Some days . . . . . . .

Some days are more difficult than others and being a mom is a hard job no matter how many children you have. There are days when I wish I had just stayed in bed with the covers over my head. There are times when I ask myself "What have you gotten yourself in to?  You can't do this!"  Those are the days when we just need to take a step back, a deep breath and refocus ourselves.  We need to allow God's mercy and grace to rule our lives and choose to let God's peace surround us.   Sometimes just that deep breath and refocus helps us to know why we do what we do.    It never fails when I do that I usually encounter a slobbery kiss, a hug or a spontaneous "I love you."   These days when that encounter comes from our newest additions, Eliyanah or Kevin Michael, it reminds me why we are pressing forward to adopt again.  As I reflect on how far Eliyanah has come in these past 4 1/2 months I am in awe of how God's love has changed a life forever.

In case some of you did not know all the details, Eliyanah was a little girl living in an orphanage in the Ukraine. She had been abandoned on the streets as a three year old. We do not have any information on her prior to age three. She was then placed in an orphanage where she was labeled as a "wild animal".   We sat in court as this description of her was translated to us at least three times.  She did not speak in this orphanage and was left most of the time alone in a crib. She did not begin to speak until she was transferred to a new orphanage prior to turning six.  When we met her in this orphanage, for the first time, she had no concept of what parents were. She could not dress herself, open doors, or was even potty trained. Her entire environment was controlled and we witnessed her being sedated. She was not developing as a child in this orphanage.  As I prepared to exit the country, with both children, I was told by the medical doctor about Eliyanah, "you must understand this child is deeply mentally disturbed and I doubt she will ever be able to function normally."  As I heard these words I smiled and said I understood because I knew my God was much bigger than the words that had just been spoken.  She was our daughter!  I’m not sure what answer this doctor wanted but over and over again she asked “are you sure you know what you are doing by adopting these children?”  She informed me that it would be a miracle if our son, Kevin Michael, would survive the flight home.  Her belief was that his heart was in such terrible condition that he would not live much longer.  After being asked several times, I have to be honest, the thought did cross my mind, but these were my children and I was not about to leave them.  They were our children and I was bringing them home!!!!   This was one of those moments I put my complete trust in God.  He had brought us this far and He was not about to let us down!!!

I have to say they have both proved that doctor wrong!  She is potty trained, dressing herself, learning English, and growing so much.  Kevin Michael received his much needed heart surgery and is growing, healthy and happy.  I have experienced what love and perseverance can do for a child left without hope.  You can see God's love in both of their smiles.

Yes, some days are difficult!!!  We have days of victory and days that we just want to go back to bed.  As a family we will proceed forward with this adoption, because a precious child’s life is at stake.  A child of God that deserves hope!!!  He deserves a family to call his own!!!  Our God is always faithful and will be with us throughout this entire journey!!!

We would appreciate your prayers and support!!!

To donate please use the donate button to the right of this page or mail all donations to:

Reece's Rainbow
PO Box 277
Monrovia, MD 21770

(write Bowling Family on your check)