Two Little Girls

Years ago we would never have dreamed that two little girls would be part of our family waiting for Grandma to visit. Yet here we are.

Obeying God's call on our family to adopt was a complicated endeavor. There were so many obstacles between what we knew God was doing in our hearts and the end result.

One very "unknown" piece of the puzzle for us was not knowing how our extended family would respond. We just didn't know how that would all go over and it was a very difficult part of the puzzle for us. We felt so torn. In our own home and little family we were ecstatic with incredible joy over what God was doing in our lives. But to know that others might not share in that joy ..... well, it's just very difficult to describe.

I only share all this now because I know many of you fellow adoptive families are going through similar struggles. Perhaps you grew up in a family that didn't embrace diversity and other ethniticies. Maybe you grew up in a home where racial slurs were heard. It's quite possible you fear that by adopting a child that looks different than your current family will risk being shunned by the family. These are tremendous things for the adoptive family to consider.

In some ways I wish I could say that every member of our family just fully embraced our adoptions ... that they worked alongside us to help fulfill the goals of bringing our daughters home. However had that been the case, I would have missed out on seeing God do such a work in our family's hearts. I would have missed the opportunity to learn to trust and follow my Heavenly Father first and foremost ..... even before my earthly family.

Just over 4 1/2 years ago I was walking the streets of Houston, TX, having just gotten a bite to eat while our new daughter was working hard to recover from open heart surgery. I will never forget looking up past all the tall buildings to the sky feeling quite alone. At that time I hadn't heard from my family yet after landing in TX. By this time some of them were tolerant of what was happening, yet others I had no idea if I'd really have much of a relationship with them once we returned home. While I felt very far away from my earthly family, I struggle to even find the words to describe how close I felt to my Heavenly Father. I knew without a doubt I was right where He'd called me. There was such an overwhelming sense of His peace, presence and joy.

God has not only worked in my life over these last years, but He's worked in my families' lives as well. So recently while preparing for "Grandma & Pa Pa" to come for dinner I found the girls sitting by the window waiting so expectantly for them. And the beauty behind it is that Grandma was just as over-joyed to see them as well. One little girl born here in America in desperate need for a family .... one little girl born across the world in Africa .... now brought together as sisters. But not only has God given them each a home and a family - while that's huge in itself - even more so He has transformed the hearts of that family to better love Him, to better serve Him and to better know Him.

No matter what challenges you are facing in your adoption, be encouraged that the God of the universe is bigger! .... and He will see you through.

Where Do We Begin?

There are probably an extreme few who even check our blog anymore, because of our horrible negligence in updating it. Each month I think ..... man, I HAVE to get a blog post update done ... and it just doesn't happen. It is difficult to know where to even begin.

This photo is of our new location. As you can see when we arrived it was in major need of help. The board across the front picture window was completely broken, as were many other windows. The yard was very sparse and those walls have NO insulation which made for a very cold Illinois winter. As I look back at these photos, it painfully reminds me also of the condition of our lives at the time. No doubt we were really feeling the affects of being uprooted and starting over. After just completing a major remodel with the North Dakota house, we ventured once again into a house needing massive TLC.

Our incredible remodel crew went to work, yet it was just incredibly overwhelming. Plaster walls and ceiling crumbling; old wire needing repaired; dirt, dog hair and who knows what all needing swept and washed .... it nearly did us in. My stomach turns just recounting that time.

The good news is that God had gone before us .... oh without Him we would not have made it! We were embraced by our church family with such genuineness. They asked nothing of us, but just loved us right where we were at and were used by God as a soothing balm to our hearts.

All during this time we were trying to discern what God had for us in this new chapter of our lives. Over time God gave David vision to launch a Handyman business here that has proven to be a really good fit both for our family and for the needs here in our area. As you know, our deep passion is adoption and orphan care and we are blessed to be serving with the ABBA Fund here from Central Illinois.

Just as we were getting the house livable, we were plagued with the Chicken Pox. That ended up being 5 weeks of utter misery. Chicken Pox IS as awful in adulthood as you can possibly imagine. Let's just say I never care to repeat that Mother's Day again as I sat collapsed in the bathroom wondering if I could even make it 10 steps to my bed.

The house remodel continues ... boys all still waiting to be settled into their living quarters which has drug on months passed what we'd anticipated. North Dakota house STILL awaits a buyer (recent interest in leasing option which we'd covet your prayers about!!!). Through it all God has poured out His grace on us and kept us going. He has filled the barren walls of this big 'ole house with much fellowship and ministry. He has ministered to our hearts and blessed us deeply.

We enjoyed a wonderful summer including many memories made with extended family ..... a rare treasure that we have missed incredibly across the miles! There are many photos to share .... here are a few. Seeing these smiles just bring me such encouragement after such a long journey.














A little landscaping, a bountiful garden and sweet fellowship have created much beauty at this new homestead. We promise to update again soon. :)

Remembering . . .

A year ago today we were finally united with our dear Arsema. What a bittersweet day it was. Our precious girl was less than excited about everything that was happening. I will never forget holding her stiff, scared body. We wanted so much for her to know there was nothing to fear. That process would take weeks for her. It definitely didn't come overnight. You can read all about that on the blog we kept to record our journey to her. However, a year later, she is deeply connected to her family and thriving. She is an absolute joy. We are so thankful for all the Lord has done in bringing her into our family.

Currently we are in the midst of an attack of the Chicken Pox. Three boys down, two girls likely waiting their turn. Hopefully all will be well soon and we can get onto better things ... like celebrating Nathaniel & Colton's birthdays!

A Year Ago . . .

Wow ... so it's been a year ago now (and a few days) since we got that infamous call! The time had come and our baby girl was revealed to us. The Lord had been preparing our hearts for her what seemed like forever. We will never forget seeing her first photos and hearing her story. The shock ... the sadness ... the overwhelming hope and joy.

What a long journey you have had, precious child, in your first two years of life. Many difficulties, losses and trials . . . yet your heavenly Father loves you SO MUCH and by His grace made a way to provide a family for you. Oh what a privilege it is, precious Arsema to be your family. You are a beautiful reflection of God's grace.

Gone are the days of being weak and ill and tiny. You are now strong and full of energy. Your vocabulary is just exploding and it is so much fun to hear you learning to build sentences. You're a bit sneaky and beginning to be quite mischievous. Just this week as you found sister's gum (in the trash can!) and quickly hid it away safely between your chomping teeth you said to me .... "Gum ... mmmmmmm ... yummy ... Mommy!!". I could do nothing but laugh and let you enjoy your rescued treat. Silly girl!!

There are times you still get confused and scared and far away ... especially during our recent move. Those painful expressions of yours take me back to our first days together in your home land. More often though your eyes just sparkle and light up with wonder as you explore and take in all the amazing discoveries in this world.

You are so loved, my precious child. I will never forget God's relentless urging in my spirit about you. It seemed impossible that He would lead us to adopt again. By all realistic standards it was just kind of over-the-top. Oh but the Lord has NO limits, my child. He is ABLE to walk us through any mountains we face. I am so glad He led us to you. Through this journey I have learned so much about His heart and what He values.

May the Lord continue to work through your life just as He has ordained.

More Birthday pics

Since blogger and I aren't getting along very well, here is another post with more pics from the birthday time! :) As you can see, progress is being made on the house! We'll update photos here soon.

Happy Birthday, Maleah!

It's hard to believe that Maleah has already turned 2! Between working on some molars and coming down with a cold, the birthday girl wasn't so happy. But she sure did enjoy some presents, cake and cousin time! She has not been a big fan of this move and getting her little world turned upside down again. Thankfully, things are beginning to settle down and she's learning that we are here to STAY and we're not leaving her. We look forward to another wonderful year with this precious sweetie.

And since Blogger isn't cooperating with me, there'll be a separate post with more pics.

Problems!!

I'm sorry that you're getting an error when you try to leave comments! Be assured we DO get your comments, but since our email has changed it sends this "unable to deliver" message. If any of you can tell me how to change my primary email on blogger, we'd love to hear from you!!! ... before I take the saw to my computer!!

But PLEASE still leave comments!! We LOVE hearing from you!

Thanks!

Much progress being made on the house ... LOTS of tools everywhere. Falling plaster has been removed, walls repaired and fresh paint put on. Stress has been felt with all the craziness. Children needing structure. Job search still in progress. Much prayer needed. Gratefulness has been felt in abundance while experiencing God's wonderful mercy and love throughout this move. BIRTHDAY to be celebrated soon!!! .... so come back for pics after the weekend. :)

Blessings!,
The Roberts Family