the promise

Just over a year ago was when I first laid eyes on a beautiful little family in Korah Ethiopia. It was a moment in time that would change our family forever. A moment that will forever be embedded deep in my heart and soul. A moment that was divinely appointed by the Lord. The first time I scooped up Sarah and Juddah in my arms and prayed with Chebree their birth mom, it was instant love. You know the kind, when you think your heart is about to explode and the rest of the world comes to a stop, and all you want to do is embrace and protect the moment. It was and is that kind of love with Juddah, Sarah, Chebree and Mahlet. 


A lot can happen in a year.


About 2 weeks after helping Chebree care for the two tiny fragile babies, I was in the silver market in Addis, and came across two tiny silver crosses. They were just lone charms sitting on the glass shelf. I purchased them and had them put on black necklace cords to give to the babies. When I gave them to Chebree, I shared with her that these were a symbol, a symbol that with the Lords help and His divine intervention, together we would do everything humanly possible to help the babies survive until their 1st birthday, but in the end it was up to the creator of life, and that we must pray daily for these little souls. I asked her to save these and put them on the shelf until their first birthday, and when they were 1 we would give them to Sarah and Juddah. I was surprised at what happened next.... Chebree immediately put them on the babies. I don't know what was going thru her mind in that moment, but I saw something in her eyes, something that told me that she was believing in the promise of the cross for her babies. At that time, Chebree was not a believer, and only recently had been invited to church for the first time. Just a few short weeks later was when she first stepped foot in the church, and later accepted Jesus as her savior. She was believing in the promise and power of the cross before she even knew what it fully meant. Those thoughts and those seeds planted can only be explained by one thing.... the holy spirit.... 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

 “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

A future! The promise of a future!
So here it is, just one year later, and Sarah and Juddah are now 1 year old! A living testament to the power of the cross.  They have been on different paths on different continents this year, with the same goal in mind, to become strong, healthy and happy little 'babes of the king'. Sarah is a rolly-polly little one year old who is now walking solidly, and eating everything in site. She tends to cling close to her mama, but when coaxed will send a smile your way that will melt your heart. She is strong and healthy and happy.  Juddah has had 3 surgeries, is in physical therapy and continues to make developmental strides. He is full of joy, laughs constantly and is a bright light for all those who come in contact with him.


Hills, valleys and bumps in the road will continue to dot their future, while we know not what the future holds there is one thing that is constant.... the power of the cross.