#AdoptionRocks, Part 10: Meet my niece, Cristina

This is it, friends. The final post of this series -- and I'll admit. I'm sad it's ending. I'm honestly trying to figure out how to stretch it out just a little longer because these stories have been so amazing. Such beautiful examples of God's relentless pursuit of each of us in the most unique and personal way. 

And another thing I'll admit. This one? Well, it's my favorite. Not that I don't love every single friend that has shared their heart and their journey...but this is the one. This is the one that gave me another beautiful niece, Cristina.

It has been such a joy and blessing to watch my brother and sister-in-law fight for my niece over these past few years. We have prayed many prayers for their journey; to share their story today brings tears to my eyes as I recall the difficult journey they have traveled. My sweet sister-in-law, Stephanie, has such a beautiful way with words...and with her children and really just with people in general. She is one of the greatest blessings of my marriage into the Walton family. I'm so thankful she made the time in her very busy schedule to write this final post in this series with all its twists and turns and messiness, but ultimately with the most beautiful "end" result.

In Her Own Words...

We’re Jay and Stephanie Walton and we have 3 kids, 2 biologicals (Willie and Ruby) and our “adopted” teenager (Cristina) who has been in our family for almost 4 years. We live in Nashville, Tennessee. After Willie and Ruby were born, I actually desired another child but Jay did not share that desire. Honestly, I didn’t know if I really just needed another maternity leave! But, the desire to have another child stayed and I could feel the Lord telling me, you will have another child. I had a peace and figured one of Willie or Ruby’s friends might need us one day. I let it go and nonchalantly figured it would be interesting to see how it worked out. 

Stephanie, Cristina and Jay in the DR, 2010

At the time Jay was a college basketball coach, and we were involved with a ministry called Nations of Coaches. We went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and met Cristina in the orphanage she grew up in. We began sponsoring her financially and after another trip to the D.R. a year later, the Lord put in on Jay’s heart to do more for her. We didn’t know what “more” looked like given she was an older child—a teenage girl! 

Jay claims he was hesitant for several days to tell me this unconventional directive to expand our family. When Jay told me he felt we were supposed to do “more” for Cristina, he was so nervous but the Lord had gone before him and my heart was open. As much as I typically need a written, detailed, spreadsheet-mapped plan (and budget), it wasn’t necessary. Doing “more” was a done deal and only the Lord could have come up with teenage girl to expand our family. We couldn’t have dreamed up what our family looks like.

All in all, it took about two years to get Cristina to the United States so she could be in our family and get an education and opportunities that could truly change her life’s course. The lyrics of Trust and Obey “Trust and obey. Trust and obey. To be happy in Jesus. Trust and obey” replayed in my heart over and over through the waiting, not knowing, not being able to  explain what we were doing succinctly. I no longer had the feeling that I could be doing more for the Lord or that I should be doing more. In the heartache of waiting and wondering, we felt pure joy. We were obeying and we couldn’t control it. We could only figure out next step only and wait. Pray. Next step. Watch. Pray. Next step. This rhythm is how we lived life for 2 years. Cristina couldn’t be adopted due to her older age but we knew we were supposed to do “more” so we pressed on. After waiting over a year for the orphanage to produce paperwork to prove Cristina even existed in the world (kind of needed that for a passport and visa), six total trips to the DR, embassy visits, ups, downs, thousands of dollars for three different kinds of attorneys to help develop the best long-term path for her-- Cristina is on a student visa to study in the USA. Although we are not legally her parents, we are her family by love.

Her story is so beautiful to me in that she learned very early in her life she truly had nothing except for what the Lord was providing. It’s the same for all of us, but I learned it best from Cristina because of the starkness of her need -- not unlike millions of other orphans and foster children in this world. There weren’t any trappings. Because of her young age and dependence, I could see how only the Lord could provide in her situation. She knows this ordinary family from Tennessee couldn’t have come to her by any other way than through the Lord.

The Waltons
Jay, Stephanie, Ruby (8), Willie (12) and Cristina

As you can probably tell, our journey for Cristina cannot be neatly defined or summarized. There are too any details, twists and turn, ups and downs for one blog post. Our journey for Cristina is best defined as a scary, question-filled, faith-led journey of obedience. The outcome has been sheer amazement as the Lord has ordered our steps, and her steps. Recently, Psalm 63:7 spoke to my heart. “Because you have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings will I rejoice.” We’re currently trying to figure out Cristina’s college plans. Even though every detail isn’t determined or worked out in our finite minds, we are already rejoicing because we know He has provided for her until now and will provide again. We can stand in the shadow of His wings and rejoice because of what He has done and will do. We’ve seen Him so vividly work on behalf of His child Cristina. 

While I can’t tell you what she’ll be when she grows up or where she’ll go to school or how far apart we’ll all live (which we could say for all of our kids, right? ), we can rejoice! We’ve seen the Lord work. He is faithful. God is with us. Emmauel.

“So what should we say about this? If God is with us, then who can be against us? God let even his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for us all. ….Christ Jesus died but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is on God’s right side and is begging for us.” Romans 8:31-34

We have learned: The Lord builds a family on love. Legal bindings do not make families. Love makes families. Love surpasses boundaries that laws cannot.

We have learned. The Lord shows up. He asked us to step out on faith and He has shown Himself to us through crazy, seemingly coincidental signs. Those signs not only gave us confidence in the moment but confidence when we look backwards that God was with us when we started the journey. 

We’ve needed that confidence.

We have learned. The Lord provides resources and He uses His children in His work. From the smallest of gestures to the most generous gifts, follow the Lord when he tells you do something. Follow that prompting from His Spirit.  He is getting something done for his Kingdom and he uses us together.

We have learned. Our faith can only grow by stepping out for Jesus in something we can’t define or control.

I feel like Peter in Matthew 14:28-31 most every day as we still try to figure out next steps.

Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you then tell me to come to You on the water.”

Jesus said, “Come.”

And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus, but when Peter saw the wind and waves he became afraid and began to sink.

He shouted, “Lord, save me.”

Then Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, “Your faith is small, why did you doubt?

******************************

No words, y'all. No words. Now it's just tears of joy as I think about Jay and Stephanie's obedience and their willingness to say "yes" - without a plan or timeline or any idea of what it might look like for them or for Cristina. Just "Yes!" to the call to do more. 

I pray as you have read these posts, God has stirred your heart to do more. To consider adoption, fostering or just financially supporting those who are already in those processes. 

We can all play a part in the orphan crisis. No part is "small" or "unimportant." Every part makes a difference for one. And that's all He's asking of us...just for one. 

25 Days...and Counting

Anse-a-Pitre, Haiti : May 2013

In 25 days, I'll be headed back to Haiti and the DR for about 10 days. When I look back at the last 18 months of my life, I stand amazed. What I believed to be a "bucket list" kind of adventure to Haiti has turned my world upside down.

My heart has been broken for a tiny island in the Caribbean that 3 1/2 years ago, I very likely could not have found on a map without some serious searching. I own a sewing machine that has only sewn school kit bags because there was a chance that those bags might end up in the hands of Haitian children. I have learned more about the creation of sustainable income streams and building clean water wells than I ever dreamed possible for this non-math, non-science minded girl. And I have changed my entire career path to answer a call to do something - however small it may feel - to make lives better and share the love of Jesus Christ in this little part of the world.

Wow. Who knew? 

God did.

I have, on several occasions lately, played the "what if" game. My faith is so weak, despite the overwhelming blessings God pours out on me, and I have a tendency to second-guess decisions...often. 

• What if I hadn't gone to Haiti in June 2012? 
• What if I hadn't gone back in February when Tim Dortch, HMM Founder and Director, said about a million times, "Communication is 90% of what we do!"? 
• What if my sweet husband - at any point - had not been supportive? 
• What if my family and friends hadn't generously supported my trips and our entire team in May to make these trips financially possible?
• What if my fears had gotten the best of me?

Anse-a-Pitre, Haiti :
June 2012

There are so many pieces and parts that have been carefully orchestrated to bring me to being 25 days from my fourth trip to Haiti in 15 months (Note: I did not even have a passport until two years ago). It makes my head spin a little when I think about it...ok, a lot. 

But I don't believe in coincidence...I believe God has gone before me every step of this journey. I believe He has made situations that seemed impossible - possible. 

The biggest "what if" I have struggled with lately has been, "What if I had said "No, not me. Not now."? Then, of course, my mind wanders to all the times when I have said that. 

I am ashamed and so sad...the times are too numerous to count. And there are probably so many times I don't even realize I have missed.

I think I'd rather just count the days until I leave...

The First Two Months

Wow! I wrote today's date and realized today is my two-month anniversary to have joined the Hispaniola Mountain Ministries staff! It's gone by so quickly and I have enjoyed every minute of it (Well, almost every minute. There were those two hours on hold with Paypal that one day...). I spoke a few weeks ago to a Sunday School class and afterward, a sweet man came up with a twinkle in his eye and said, "It's a shame you're not more passionate about what you do!' LOVE IT!

Sharing with the Louisville Emmaus
Community at their July meeting. 

I have traveled to several different churches and organizations sharing the work of HMM and its ministries in Haiti and the
Dominican Republic. I am so encouraged by the compassion others show for these countries and by their willingness to partner - both financially and prayerfully - for the Haitian and Dominican people. There is much to be done and much needed to get it all done; I am grateful for the doors God has opened for more to join the effort.

Our family is quickly approaching our fundraising deadline (August 15) and we are nearly to the halfway mark. While my natural instinct is to panic and start double-guessing myself and this decision, I am certain God is going to show up BIG in these next few weeks. Many people have asked how they can come alongside our family in this journey, so here it is:

1. Pray. Pray daily for our family as we adjust to being a two-ministry family and learn how to juggle  those demands. Pray for the people of the Dominican and Haiti, that they might see God's love in an undeniable way through the work HMM is doing in these countries. Pray for HMM to continue to have the resources to provide relief and grow its ministries. Pray for me to have focus (and energy) as I develop the communication and fundraising aspects of this growing non-proft.

2. Give. You can establish a recurring gift or make a one-time donation to HMM online anytime. We'd love for you to consider partnering with our family by designating your gift for my salary support. We are trying to raise $25,000 by August 15 to help offset the 1/2 of my salary I gave up when I left my academic appointment. (Read this blog post if you're not sure what I'm talking about!). If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation, click here to get started!

3. Schedule a Presentation. I am scheduling visits with churches, men's and women's organizations, civic clubs, sororities and fraternities...You get the picture - any audience willing to listen to the HMM story! Contact me to schedule a visit at laura (at) gohmm.org to set up a visit!

4. Volunteer. HMM has trips to work in the Dominican and Haiti year-round. If you'd like to experience the mission field for yourself, please let me know and we can work with your church or organization to schedule a trip or partner you with another team. We will also be hosting special events throughout the year and will need lots of state-side volunteers!

So, there you have it! This is how YOU can partner with us! And we are so incredibly grateful to all those who have already done one - or more - of these things!

PS: To all my girls - you can always host a Noonday Collection trunk show or purchase from my website to help, too! That is totally WIN-WIN-WIN! Help our artisans...Get great accessories...Help support my family! YAY!

Medical Mission

While one part of our team built schools and played with the kids (we liked to call it "family life ministry"),  the other part of our crew in Haiti was the medical team. An amazing group of people worked in very close quarters and with limited technology and supplies to treat approximately 800 people and pull over 400 teeth in four days. Praise God for their willingness to give of themselves to help the Haitian people!

The medical tent.

Hundreds of men, women and children waited in the terrible heat to see a doctor.

Because of the close quarters in the tent, the rest of us didn't spend a whole lot of time inside the medical tent. We did, however, get to enjoy the amazing stories over a yummy meal of beans and rice at the end of the day. This is the one that continues to both haunt and motivate me...

An older gentleman approached the work site one morning and asked to borrow one of the wheel barrows. With some skepticism and trepidation, he was allowed to take it. We all watched him take off across the field and many of us grumbled and mused that we'd probably never see that wheel barrow again. A little while later, we stood in humbled silence and awe. The man returned carrying his elderly friend in the wheel barrow who was unable to walk. The doctors believe the man had suffered a stroke several weeks prior to our arrival. 

I immediately thought of the story in the Bible of the friends who lowered their sick friend through the roof to have Jesus heal him (Mark 2:1-12). I was sickened at my own lack of commitment to help my suffering friends around me through whatever means possible...even if it meant pushing him or her miles in a wheel barrow or lowering him or her through a roof to receive the healing touch of God's grace and mercy. I realized how many of my friends are hurting and longing to be healed and how many times in my busyness and selfishness had simply just passed them by. 

That man - and the friends in Mark 2 - are the kind of friends I want to be...what about you?

Walls Are A Good Thing

So I've been home a little over a month. I keep thinking the pain in my heart and urge to go back will subside, but it seems the longer I'm away, the more I want to be there. I am still trying to get my head around it all so it's likely the trip recap will be "recaps" over several weeks...or even months. The one thing I am certain of is that I will never be the same...

My week in Haiti was the most heart breaking and life changing experience of my life. I have never loved so deeply so quickly and felt so overwhelmed by the need surrounding me. The children stole my heart from the time we crossed the border as they ran alongside the trucks waving and smiling. Their immediate trust and quick laughter warmed my heart and made me wish we could all be so quick to love and let others into our hearts. The adults embraced me with smiles and greetings that transcended our language barrier. I learned very quickly that a smile and laughter are the universal language - no interpreter needed. Despite the hot, dry and bleak conditions, most of the people were joyous and grateful for the help being provided to their community.  

Part of the team spent our time there building five classrooms for a school that is scheduled to open in September. The thought of providing the means to educate children to hopefully enable and empower them to improve the way of life for themselves and generations to come brings great joy to my heart. The teacher who will oversee the school told Tim (the missionary that runs the Hispaniola Mountain Ministries) that he wanted to teach the children three things: to read, to write and about Jesus Christ. I can't think of a better mission for a school.

Amazing progress!

Prepping for the inaugural activity in one of the classrooms.
We gave the kids foam visors and stickers to decorate them.
They really had fun...and so did we!

A little help from Moise (Moses) with our activity.

One of the things that struck me most about the classrooms was the order that ensued once the kids were inside those walls. Out in the open, the kids were wild (as most kids are!) and any effort to give them anything or do almost any kind of organized activity often resulted in...well, pretty much a mob scene. Inside the walls of their classrooms, however, they sat quietly and waited their turns and were polite and orderly. It was amazing! 

It really made me think about all the times I've wanted "freedom," but God gently gave me "walls" to reign in my energy and efforts. Sometimes what feels like walls to limit us are actually walls to protect us. Thank you, God, for the times You reigned me in with walls and protected me from myself...

More to come...

Last Post: Next stop - HAITI

This is it! I can't believe it's finally here! Tonight, my journey into Haiti will begin at 12:30 a.m. when I drive to Columbus to catch the bus to the airport. We'll drive to Atlanta and fly out Sunday morning arriving in Santo Domingo Sunday afternoon. By Monday morning, I will be IN Haiti! Praising the Lord for the amazing journey to this country...

I packed my suitcase last night (except for a few things...that I still need to wash!) and it was so surreal. The best part was tucking all those little happies safely in and thinking about those sweet faces. And let me just add, it was quite liberating to pack for a week and NOT have make-up or hair products (again, remember that when you're looking at the pictures!).

I am confident that this trip is truly God ordained and covered in prayer. I cannot wait to share the amazing love of Jesus Christ with the Haitian people whom I have prayed for earnestly over these last few years. I covet your prayers for the team, the people of Haiti, and also for my three boys at home. 

I'll be back soon!!

9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. 
I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
 I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Isaiah 41: 9-10

Commissioned.

Today was a pretty emotional day. It was my last day at church before the trip, so there were lots of prayers and well wishes...which of course made the reality set in - It's really here. 

My Sunday School class (which is amazing, btw!) prayed over me to start the day and then I was "commissioned" during our 11 a.m. service. 

As if that wasn't enough to cry off every bit of my make up, I shared with our youth group tonight as well. Jeff wanted me to share how God has worked throughout the last two years to prepare my heart and open doors for me to go to Haiti (see Praying for Haiti). So, yeah. I was pretty much a blubbering mess by the end of the day! 

Keeping it short, so here are today's prayer requests:

1. Please pray for smooth air travel. With 40 people on the team, there are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong (lost luggage, issues with customs, etc...). Pray God will make the travel process smooth and uneventful.

2. Please pray for smooth bus travel. Once we land in Santa Domingo, we have an 8 hour bus trip. Pray God will keep us safe and protect us from difficulties (flat tires, mechanical issues, etc...). 

P.S.: If you're wondering if I'm still running, yes. Ran 4 miles Friday and 3.5 tonight. :-) Hoping that will pay off next week when working in the heat!

A Tough Conversation

Tonight, I had a long-awaited conversation with Riley about my upcoming trip. After his bedtime story, I pulled up a map of the Island of Hispaniola to show him exactly where I would be traveling. He was full of questions - Would I get in a boat? Fly in an airplane? What would the bus look like? What would we eat?

The city we will stay in is on the DR-Haiti border at the bottom of the map:
Pedernales. We will work in a Haiti village just across the border: Anse-a-Pitres. 

I answered them to the best of my ability, and eventually we moved on to what I would be doing during my trip. In his mind, a trip this long should involve the beach and a swimming pool and lots of fun things (per our family trip to Orange Beach last summer!). And while there will (hopefully) be a chance to see the nearby beach, that is far from the focus of this trip.

Thank goodness for the Internet!! I showed him several YouTube videos of the village and then we talked about the importance of CLEAN water, how different things are in Haiti from our home, and how we have more than enough of everything but there are others with very little. He listened very intently and asked a few questions (mostly about the solar-powered water well on the YouTube video...my little science nerd!). 

But when I finished, he said the most wonderful words....

"Mama, can I go on a mission with you one day?" 

My heart overflowed with joy at his compassion and desire to help these people after hearing just my descriptions and seeing videos and pictures (Don't worry, Mom! I'm not taking him to Haiti...any time soon!). I explained that he needed to be a little older, but that we would do our best to take him on a trip. He asked if Eli could go, and I told him not yet. His response? "Yeah. He wouldn't be a very good 'missioner' right now." 

So, while my heart aches at the thought of being away from my sweet family for the week, it is full of joy at the Riley's receptiveness to embrace a life of service to others. With his daddy beginning seminary in the fall, this will certainly be our life...

I finished our talk with Riley's prayer charge. For the next few weeks, I asked him to pray for these two things, so I guess I'll ask you to do the same:

1. That people will ask Jesus to come live in their hearts while we are in Haiti and we are able to share His love with as many people as possible. 

2. That God would keep Mommy safe until she can be back at home with her boys and Daddy.

Haiti Bound

Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with running...

It's official.

On June 10, I will be leaving for a 7-day mission trip to Haiti. We will be flying into the Dominican Republic and then traveling by bus to Pedernales. We'll be bussed across the border each day to work in small Haitian community. There will be a medical team as well as a construction team and the goal is to build two house and one classroom (or vise versa) during our stay. 

I have been praying for Haiti and its people since the terrible earthquake in January 2010 and began praying in January 2011 for an opportunity to participate in a Haitian mission trip. I never expected the opportunity to come so quickly, nor did I expect to be traveling with a group of people I don't even know (will post this story later!). But God is faithful to answer our prayers...even in unexpected ways. 

I have gotten mixed reactions from family and friends about my trip. While I do understand the concerns - both for my own safety and about leaving my family - there is no doubt in my mind that God has called me to serve in this country. If I do not go, I am being disobedient. And if I say, "Wait - it's not time," I am also being disobedient. Thus, I am going now...and again if He calls me to do so. I am confident He will bless my obedience because that's what He promises...

"And we know that God causes everything to work together

for the good of those who love God 

and are called according to His purpose for them." 

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

I am seeking prayer partners who will commit to pray for our team in the coming months and  while we are away. If you are willing to do so, please let me know.