Miracle

The miracles continue to appear- day after day.  This blog post is a chronicle of their journey, and I am blessed to have a front row seat. Terri, I pray for you to continue to be bold and brave. God has made you strong for such a season as this. Rich, may God bless you financially for your willingness to add two to your family and raise them to adult hood; may you see grandchildren that always tell of the Papa who provided for them. Erynne, may your gentle spirit know how to minister to your new sisters. For all, may our faith increase as we review the Gardner's journey of miracles: 

God continues to write a miraculous story in the lives of the Gardner family. Rich, Terri, and Erynne Gardner have been experiencing an increase in their faith over the last ten months as God brings miracle after miracle. This journey involves events and people that God orchestrates as only He can.

The Gardners have seen unprecedented events unfold before their eyes as God intricately planned this adoption. The wonder of their adoption story is that God began working YEARS before they even heard the names Katya and Nina. God worked through the death of Terri's aunt and uncle. They never had children, but had a special bond with their niece, and she lovingly took care of them (even their cats), as they stepped into eternity. Uncle Bob left Terri with assets for her to keep or sell as she wished. God used a childless couple to prepare a home for two parent-less children - living halfway around the world.  Terri kept some of the assets as sentimental remembrances, while other things were sold or given away. Terri thought about more than making money with the largest asset - their house.

Terri arranged the sale of the estate, but one realtor encouraged her to consider renting. Her renter was a single mother with two children. Terri's heart and faith grew as she felt called to minister and pray for this renter. Neither Terri nor this mother could know that in a few short months, each would bless each other. This mother desperately wanted to purchase the house to make it her own. Terri sold it to her at under market value - despite what financial advisors, and extended family told her! Terri's faith had grown to know that when God asks someone to sacrificially serve, He gives a peace that passes all understanding. These monies were used to help the Gardners arrange their finances for a bigger home! MIRACLE! 

House hunting in the Bolingbrook/Plainfield/Romeoville area is fast, furious, and dicey. The sellers' market is tricky to navigate as homes are literally selling in one day. Rich and Terri originally considered remodeling this home; Rich insisted that they would most definitely not sell. God orchestrated the unheard of events of selling, buying, and financing an intricate triangle of three homes in 8 weeks. Rich and Terri actually first saw their Plainfield home online while vacationing in Texas. A bidding war was imminent when Terri had a strong urge to offer $500 more than what they had planned. She couldn't shake that feeling. In the weeds of home purchasing, $500 is nothing. The realtor called. They "won" the war by the amount of $500!! MIRACLE!

God funded a better home in preparation for two orphans who have only known institutional living. As Terri's relationship with God grew, she began to talk to Him just as she would a friend. "God, what about this idea . . .we could try this . . ." Her comment was, "Listen to me, giving God ideas!"  But this is the sweet communication of a daughter with her Father! He says, "Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and might things which you don't know!" Great and mighty is the King of Kings, indeed. 

The Gardners had to prepare for more than just the physical providing of Nina and Katya. Because, you see, folks with small-minded faith think the Gardners are silly, crazy, and kooky for stepping out. At least one has questioned integrity with money. Oh, that these would remember the gravity of complaining and naysaying. God opened the earth and swallowed up complainers in the Old Testament!  Since God has called Rich, Terri and Erynne, to care for these orphans, it would be wise for all to support and encourage. Here is a sample of what they must prepare for: "The family has received training specific to parenting an older child with special needs. . . The family is prepared, willing, and capable of providing proper care . . . " for these two who may have developmental and attachment problems from living in an orphanage for most of their lives- MIRACLE - this is more than just coincidence, but God working before our feeble eyes to join an average, American family with two Ukrainian girls. 

How Nina and Katya love to see Terri on FB! The other orphans wave and blow kisses! God is bringing other moms who are adopting Ukrainian children into Terri's life. One mom was traveling to the exact same orphanage in May, and she was able to hand-deliver toiletries and a bathing suit to Katya! "Mommy, I need a bathing suit because I am going to the sea." How Terri loved to meet this need.  Moms, don't we love to get our children something special and then watch their eyes light up? How happy must God's heart be that these children are smiling. 

The miracle of communication- Yaroslav (a total stranger) connected with Terri on FB. He is able to translate all verbal messages for Katya and Terri. MIRACLE! God is bringing total strangers have come into the Gardners' lives to help with everything from language to travel plans. The paperwork for the Dossier alone is daunting, and probably has been a barrier to many adoptions- 3 notarized copies of a marriage license, medical approval, three copies of passports, on-and-on it goes, with everything being notarized. No mistakes can be made, and no smudges or wrinkles. Terri is ready to send the document in a few days. 

As we draw close to the summer and fall, I pray Godspeed to all of the documents, approvals, and travel arrangements. I pray for our faith to increase as we watch Rich and Terri obey God and step out in faith. I pray for the hard work of parenting once the girls come.

The Gardners have a story of miracles to tell, and I can't wait to see what the next miracles will be. . .