When we decided to adopt for the fifth time, the biggest doubt people had was if we could "handle" more kids. Could we HANDLE another adoption? Could we HANDLE a child with special needs?
I have to admit, sometimes when people voice their concerns it peeves me.
They say it as if I don't have my own fears about this expedition.
Fears about getting in too deep.
Fears about getting in over my head.
These are real FEAR that can plague and torture an adoptive parent.
I know that people usually mean well and for the most part their "opinions" come out of a place of concern.
When we first adopted internationally, we had one child, less work, and little responsibility.
I spent countless hours researching adoption, applying for grants, and carrying out elaborate fundraisers.
We didn't get far into this new adoption before I realized that adopting with six kids, a very busy husband, and loads of responsibly this was going to be more than I could handle.
I found myself staying up until 1am most nights trying apply for grants and make things for fundraising.
I also found myself exhausted the next day and seriously lacking in my ability to get home school done.
I found that this adoption was already becoming more than we could handle!
Whats funny is people think this makes me a failure.
They think it makes me weak or incapable.
Anyone out there do beachbody workouts? Chalene Extreme to be exact?
She has a workout where she explains muscles failure.
"In this case failure actually means success."
This is because as the muscle breaks down and FAILS, it builds itself up stronger. So the next time you work out, you will be stronger than you were before.
Well in the body of Christ, when we fail it gives the Lord the opportunity to send someone to hold us up. When we can't, HE can. Sometimes the way He can is through others...His hands and feet.
So here we are struggling to put together fundraising ideas that will work with our busy schedules.
We are in a season where we just moved into a house with a giant time consuming yard to needs lots of repairs and maintaining, we moved into a house that needs remodeling and fixing up, we have six kids under 7...half of who are homeschooling. Regular life is intense let alone adding an adoption.
Now I know what your thinking....
"This is what you signed up for."
"What did you expect?"
"If its too much maybe you should have waited"
"The Pehl's are soooo irresponsible."
I have heard it before.
So has every other adoptive mom.
I would have to disagree, do you know why?
Because just as we started realizing we were in over our heads, God sent us an angel.
He didn't tell us we made a bad decision and leave us to struggle on our own.
He sent someone to lead the fight, to carry the burden, to give her time selflessly.
He is not doing this just for us...its not to make our lives easier.
This sending of an angel is so much bigger than us.
Its about the orphan.
God goes to GREAT LENGTHS to save these children.
I have seen it over and over again.
When parents say "YES", God sends an army.
To our warrior angel, you restore my faith in humanity.
You constantly remind me of God's love and faithfulness.
There are not words to explain how much your service to our king means to our family.
To her family who is coming alongside and supporting her in all of her efforts.
We are humbled by every single one of you.
Its not easy to ask for help...but we didn't have to when it came to you.
some of you barely know us...
Your all amazing.
To God's army of servants fighting for our girl.
You people are brave, you are strong, and we are thankful for you!
With this all being said, our Angel is holding a yard sale to raise money for our adoption.
If you have anything you are getting rid of and willing to donate for the yard sale, please get a hold of me and I will point you in the right direction.
You can also go straight to our Warrior Angel's orphan care facebook page.
