our story

This time 2 years ago we had completed all the necessary paperwork and we were waiting for a referral. Our file, approved by the Ministry of Ontario (in October 2007), had these particulars: 12-18 month old baby with a special heart.

In the midst of dating, almost 13 years ago, we talked about adoption. This conversation was initiated by my husband, because you see he was born with a special heart and had open heart surgery when he was 18 years old. It wasn't pleasant. We talked about adopting a child, because even though his special heart wasn't hereditary, at that time he was pretty sure he still didn't want the possible risk of passing it on to a biological child. We talked about it and both agreed that maybe we would adopt some day.

It was a conversation we had but didn't quite live up to, because you see, we did try to have our own biological child. We did go to a fertility specialist. But after all that, we chose adoption over medical intervention. It wasn't even a question for either of us, we both distinctly remembered the seed that God, only an amazing God like we have, planted those years before.

And then what did our amazing God do?
He showed us that we should adopt a child WITH a special heart.

We prayed, we read and shed many tears. We bowed to His will and we trusted Him, and in return He gave us peace and He gave us this beautiful verse: Isaiah 43:7 ~ Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

And then what did our amazing God do?
He gave us Lilah.

Her file (among others) was sent to our agency. The other files had been matched with families and we were the next waiting family on the list. We didn't know this at the time. In fact, when I'd called our agency to find out about the files they had received in March, I were told that there was only one special heart file in that quarterly batch and we were the third waiting family for a special heart child. So we imagined we'd be waiting until the next quarterly batch in June or possibly even September.

Just a few weeks after hearing that news, we got the call that changed our lives.

The call came on Sunday, we'd went out (after Church) to our friends house for dinner and when we arrived home we listened to the voice message our coordinator had left. It honestly knocked our socks off. She told us about the file, specifically that it was a baby girl, she was 11 months old and her special need was esotropia. Our coordinator also told us that the file had been sent to the Children's Hospital (CHEO) and the doctors that reviewed it said as far as they could tell from the medical information provided, the baby didn't have esotropia and there was a possibility she was diagnosed too young. Our coordinator then went on to say, since you are the next waiting family on our list, we felt you would make a good match.

After jumping up and down and squealing with excitement, it suddenly hit me: This isn't right? God wanted us to have a special heart child? It was at that very second that it dawned on me, He just wanted us to trust Him, to have faith in Him, to rely on Him.

God is in control.

I thank God every day for Lilah, for adoption, for guiding us through this wonderful path in life. I can't imagine it any other way and there is no other like our sweet daughter.

The following picture was taken minutes after seeing her darling little face for the first time.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way
(by William Cowper)

God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs
and works his sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
in blessings on your head.

His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
and scan his work in vain:
God is his own interpreter,
and he will make it plain.