~Build an Altar~

~Build an Altar~



“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)

Last year, the week of the 4th changed for our family.  As much as we love fireworks, American Flags and the swelling of pride for the country we are lucky enough to call home...now, when I think of the first week in July, my heart beats a little faster for another reason.  It’s the week our lives officially changed forever.  



Our family sat in the “wilderness” (or rather, unknown, unsafe territory) for a couple years.  We marched, to be honest, it was more like crawled, into courtrooms and hearings that seemed continually meaningless only to then hang our heads and walk back out.  Over and over and over again.  We knew God hadn’t and wouldn’t forsake us.  We undoubtedly knew our journey was an act of obedience that couldn’t have been ignored.  But, why?   It was a roller coaster no one would stand in line to ride.  We hadn’t wanted this.  We didn’t ask to add to our family.  We were content just as we were.  

Then, Jesus.  



”The rocks their feet had walked across in obedience also bore witness to the grace of the Father, who makes small things significant and significant things small.”
 kaitlin wernet



So, back to the week of the 4th (or, the 5th).  To us, this week rings true independence in multiple ways.  It brings up all the jitters and the need to scream to the Heavens in thanksgiving because I never, ever want to forget what it felt like to be sitting in such a dark place holding the hand of my man when the Lord parted the waters.  When, although not visually, but more real than life itself, we witnessed our “Red Sea” being held back by the hands of the Father.   The courtroom hushed and the judge on the stand no longer ruled.  The gavel was in the hand of the one true Judge.  We felt God’s grace like honey thickly pouring down, covering us.



The foster part of our journey was over.  It held moments that broke me.  However, those same moments are the ones that I now can’t help but celebrate.  It is in those times that I saw the face of Jesus and felt His arms wrapped around me so tight.  Most of all, I experienced His faithfulness.  His goodness. His promise.  



So, like the Israelites, we will build an altar of Remembrance.  We will make sure each stone we walked across is known and treasured by us and the ones that follow.   



Tybee Island~because it’s a beach still within state lines, it’s the first place we ventured as a foster family of 6.  When Spring Break 2016 rolled around and the infant we agreed to help with during the Fall was still in our arms, we decided life must go on.  And, off we went.   



Now, over two years later, we thought it was the perfect week to journey back here and uncover the stones.  We’ve talked about the good, the bad and the ugly parts of our adventure so far as we stacked imaginary stones on the altars within our hearts.  



We have forever left to journey as a family touched by adoption.  I can honestly say parts of it still terrify me.  Yet, fear is a lair.  I know this because I walked it before.  So, I’ll hold close every memory, every minute ahead and every child shared with me for this little life no matter how they got here.  I’ll do my best to be “clothed with strength and dignity, and laugh without fear of the future” (proverbs 31:25) because I’ve “tasted and seen that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”  (Psalm 34:8)



“As we pray, may we be ready to be part of God’s answer. The greatest blessing will likely be ours.”  Becky Keife

Anders Charles, Happy Gotcha Day angel!
 You're my greatest adventure and a cherished miracle I will never, for one single second, take for granted.

  Every time you met a stranger this week you would point to me and tell them

 "that's my Mommy right there."

That exact moment melted me over and over again.  Although you have no idea the magnitude of that statement yet, I pray every day that you will understand the deep love the Father has for you and how extremely blessed we ALL feel you call you our forever baby boy!