Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all of these things and pondered them in her heart."
As Christmas was upon us these past couple of weeks this was the verse that kept resonating through my head regarding God's faithfulness. What we got to experience on Dec.19th was too tender to share right away; I was treasuring it up in my heart.
In our last post we were joyfully anticipating talking to Miss Milanija on the phone the day after her birthday. (Dec.12th) But the in afternoon on the 11th we got an email from Reda saying that the phone call couldn't happen because Milanija had been in the hospital for a couple of days and wouldn't be out anytime soon. She had an aggressive UTI and ended up in the hospital for a week an a half and was off limits to visitors. We were so disappointed and of course, worried about sweet Milanija's little body. Meanwhile, she still had not yet been told about her family.
We had been matched since Dec.1st and it was upsetting to know she didn't know yet. I understand that there was a special plan to tell her for her birthday, and that was very sweet, but that plan got upended. I had been praying everyday for Jesus to tell her himself, to whisper in her ear that we're coming and we love her; that He loves her.
When Silva came to the Babies Home (Orphanage) on the afternoon of Dec.19th Milanija was nearly asleep for her nap. She had just come "home" from the hospital that day, finally. As soon as Silva came in the room she opened her eyes and said, "You have a secret for me.". Silva was taken aback and said, "Yes, I do have a secret for you!" and she proceeded to tell her about her family. Milanija just smiled and went right back to sleep. Jesus DID tell her!!! She knew! His faithfulness is dumbfounding. His loving-kindness and tender grace; unfailing.
Later that day, in the evening, Reda went to see her and give her birthday gifts. She told us there's a big photo on the wall in the corridor of the orphanage of us with John-Patrik (Milanija sees us everyday) so Reda took her to it. "This is your Mama and Tete! Patrikas is now your broils!" They practiced saying the English words for a while and then surprised us with a phone call. It was Saturday morning for us, 10am, (7pm for them) and we were all home...
I answered and immediately recognized Reda's voice and then it clicked... "Oh my gosh, REDA!!" I put it on speaker and we all heard it, a shrimpy little girly voice, "Labas Mama! Hello Daddy!" and then in Lithuanian, "Come to me!" Tears happened. (Rich's mostly) Words cannot describe what was going on in my heart. But I suddenly caught a glimpse of understanding into that verse I wrote above. "But Mary treasured up all of these things and pondered them in her heart." ...there's no better way to describe it.
In addition to that, (as if there needed to be more!) we received 2 very generous donations to our adoption over the holidays! One from an old dear friend I used to do children's ministry with at the church I grew up in and who happens to be Lithuanian! (I had no idea!) And the other, Rich's mom... Thanks Janet! And thank you, Matthew!
We are so humbled and thankful for you, God's blessings abound.
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