Jean Claude

Just back from Rwanda where I received some tough news regarding the little boy, Jean Claude, that Sam and I thought may one day soon become our son......

Mom, the Hearne’s and I went to the orphanage this afternoon and we were in the toddler room feeding the babies and I introduced Mom to John Claude. Just afterwards an American girl picked him up and said to me, “my friends are adopting him next week.” My Mom heard and so did Lynda Hearne and they both just started bawling. It was really a shock but I am not sad. I told this girl that my husband and I were in process of adopting him as well, it seems that their timing was quicker and they will get their final approval next week. I have prayed over that little one since my first days there and have prayed for a home for him, at first just home, eventually our home. But God has answered my prayers and is providing a home for him. It is a couple who have never been to Rwanda before but are friends with this girl who is acting as their power of attorney (she teaches at a missionary school there). The adopting couple is a couple from Kansas and it is a youth pastor and his wife. She gave me contact information for her so I could be in touch with them and let them know how I have prayed for this sweet child. Mom held him for a long time after that but I couldn’t hold him again, I just kissed him on top of his head. The entire time I heard our worship leader, Mark’s voice in my head singing “Here I am to Worship” and it was a source of comfort.

I realized that evening that God gave me that gift that day. If I had come at any other time, I would have just been told that John Claude had been adopted as the proceedings are confidential and private I would have known no more. Now, I will know his parents. I will also get to say goodbye. I can’t explain why God would answer my prayer for a home for John Claude just months before it was to be ours but I know His hand is in it. It was always about the big picture, the children, it was never about the child and I am happy (I really am) that now at least 2 will go home with parents John Claude with his parents and another with us. It is a victory for the kingdom.