Pennsylvania “Waiting Picnic”

 

It was an honor and  pleasure to host a “Waiting Picnic†at my home for Pennsylvania families who are waiting to bring their children home!  Waiting can be one of the most difficult parts of the adoption process, because you feel like you can’t do anything. You find yourself constantly questioning, “Is God REALLY in control?† No longer will your lightning- fast paper chase move along the process, phone calls to corporate can’t move up your number in line, and waiting, not only seems impossible, but torturous.

Thankfully, our “Waiting Picnic†was anything but torturous.  We were reminded by the Kulp family,  that the Creator of the universe, He who spread out the expanse of the sky,  He holds the world in His hands (Psalm 8:3-9).  He is the one who gives life and loves each of us, so much, that He sacrificed His son to a brutal death on the cross.  The same loving God knows your situation intimately and has a plan for you and your family (Psalm 139:15-16). He knows your child and knows  when they will be in your arms.  God is in control, even when we have none and when things appear to be impossible. 

While we can often feel completely powerless while waiting, the McLennan Family challenged us all with what we CAN do while waiting.  They reminded us of the importance and power of prayer, for your child, for your family, for the country you are adopting from.  They suggested being outward focused, seeking to serve others during this time, raising money for missions, and getting the whole family involved.  Instead of looking at the waiting period as a necessary evil, the McLennans encouraged us all view  waiting as an opportunity that God has afforded,  to serve, pray and grow closer to  Him.

Several families,  who had previously adopted, were also able to join us. It was so uplifting to meet their little ones  and  hear how God worked to bring their children home!   Amidst human error, sickness, and even death, God’s sovereign plan was accomplished (Romans 8:28). What a beautiful reminder of  God’s everlasting love and ever-present hand in our lives.  Though we may grow tired and weary, “the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.†Isaiah 40: 28-29. Praise God for the renewing of our strength and the hope we have in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Erika Coleman
AWAA Pennsylvania Director of Social Services