Big breath. "God has this." Another big breath. "GOD HAS THIS." Repeat a million times.
Things are moving quicker than we anticipated! M's relatives are now being considered for her permanent placement, which means she's one step closer to staying with us. And to protect her, I won't go into too much detail anymore about her case. After learning some information about her biological parents and family members, I don't want them to be able to track her down in ANY way. The best thing for M is to be completely removed from their influence, but the State of Texas has to legally arrive at that conclusion. Which means going through the process.
I don't know what it's like. I try to put myself into M's situation: If I had her biological family, would I want to stay with them or be adopted by a family who truly loves me even though they aren't related? I don't know what my answer would be, because so much of my identity has been formed by knowing, and being raised, by my biological parents. "But your identity is found in me, Leah." I know, Lord. I know. But that's because my parents pointed me to you! If M's family can't point her to Christ, then shouldn't she stay with us?
Again I am reminded that the Lord is above every situation, above every circumstance. He's the God who sent his only son to die for the world. He's the God who ordered my life and salvation, so he can for sure do that for M. Even if she does leave our home, she is not above his redemption. She is not beyond his reach even if she is forced out of mine. If he can save baby Moses against all odds because his mother courageously hid him and trusted providence, then M will not be abandoned. If Christ can appear on a road to Saul regardless of his past, then Christ can appear to M regardless of her past. If the Lord went out of his way to love a sinful, Samaritan woman, then he will go out of his way to love M. In fact, he already did. And all of this is true of me too.
One thing is for sure: M and I are kindred spirits. Joe and I have hugs (the best in the world), Dan and I have kisses filled with laughter, and M and I have matching smiling eyes that laugh and delight in one another. Knitted hearts? Definitely. Just please don't rip those pieces of yarn apart, Lord. PLEASE.
The caseworker said they are supposed to complete relative homestudies by the next court date (November), but it's unlikely they will all be finished by that time. Regardless, we expect M to remain in our home through the end of the year. We look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas with three kids! :) Boy, what an adventure. We have been through so much already, but we look forward to what God continues to do through our family.
Thank you for your prayers, friends!
