We are so excited to share with you our third and final part to "A Love Story"; the journey of Sonia joining her forever family: the Bowers. Parts One and Two were written by mom, Emily. Today we have the honor of hearing from dad Michael. We trust you will be touched by his story:
"I would be lying if I said that I have never had any doubts, questions or struggles with the idea of adoption. Questions and doubts such as:
But last night...last night she melted her daddy's heart. Sonia went to bed about 8pm and the rest of the kids were up and we continued to hear her coughing. Emily asked me to go in and pick her up while she gave her a dose of cough medicine. I picked Sonia up and she woke up enough to take her medicine and I decided to rock her for a few minutes. After, I carefully stood up from the rocking chair and placed Sonia in the crib. Then it happened. At the moment I leaned over to cover Sonia up, she picked up her little head, smiled a huge smile, opened her eyes and looked at me and whispered, "Papa."
The word came out slow and sweet. Papa.
In that moment it was apparent once again, adoption does make a difference. Adoption is Biblical. Adoption is worth it, especially to Sonia. Adoption is expensive, but not as much as a new car in the drive-way or a larger home with a bigger payment.
Adoption has changed our home and I don't want the old home back.
Adoption does cause others to question, ask and wonder. But I am thinking that has more to do with those questioning and wondering, but little to do with me.
Adoption is challenging, trying and difficult, but God did not give us a Spirit of fear and timidness.
Adoption is hard to resist when she whispers, "Papa."
God continues to melt and shape my heart through my entire family and I am loving the feeling."
Sonia and Papa:
This love story the Bowers' family has graciously allowed us to publish is one of many families who have stepped out in faith and obeyed God's call to adopt. God may not be calling you to adopt but He does call each of us to help and to care for the orphan. You may have questions and concerns like the Bowers' did. There may be great obstacles in front of you that you think are impossible to get around. May this three-part Love Story encourage you to trust the One who has burdened your heart: He is faithful to fulfill His purpose for you.
If you are ready to take the next step - whatever that might be - in answering God's call to care for orphans, please contact us. We'd love to talk to you and answer any questions you might have. One family, one person, can make a difference. If she could, Sonia would tell you herself what difference you can make.
"I would be lying if I said that I have never had any doubts, questions or struggles with the idea of adoption. Questions and doubts such as:
- How can we afford international adoption?
- How will this affect our home and our children?
- What will others think?
- How can we afford international adoption? (I know I mentioned this already but this was just the truth.)
- What country?
If we can only adopt one child, will it make a difference? (Yes, I asked this question.) - How will others accept or reject our adopted child?
- 100 more questions, at least.
But last night...last night she melted her daddy's heart. Sonia went to bed about 8pm and the rest of the kids were up and we continued to hear her coughing. Emily asked me to go in and pick her up while she gave her a dose of cough medicine. I picked Sonia up and she woke up enough to take her medicine and I decided to rock her for a few minutes. After, I carefully stood up from the rocking chair and placed Sonia in the crib. Then it happened. At the moment I leaned over to cover Sonia up, she picked up her little head, smiled a huge smile, opened her eyes and looked at me and whispered, "Papa."
The word came out slow and sweet. Papa.
In that moment it was apparent once again, adoption does make a difference. Adoption is Biblical. Adoption is worth it, especially to Sonia. Adoption is expensive, but not as much as a new car in the drive-way or a larger home with a bigger payment.
Adoption has changed our home and I don't want the old home back.
Adoption does cause others to question, ask and wonder. But I am thinking that has more to do with those questioning and wondering, but little to do with me.
Adoption is challenging, trying and difficult, but God did not give us a Spirit of fear and timidness.
Adoption is hard to resist when she whispers, "Papa."
God continues to melt and shape my heart through my entire family and I am loving the feeling."
Sonia and Papa:
This love story the Bowers' family has graciously allowed us to publish is one of many families who have stepped out in faith and obeyed God's call to adopt. God may not be calling you to adopt but He does call each of us to help and to care for the orphan. You may have questions and concerns like the Bowers' did. There may be great obstacles in front of you that you think are impossible to get around. May this three-part Love Story encourage you to trust the One who has burdened your heart: He is faithful to fulfill His purpose for you.
If you are ready to take the next step - whatever that might be - in answering God's call to care for orphans, please contact us. We'd love to talk to you and answer any questions you might have. One family, one person, can make a difference. If she could, Sonia would tell you herself what difference you can make.