On this day nothing happened

Have you ever seen one of those tourist site signs that read "On this day in history, nothing happened here" ? That's how I feel lately. Friends ask once in a while if we have any news, we don't. The only thing I've heard recently wasn't helpful. There is some pressure in Liberia, as they finalize the adoption process, to make adoption more difficult. Please pray that won't happened and we will soon know how long until we can bring Michael home.

Diamonds

One of the hardest parts of losing Habakkuk is wondering if we missed God somehow. Adopting two children was not our plan in the beginning. We felt overwhelmed by the thought, but over time it just felt right.

I always thought my wedding ring, with six little diamonds on each side, was a sign that we would have six children someday. Over the past months, looking at my ring would remind me of the children that were coming, our boys.

After Habakkuk died, looking at my ring was painful. Not only because it reminded me that Habakkuk was gone but also the loss of what I thought was a promise.

So, God in His gentle goodness, gave me a new sign. Last Thursday, as I was loading up the bikes for vacation, I notice my ring catching on something. When I looked at it, one of the stones was gone. I looked for it, but didn't find it.

It immediately hit my heart. One of my diamonds is gone. I haven't told anyone this story in person yet, I don't know if I could. But, now when I look at my ring, my heart is filled with sweet sorrow. One of my diamonds is gone.

In Memory of Habakkuk

Last week I was told more about what happened to Habakkuk.

When Habukkuk had malaria, he and Michael were taken to Monrovia so he could be treated. While they were gone, their grandpa died. Families are very important, so the boys went back to their community for the funeral. It was while they were there that Habukkuk got Cholera. I don't think there is any medical facility in their community, so by the time the pastor got there to try to take him to a clinic it was too late.

I also found out that Habukkuk was not the only person to contract Cholera. This community does not have a water well. I assume that means they get the water for all their water needs from an open water source. Our friend will be visiting Liberia at the end of the month. She is going to find out what it will take to put a well in this community. Our dream is to fund raise for the well in memory of Habukkuk.

Great Sadness

This is the email that I sent out yesterday:

Dear friends and family,

It is with tears that I inform you that our little boy, Habakkuk, is home with Jesus instead of with us.

After recovering from malaria, Habakkuk and his older brother, Michael, stayed with a foster family in Monrovia, Liberia. Yesterday, Habakkuk was very ill and was taken to a medical facility. He died there last night of cholera.

Cholera is caused most often by drinking dirty water. In its most severe forms, cholera is one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known. In a common scenario, the disease progresses from the first liquid stool to shock in 4 to 12 hours, with death following.

Habakkuk was 2 1/2 years old. He lived with his maternal grandparents until recently. He is deeply loved by his family in Liberia as well as our family, as the son and brother we never met.

Please pray for his brother, Michael, and his grandma as they grieve. And pray for us too.

Thank you.
Peggy

Grief

This afternoon I received a phone call that Habakkuk, our two year old, was very ill yesterday and was taking to the clinic/hospital, but they were unable to save him. Habakkuk died last night of cholera.

While we are waiting

I believe our boy is over malaria. However, while he was getting treatment in Monrovia, their grandpa died. Both boys were staying with the pastor that is overseeing their care. The relatives decided that the grandma can't continue to care for the boys alone, so they are now with a foster family. I don't know many details at all. I imagine the benefit is that the pastor is closer and will be able to see them more. But, really, my heart is sad because our boys have lost the only family they know. They don't know there is a mommy and a daddy across the ocean who love them and pray for them. They don't know they have sisters and a brother who talk about them often and wonder what it will be like to have new brothers.

My dear, precious boys,

You are loved. You are wanted. You have a home.
You are not abandoned. We will come for you.
Sleep with peace, play with joy, and smile with hope.

And, as I pray over all my children,
May God shine His face on you and be gracious to you.
May He turn His face towards you and give you peace.
May you love God with all your heart and soul and strength.
May you love Him forever and follow Him all you days.
And may He send His angels to watch over you to guard your heart, your mind and your body.
In Jesus' name.
Amen

Alaina's words

Alaina is sitting on my lap and in her quiet little voice says, "My heart is broken because M and H aren't here yet." Oh, what a sweet girl!