The Adoption Rules (in random order and edited to add Wendy's rules):
1. I will try not to be overly melodramatic about the immediate need for the boys to come home. Yes, I believe that it is in every one's best interest if the boys can come home very quickly, but Gerson and Elviz are obviously safe, healthy, and happy in their current situation, and I will try to keep that in perspective.
2. I will try not to become engaged in any online debates about the ethics of Guatemalan adoptions. It will do me no good, and I am increasingly convinced that it is only futile to try to speak reason with certain people who seem to think that they know everything.
3. I will try not to harbor hate for any person involved in my adoption process. Regardless of what any person, government, or organization does, God is in control of this adoption.
4. I will try to be a good "waiter". Of course I want the boys to come home as soon as possible, but I need to practice patience. I really do think that I have developed quite a bit over the last couple of years.
5. I will try not to be like the Israelites in the desert. . . (to me at least) it seems like every time God provided for their needs they turned around and started whining about something else. God has already performed miracles in this process, so I will try to have faith, rejoice in the manna that I have already received, and not pull the "why did you bring us out to the desert to die" kind of attitude!
6. I will try not to allow the stress of this process to affect the family I already have. I will rejoice in them each and every day and be thankful for what I have.
7. I will try to keep my sense of humor. Laughter can help the stress and lighten my load. Laughter is a balm to my wounded soul, and I will hang onto it with all my strength.
8. I will try to remember that legally and socially, Gerson and Elviz are not "my" boys. As much as I love them and hold them in my heart as "my" boys, I know that developing a sense of entitlement will only lead to me breaking the previous 7 rules. I will try to remember that this entire process is about me (us) respectfully and humbly asking for the privilege to raise these children in our home as our sons.
Now, I may not be very good about following these rules, but I will at least try!!! After all, I need to salvage all the sanity that I can for when all 4 children are at home :)
11 comments:
WOW...
I can certainly tell that there was a lot of thought and emotion that went into that post.
I pray with all of my heart that you are able to follow your rules and hold fast to your plan to endure the jounrney to bring your little guys home:)What a great testament to your faith that is.
You are a strong and determined lady - and I love that about you.
They are blessed boys to be coming into such a loving home with such super parents and siblings! You have a heart as big as Texas Krystal and you are passionate about your family - We share that don't we:):):):):):):):)
My family will continue to keep all six of you lifted up in prayer daily. Krystal..this group of strong women..that love our families so much..WE are like a big ole family... We may fuss, fight and disagree from time to time - but the bond of love we share - we ALL share for these children - these precious gifts - it keeps our heart and our hands joined - through it all...I love that.
My heart stands with yours to bring these boys HOME!
JUlia:)
Boy Krystal, if I ever go through this process again, I am printing these out and putting them on my fridge to read every day. What a wonderful reminder of who is REALLY in control. Even though the road will be rough, you've got a great foundation already set! I will keep you all in my prayers!
I will pray that you can follow your rules. But, if you fall - we will be there to comfort you when needed, cry with you when needed, and kick your butt back to the rules when needed. :)
I am going to steal your rules and add a couple of my own.
A) I will not allow the stress of this process to affect the family I already have. I will rejoice in them each and every day and be thankful for what I have and not be sad for what I don't have (yet).
B) I will keep my sense of humor. Laughter can help the stress and lighten my load. Laughter is a balm to my wounded soul and I will hang onto it with all my strength.
Love you guys!
I will do my part to help you stick with your rules. I can tell you really feel strongly about them. I think it's great that you are able to realize that God is in control and you know what things you need to do in order to let him work in this adoption. With this type of attitude, I know everything will work out great for you and your family!
Here's another one
Staff of of boards and jsut read blogs of close friends!
Hahaha! Good advice, Corey, but I'm not going to add that one b/c I know there is no way I will stay off the boards!!!
Always feel free to let me know when, where or how I can help! I'm very excited about these boys getting home, and I'll be one of your many prayer warriors!
Sign me up for these, too!
I too am going to steal your rules and share them with friends and family too so they might understand a little more what we are going through. Thanks, Tana
OK - I LOVE the rules. You know me... I just try so hard to be a good waiter... not to get all stressed out.. So my fave is the good sense of humor one. But I think this post would have been the perfect spot for the YOU KNOW WHAT picture of Gerson. (That Jane sent to you.) Talk about a good sense of humor.... :)
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