“Just out of curiosity why can’t you adopt her? If this is causing you so much pain why hasn’t she become a part of your family? Why haven’t you brought her home?”
From the crazy number of e-mails I have received asking me this question, it seems that many are curious as to why my own family is not bringing Yulia home. I probably should have answered it in my original post about Yulia.
Why are we not briniging her home? We are the ones who have the burden for her. We are the ones who have met her and spent time with her. So why is she not ours?
Well, it’s simple really. In order to adopt a child (either domestically or internationally) there are many requirements that a family needs to meet. There are the requirements that the U.S. has in place that you have to meet in order to get approval here to adopt. And then there are also additional stipulations that each country you adopt from has. They all vary.
The bottom line for us is that we do not qualify to adopt in this season of our lives. And there is absolutely no way around it. Trust me, if there were a way, we would find it. But it is absolutely impossible at this stage. I wish things could be different, but I also know all too well that God allows us all to go through different season in our lives. We’re in one we don’t particulary like at all. But, it has given God such an incredible opportunity to show Himself faithful to take care of our every need. And so we’re trying to embrace the season, for we know that they do not last forever.
Would we bring her home if we could? Oh my word…absolutely. We would not hestitate to make Yulia a Salem. If there was any way humanly possible, I would have run out of that orphanage with her in my arms when I left there for the last time. She captured my heart, and yes, I do feel an enormous amount of pain in my heart for her.
I often get asked whether I think that every Christian should adopt a child. I don’t really know the answer to that question. I know that we are ALL commanded to care for orphans–but I know too that “caring” can be done in many different ways. I absolutely believe that every Christian should inquire of the Lord if they are to adopt, but it does not mean that the answer will be “yes” for every family. We’re all called by God differently.
What I am one hundred percent convicted of is that we can ALL do something to help the orphan crisis. Every orphan needs someone who will be a voice for them. And really, there is so very much that can be done. I believe that every Church should have an orphan ministry. And I am totally convinced that it is the Christian’s responsibility to care for the fatherless (because His Word says so).
So no, we cannot bring Yulia home. But there are times in life when we just know that we know that we have to do something to help. I knew that Yulia would be overlooked on a waiting child site because people just would not realize the urgency of her situation.
Yulia needed a voice….and a grant.
I knew that she could never be my own child (unless God changed our circumstances—which He has not). But I also knew that I could not turn my back on her and walk away from her. I would be accountable for that decision for the rest of my life. I felt sure that I absolutely had to do something to raise the RANSOM for her. She needed money, which makes an adoption so much easier. I know that my God is faithful. Faithful to raise up an army when there is a need. Faithful to send His warriors into the battle when the trumpet call comes.
And that, dear friends, is exactly what He has done for sweet Yulia. Many have heard the trumpet call. God has raised an army of mighty warriors and sent them into battle for this sweet child. NOT because of anything I have done. But simply because of WHO HE IS! Faithful and True. Lover of the orphan. Protector of the weak.
Honestly, I never imagined that together we would raise such a large amount of money for Yulia in a few short days. My part has been so small in God’s bigger picture. He truly has used so very many people to get that total to 80%. I am blown away by His great love for this little girl. And I am so incredibly blessed by the love that so many of you have shown by donating to the Chip-In so far. I am moved to tears when I see how God is using her life already for His glory. Even in sickness. Every life has value and purpose. To think that little Miss Yulia lies in a crib on the other side of the world and has no idea how loved and treasured she already is…by many.
Amazing.
Thank you, glorious Body of Christ. Thank you for enabling this precious little angel to come home. A treasure who WILL find her Mommy and Daddy–the ones who were destined to be her parents before the foundation of the universe. Thank you for playing a part in her unfolding story. She WILL be chosen. Of this I am absolutely positive.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18
There are times when we are called to be their Mommy and Daddy. And then there are times when we are called to just be their voice.
