It never ceases to amaze us how complete strangers are brought into our lives; and in the most unusual way sometimes…Over the past 20 years we moved often with Brad’s job; which was always a scary but exciting time for us. We had to leave the friendships and things we loved behind; most of them just distant memories as we reflect back on the years. We were excited but scared to pick up and move and start our lives all over again with a different house, new jobs, new schools, new culture, and new friendships. In a sense we were orphans as well. We left our extended families for an adventure of a lifetime. Granted we now see family from time to time since we still live a 5-hour drive away from where we call “home”.
As we started out this adventure of a lifetime we were newlyweds, then new parents, and we were all alone. We didn’t have parents to babysit for us. Our children didn’t have the 1st birthday (or any other birthdays as far as that goes) or many other holidays with cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. A friend once told us to never play the “could’ve, should’ve or would’ve” game. You have to do what is right for YOU as a family. No matter how far away from our families we were, they were always a phone call away. It didn’t change the miles between us, but somehow brought comfort in troubled times. This strengthened our relationship not only to each other, but our children as well as we learned how to play and grow together, to respect, trust, and love. We depended on each other and we put our faith in God’s hands. God has the ultimate plan for each of us…
We always talked about adoption when our biological children were growing up but for some reason it just didn’t happen. We had to keep reminding ourselves to have patience, what is meant to be, will be…
As you all know God did have a plan for us, not only did he teach us about patience but he also is testing our faith. Our new teenager daughter continues to test our faith, trust, patience, and love. It has not been easy for us; and we're sure it hasn’t been easy for her to leave her siblings and the only world she knew. God knew we needed these friendships and this child in our life because he knew we were lost and alone so many years ago. He believes we may be able to help her deal with her loneliness and loss. We just hope and pray that she will overcome her fears and learn to appreciate her "adventure of a lifetime". HE puts people in our lives and we sometimes do not understand the “why”. Perhaps we are not meant to understand; just "go with the flow". HE has the ultimate plan for each of us…
If you ever want to make God laugh… Tell Him your plans!
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3 comments:
If that isn't the truth! We have moved around also and that is a good way to put it. I pray things are going better for your family. It is great to hear from you guys again!
Hey Brad and Mari!
Just wanted to check in with you and let you know that we are thinking about you.
Matthew
How is it going now, Brad and Mari? We have had struggles with our new teenage daughters, too, and sometimes wonder what God's plan is, but we are glad He's in control and is faithful!
~Debbie Hoffmann
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