Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Beauty From Ashes

I've been meaning to write this post for quite some time. If I'm being honest, it will probably be the last on this blog. I think there comes a point when a person has healed to a point that they don't look back. They don't want to look back because they've learned, grieved, grown and moved on. So that's a really good thing if you ask me! But this blog deserves one last post. You all deserve one last post. And I think you'll enjoy it.

This all started in 2012. This huge, beautiful, messy, painful journey of adoption. While it didn't end how my heart hoped and prayed it would, in a way this all just FEELS right. I can't explain it. But I hope the following words and pictures feel right to you all as well. You've been on this journey with "us" for years now. You've shared in this story, and the good news is that it doesn't end. The time we spent filling out paperwork, making a home, raising money and in prayer was not in vain. Yes, the McCall family adoption journey is over, but because you joined us and supported financially, those gifts go on. And I want to do my last part in connecting you with those stories.

About a month ago, I realized that my heart had healed so significantly that not only could I accept that (for the time being) adoption and motherhood were over for me presently, I could JOYFULLY give of what you all sacrificially gave to Alex and I to bring our little girl home. I read an article the other day that had a quote that hit me so powerfully: "The best orphanage is still an orphanage." No child belongs in one. And it is with great joy and smiles and tears that I let you all know that your generous gifts to us have reached far beyond my wildest imagination. I sat on my bed a month ago and wrote check after check after check to families who LOVE Jesus and are being obedient to Him and giving a family to children who have none. I've spent months praying over the thousands we raised. Each family below is in such a different stage of adoption, and it is so exciting for me to be able to share their stories with you. Praise Jesus for He is GOOD!

Introducing...

The Richardson Family (Sean and Sarah)
http://therichardsonadoption.blogspot.com


I've never met Sarah, but I went to college with her sister, Katie. We became good friends at Union, and I've been following her sister and brother-in-law's story ever since they announced they were adopting from Ghana! They got to meet their daughter back in February, and she is beautiful. You can follow their journey via their blog (link above).




The Yates Family (Kevin and Rachel)
https://www.facebook.com/Bringingharperhome?fref=ts


I went to high school at Whitefield with Rachel. She and her husband recently began the process of adopting a little girl from Haiti. You can follow their journey via their Facebook page! I love reading about how excited their four children are and how they are involved in the whole process! It's a family affair after all. :)











The Ashley Family (Zach and Danielle)
http://ashleyadoption.com


I met Danielle when I was working at the library up in Northern Kentucky. She would bring in her four sweet girls to storytime every now and then. We got to know each other a little bit and towards the middle of 2014, I learned that their family was also in the middle of the adoption process! They are currently trying to adopt from the United States, but have had one of the hardest adoption stories I've ever heard. Please pray for their entire family as they walk in obedience. Pray that hope is renewed and for the child God will bring into their family.









The Snivley Family (Brian and Anne)
https://snivleysonamission.wordpress.com

I have never met Brian and Anne, but we have many mutual friends through The Avenue. They are adopting from the United States and recently received a matching grant at the same time I was praying about how to use the money God had provided us. I just knew that they were a family to bless in this way because God would DOUBLE that gift! How cool is that?! Not to mention, a couple weeks later they were finally MATCHED! Please keep them in your prayers as they begin this new journey of parenthood. Adoption is not for the faint of heart.










There are four more families (IN ADDITION TO THESE) that were blessed because of YOUR gifts. For privacy and protection of the children they are adopting, I am not able to share their stories with you (presently), but that could change at a later point in time. But for now, please pray for the four families above. Pray for protection over them and their children. Pray for peace, patience, hope and a lot of faith. Writing to each of them brought tons of tears, but not the tears of 2014. These were tears of hope and joy and complete peace.

Thank you for coming along on this journey. It is such a blessing to be able to write this post. It fills my heart with complete happiness to be able to share their stories with you. Your many gifts are making a difference. Children's lives will change because of YOU. And if that is what God had in mind for my story all along, I am happy to be used in this way. Thank you for everything.

Briana McCall