balance of a little girl’s life was in their hands. After 45 minutes, they asked us to leave the room so they could vote by secret ballot.
We sat in the waiting room for only 10 minutes. The door opened and a Decision Maker winked at me.
“It’s a girl!” she beamed.
* * * * * *
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds
his name is the LORD—
and rejoice before him.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families…
* * * * *
Father, your goodness is almost unbearable. You have entrusted yet another one of your precious children to our care. Who are we? We are but a vapor. Helps us reflect Your love to our new daughter. Holy Spirit, let peace bring hope for healing. Sweet Jesus, call Jalaha to yourself that she will come to know You. You alone will never leave her or forsake her.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Bathed in His Glory,
Sarah Padbury
Read other parts of the Padbury's adoption story |
