Are You Out There?

I was talking to my dad today and he asked if I had followed the story about the building that collapsed in Haiti, injuring and killing precious children. I told him that I did hear about it, but I chose not to look into the story too far, as it only tears my heart out. He also reminded me that Haiti recently declared Voodoo to be their national religion. My heart bleeds. I have loved that nation, it stole my heart when I was only 17 years old. My first trip to Haiti was in 1991 and I was gripped by the beautiful smiles and hopeful eyes of people who were the poorest in the western hemisphere. They had so little, but the ones who knew Jesus as their Lord and Savior possessed a strength that I could only dream of. When I returned from that seven day journey, I left a piece of my heart in Haiti, knowing I would be back to reclaim it. Just 17 months later, fresh out of high school, I returned for a one year stay at the same mission. After that, I was able to participate with short term teams. The summer of 1997 was my last trip in. The following summer, I had my first son and trips in and out of third world countries took a back seat to raising babies.

I have often prayed about and dreamed about returning to Haiti. I long to bring back another child from the country that still grips me. I know that we cannot save the world, but what if there is one child that God has chosen to be a part of our family? Or, maybe two or three? Tonight that longing was brought back to the surface for me. As our family gathered in the boys room to watch Extreme Makeover, Home Edition, I realized that the featured family had adopted several boys from Haiti, more were from their own town and mixed in with their natural born sons. Eleven in all. I know that sounds staggering to most people, but to me it sounds heavenly. Less than five minutes into the show, B said "Mom, you're crying already?" I want our home to be a place where others can stop by in the storms of life and feel peace. We are working toward that goal, we have a long way to go. But once we are in a better place, I know that God is going to open doors and move mountains on our behalf. He will complete our family, as He sees fit.

I will always be a mother at heart. Once my own boys are raised and finding their wings, I won't stop being a mom. Even in high school and at youth group the younger kids called me "Mom." That's just what I was made to do. Tonight I say a prayer, asking God to watch over the precious children of Haiti, the children of the world. And, I can't help wondering "Are you out there? Are you wondering who will take care of you? Do you long for a place to lay your head, a home of your own? Do you dream about a mom and dad and brothers who will love you and make you a part of their family?" O, God. Watch over each one tonight. Lead us and others to the ones that need to be rescued. Give us huge hearts with the capacity to love and accept those you bring to us...