Hope and a Future

     Wednesday, August 13th was a long awaited event for my nephew and his family as they welcomed home their seventh child, Kai, from Haiti. The adoption process started around the time of Kai’s birth, which was after the big earthquake in Haiti, taking over two years to complete. All of the necessary paperwork had to be approved, like his visa and US citizenship along with the papers that his prospective parents, Bill and Dominique had to fill out.

     They arranged for special care for him at the children’s home during the interim, not knowing how long it would be until the adoption went through. Many prayers were said on behalf of the family and this little boy. Bill made three trips to Haiti, first to meet Kai and then to make arrangements for the adoption. Dominique and her oldest son visited him for the first time last year.

      After spending a few days with Kai, it was difficult saying “good-bye” and leaving him there. They so longed to bring him home.  It was a heart-wrenching wait as the days, weeks and months passed by.

      Last spring news came that the adoption was getting closer. Things were made ready for his arrival: a “big boy” bed was purchased and waiting for its occupant in their bedroom; little green sandals; a bike... Pictures came in over the internet giving us an idea of all of the preparations.

       However, little Kai had no idea of what was in store for him. He had never been in a car or even had a hot bath…so many adjustments were ahead. It would be a huge transition for a two-year old who only understood Creole and the Haitian culture.

       Finally, everything was in order and they were given the ok to fly to Haiti to get Kai. Dominique and both boys made the long trip while Bill was at the Nationals swim meet in Irvine, California with the four girls. Their sixteen-year old daughter had qualified for the meet which was at the same time, so once again the family had to go in two different directions.

      What a grand reunion they had at the Bakersfield airport when the whole family was once again together…and when little Kai was introduced to his sisters for the first time, as well as his grandparents, extended family and friends! Praise the Lord for this awesome answer to prayer.

      Kai’s change to a new life full of hope and a bright future is a great picture of what lies ahead for all who accept Christ into their lives as Lord and Savior. God’s desire is that we be set free from bondage to sin and Satan, so that we can have fellowship with Him and experience peace, joy, love overflowing and eternal life. May our hearts be open to receiving all that He has for us.

        

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 11-13 NIV

(published in the Porterville Recorder August, 2014)