How to Grow Your Heart

     Your capacity to love grows the more you love.  After Kynady was born, and we decided she needed a sibling, I didn’t think I could love any more.  I thought I would have to split my heart into two pieces, but love doesn’t work that way.  When Elijah was born, my heart just doubled.  I had no idea that I could have that much love to give.  Love works the same way with others.  Once you choose to love someone, there’s no going back.  And there’s no such thing as sharing your heart.  Caterina Favino, our exchange student from Italy is a Thomas now.  In an earlier blog, I wrote that I had no idea why we agreed to host an exchange student.  Well, God knew what he was doing when he put Cate with us. She has been with us for about seven months, and that’s long enough for us to claim her as our own.  We love her as if she is our own flesh and blood, and having her here has removed any doubts about our capacity to love another outside the biological realm of a family. I don’t know if she knows yet what she has gotten herself into.  I don’t know what it’s going to be like when she leaves.  I know we’re not ready to let her go, and she will always hold her own place in our hearts. 

     Our adoption paperwork is still in the black hole called IBESR, but after some research, we’re so thankful and blessed to be there.  Because of the quota system, many families are still waiting to get in.  I found a group on Facebook that consists of a bunch of other families adopting from Haiti.  I have been amazed.  For example, one family’s dossier was in IBESR for over a year, and the family was finally told their paperwork had been found behind a filing cabinet.  Crazy.  I have also found that there is absolutely no rhyme or reason to any part of the adoption process in Haiti.  For some, their paperwork was in IBESR for three months.  For others, it was seven or eight months or even a year or more. First come, first served isn’t part of their culture either.  It’s about as random as you can get.   The Facebook group is a place to vent with others who know exactly what you’re going through, but it’s also a place to celebrate and rejoice with others when good news finally comes your way. It has been fun to follow others as they move from step to step.  It’s especially exciting to read when someone gets to have that coming home party.  We have faith that we’ll get there exactly when God has planned.  My heart has grown, but that space wants to be filled. It has created an ache that’s hard to explain, but I am very thankful for the peace that God has provided.  We have a mountain in front of us, but God can move any mountain.  Please pray that God will push us through.