I have no idea what's changed, but Abby has for sure!! More and more her hugs have been warmer, she actually hugs back... She gives them freely at bedtime, she doesn't get upset when I kiss her on the head and last night at the soccer game, when she got cold, she came and sat close to me and let me snuggle her up and rub her arms... AMAZING...
She plays with me and teases me almost constantly and tonight, when Scott came home, she was so excited to see him. She was holding his hand, so I went over and hugged him on the other side and the next thing I knew she was giggling and pushing me away, just like Mackenzie used to do when she was little!
After over a year, she is really starting to feel like my little girl... Wow... I can't even begin to describe the feeling that goes with this... In the last couple of weeks, her little personality has become more and more free...she's so joyful and such a joy to be around.
To experience a child giving their hearts to you is breathtaking beyond words... When you give birth to a child, it happens so quickly, you have so many opportunities to create that love and trust with them. But when you adopt an older child, it is such a different process... It is truly one of perserverance, faith and hope.
Once again it makes me think of my Abba Father... He loves us so patiently...He perserveres...He meets us right where we are, over and over... And He waits for us to give our whole hearts to Him because giving your heart over to Him can be so hard, especially if you were spiritually adopted older (became a Christian later in life). But when I think of the joy I'm experiencing right now...the utter delight...I'm overwhelmed at thinking how much pleasure we must bring Him.
He loves us so perfectly and so purely... His longing for us is never motivated out of anything selfish... He doesn't need us for anything... He just loves us! WOW...
I am overwhelmed at the miracle God has worked in her precious little heart... Love truly does break down walls!
Final weekly blog – A farewell, not goodbye.
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On June 1st 2011, I wrote this in my first blog journaling our move to
Africa: *“Once we move to Africa, 365 short days from today, we hope you
will con...
3 years ago
10 comments:
I am starting to see glimpses of this with Lilly and it is so wonderful! We still have work to do, but I think we are on the right path after a few steps backwards. Its different parenting an older adoptive child, but so rewarding!
Oh that is so wonderful!! Since I haven't been reading your blog for very long I don't know all that you've been through in the last year but it sounds like you have really seen a breakthrough!
You are SO right about how different an older child adoption is. With little ones, just changing diapers, feeding them, bathing them, etc. helps develop attachment but with older ones, you just don't get those same kinds of opportunities. It makes it a lot harder to FIND ways to attach. And even though our situation SO FAR is going well...golly, I know we have a LONG way to go. I'm so thankful to have the Lord to guide us through it!! And I'm SO GRATEFUL that He WANTS us to lean on Him. Oh that is such a comfort!
Oh, my! You have me in tears! What a precious blessing that Abby is.
So excited for all of you and for what is in store for your lives together!
What a wonderful testimony of God's love. I have no idea what it must be like to adopt an older child, but I can imagine that it would take longer to bond.
For those reading and considering adopting an older child, I believe that your lives reflect the reality and yet the joy of seeing those small glimmers of hope along the way, to now witnessing this breakthrough!!
It is encouraging..... and if my sweet hubby agreed and the Lord willed.... I would certainly consider an older child one day!!!
Your post brought tears to my eyes!!! I had no doubt this would happen but I know how it must make you feel to witness it and feel the love from her heart!!! You all were literally a Match Made in Heaven!!!!!
Hugs to you and Abby tooo!!!
Kathie
It is so wonderful to see our little ones began to heal and love isn't it!!!
I have been waiting so long for this post! I knew that she would get there. Thank you for sharing your honesty over the past year for those considering adoption, especially that of an older child. (one huge reason to stay public) We sometimes just can't understand what they are going through and it is so hard. God can heal every heart though and I am glad that you are seeing the rewards now....hugs~
I am so glad to hear how she is warming up. Your adoption of an older child has been inspiring. We are hoping that our little 5 year old will warm up to us too when we finally get her.
I am So excited for you!
Thank you for your realness and
honesty in sharing over the past
year.
This post is so encouraging to see
as we wait for TA to bring home
our 13 yr. old daughter.
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