It has been a while since there has been an updated post here...there has been a lot going on during the "gap"...a trip to China, the welcoming of a precious 4.5 year old into our family, two surgeries for us, a bunch of surgeries for others we hold in our hearts, and the reminder of the hope that we have for tomorrow.
This evening I got a call from my alma mater - Hope College. Sloan, a junior, was making calls on behalf of The Hope Fund. I always smile when I see Hope College show up on caller ID -- not just because of the memories I have of times with friends (and of course the great education I received), but also because at one time I was the caller on the other end of the line wondering how the alumni was going to respond to my "ask". I remember what it was like to have the alums who answered only with "yes" or "no", and I remember those who took the time to share about what they are doing and the journey their road from Hope has taken them on. I remember those who said, "YES!" to my call. They gave then so that I could have my experiences and I give now so that Sloan and others can have theirs. (I also always vote YES on school levies for the same reason.)
October 1, 2013 represents three months since a very, very unhappy little girl was placed in my arms. She was so, so sad. She was leaving behind the friends and special place that had become home for a life that was foreign to her. Olivia had seen my pictures, had heard my voice on the recordable book, and had been told stories about me and the beautiful life that we would share together. But on July 1, 2013, she wasn't buying it. I am excited to tell you that today she loves our life together. She wakes up each day with a smile on her face and a "Hi Mommy! I love you so so so much!" I can't even count the number of times each day I hear "I love you, Mommy!" She is seeing and believing the hope for her future.
These things give me hope for tomorrow. But you know what gives me even more hope? Jesus. The world and our culture may be falling a part, but we have hope for tomorrow...not just hope for an education (like at Hope), or for a family (like with Olivia), but for tomorrow.
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11:
"'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the LORD, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I have a front row seat for the hope and redemption that is coming to the little life of Olivia now that she knows the uconditional love of a family. She is coming alive; she smiles; she laughs; she says, "HI!" to everyone she passes; and she loves to pray...all the time! If this can happen when a 4.5 year old knows the love of a family for just 3 months, what would happen to each of us if we would open ourselves up, truly open ourselves up, to the love that Jesus has for each of us? We would know what TRUE hope for tomorrow really is.
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