Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Our story...

Every Sunday our church shows a video of someone in the community who is living out a mission. Someone who is actually DOING what we've all been asked to do and are being Jesus to Oklahoma City and other parts of the world. Nearly every Sunday we walk away moved, inspired or with a new vision of ways we can get involved.
This month our church is focusing on orphan care, adoption and foster care. We LOVE being a part of a community that is passionate about the things that we are passionate about, a place that sees the value in caring for the orphans, widows and the lost. These are things that prick our hearts and knowing that our family at
Skyline feels the same pull makes us feel right at home and eager to do more.
So when they asked us if we would share our adoption story we were super excited! While our story is simple and not a huge deal to some, it is ours and we love to tell it to anyone who will listen. If there is any chance that our little journey to adoption and throughout the process of bringing our son home will push someone even a tiny bit closer to adoption, then heck yeah, grab a cup of tea, get cozy and let me talk! That being said... I was definitely NOT excited about seeing myself on video- You know how you get all awkward and weird when you're nervous? That was me. It wasn't pretty, folks. I was trying desperately to hold in the tears that were threatening to pour out of my eyeballs. You can kinda tell, but oh well, I'm setting my self dignity aside and hopefully letting God work through my awkwardness however he wants.
ANYWAY! They did an amazing job on the video and I love that we will have this little chronicle of our adoption journey and where are hearts were at at this place in time.


After the video showed they prayed over and laid hands on our family and talked a little bit about our future with Sierra Leone. We feel so embraced and blessed by this community and are excited to see what else the Lord has in store for us! The good news is that we have now had so many people wanting to talk about adoption and how their hearts are feeling pulled in that direction, so mission accomplished! :)

24 comments:

Adventures in Sepia Tone said...

BAWLING!!! HUGE TEARS!!! Oh. My. Precious video! Loved seeing you hold Mal for the first time! I love that boy, and love ya'll!!!!!!!!

jo

Erica said...

Oh. Amazing. Absolutely love this. I can't even tell you. The tears flowed and the joy in your heart came through so beautifully. Love love love your heart. I think I need to hear about Sierra Leone - have you shared that? Message me lady.

mama becca said...

OOOOOOH i'm crying!!!! that was SO AWESOME tara!!!! i'm so glad you posted it :).
YAY!
becca

Amy B. said...

That is a beautiful video, Tara. Loved seeing baby Malak again...he has grown so much.

Cindy said...

That was a lovely video. Thanks for sharing!

Gina said...

So sweet Tara! So sweet!

Lori S said...

Thank you, thank you for sharing!! Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the day to day and forget the initial reason! The how and why we were led to this place!!
Beautiful!

Sarah D. said...

*sniff* thanks for sharing! what a beautiful video- such a special keepsake too. even though i already know your story of adoption it is a blessing to me to hear it again! encourages and speaks to my soul so deeply that my desire to adopt children is good. thanks friends.

Theresa said...

What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing it! You have a beautiful family.

Amanda said...

ok, so when does the huge lump in my throat go away?!? I love your story! Isn't it crazy to think of the path God brings us down to get us to where He wants us to go?!? I love it!

Unknown said...

LOVED it!

Mrs. Rachel Winter said...

Beautiful, beautiful! God works out everything for the good of those who love Him! Loved hearing your story and seeing God working in your lives!

Anonymous said...

love it. thanks for sharing

The Busters said...

What a beautiful video! Definitely had me holding back tears!

zach said...

awesome! very inspiring story, guys. and i'm so glad sammy wasn't the only boy who wore girl clothes.

The Love's said...

Hello, It's your creepy Facebook friend from SD. ;) What an awesome video. I love seeing Malak grow, but those first moments are so precious and you can feel it through the computer screen. God Bless!

Erin Sager said...

so beautiful, thanks for sharing this to us....

~Laura~ said...

oh, I love it. I laughed and cried through the whole thing. Awesome job and what an even more awesome God we serve.

Tracy said...

What a sweet video!

Rebecca said...

This is a sweet, sweet video Tara!

jamullins said...

What a beautiful video Tara! You and Eric did great! I don't think I could talk at all if a camera was put in front of me! :) Love it! Hope to see you at The Queen again soon.

Hauswife said...

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Wow, so moving, Tara! You did a lovely job. Tears!

Michelle Martin said...

Salam! I am beginning to realize that we have a lot more in common than we know! After just coming home from Ethiopia, I have this incredible passion for it, and for Africa. Adoption? It's deffinately on our hearts. God will show us for sure. I do, however, know that I will be returning to Ethiopia sooner than later. The missions field is pounding at my door and I am so excited to answer!

Amanda said...

Your blog and this video in particular are beautiful. Thank you for the encouragement.