Dissolution

Our adoption was terminated yesterday by social services, who determined that it was in the children's best interest to return to their previous home. While we are extremely saddened by this situation for the sake of our family, we also recognize that this is the right decision. The three children that we were in the process of adopting are now back in the place they've known as home since they were born, with their Nana and Papa. We will miss them greatly, but are thankful that they have a safe home and a family who loves them.

Please be in prayer for this situation, especially for the adjustment of all of the children. After B was told that the three would be leaving, this conversation occurred:
B: "But mommy, they were going to stay here and be our family forever and ever! They can't leave!"
M: "I know buddy, but sometimes things have to change that we don't want to change, and they have to go back to Nana's house, but we will still love them forever."
B: "But why are they going back there?"
M: "Because Nana and Papa love them and missed them so much that they want them to come back and live with them."
B: "But I will stay here?"
A lot of reassurance about his place in our family continued the conversation, and is still carrying on today.  This is hard on us and this is one of the main reasons we decided to be an adopt only family, instead of doing foster care with adoption being a possibility. We wanted to protect them from brokenness.

We are holding on to this promise in Romans 8:28- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." We definitely love God, and were acting in response to his calling, to fulfill his purpose, so we know he will work this situation for our good! A few treasures that we've already been able to mine from this situation are:
1. Nana and Papa were able to recognize that what they had lost was precious to them, and I trust that they will cherish the children that have been returned to them.
2. C was able to be identified for some services and therapy that he needs to receive, and that process was started for them.
3. We got a taste of large family logistics and parenting older children. The list of things that we learned about ourselves, each other and our family dynamics will be invaluable for our future with our bio children, as well as any other children that God chooses to place in our home.

Please forgive that this is an abrupt announcement via a blog post, instead of individual conversations, but this happened quickly and without warning. We had a regularly scheduled visit with our case worker on Monday morning, in which we were informed of the protocol for our situation, then a phone call on Tuesday morning with their decision. The children left within hours after the decision was made. We would like to thank everyone who supported us through the journey of the last few months, through gifts, prayers, and loving on all 6 of our children. We couldn't have done it without you.

I want to close this post with some pictures. About a week ago, we had our family pictures done, and though these will be tucked away, I don't want to do that without sharing them first, as this was our family, no matter how short our time with them was!

A very special thank you to our friends, Ray and Ashley, who have practically lived at our house the last two days. They have held us while we cried, prayed with us, wrestled our decisions along side us, fed us, washed our dishes, changed diapers, played with our kids, babysat, packed suitcases and so much more.  True evidence of the body of Christ! We love you guys! Oh, and she is also responsible for capturing these beautiful images, of which I have to share just one more.  I hope his cuteness makes you smile!