David and Courtney

There are so many books, speakers, articles, seminars etc about adoption. Most agencies require adopting parents to take classes on line or other places, to be prepared. Especially when adopting internationally, there are many things we take for granted that are so new and sometimes surprising to our adopted children. I remember when our little Ugandan ones were very young and were afraid of a sprinkler sound....probably something I would not have noticed had they not cried when the twisting sprinkler turned on and sprayed with a sound.

Preparing for adoption is a good thing. We just had our 8th anniversary of adopting David and Courtney....July 22, 2005, they became Nuttalls. Each year we do something special to celebrate. We have had a special dinner, gifts, circus tickets, movies, etc. This year, I asked the children what they would like to do to remember 8 wonderful years. They both answered that they would like to go to the hospital where they were before coming to Amani. Like I said earlier, preparing is a good thing, but I wasn't prepared for that answer, nor was I especially wanting to  go there. I didn't know about my emotions or their reactions when visiting such a place. We really weren't sure about going.

Well, God knew. He knew that we needed to go and here is His story......A couple from our church stayed with us for week some time back. They are precious and we loved having them in our home. Then, we discovered that the lady's mom is the social worker at that particular hospital. We told her about David and Courtney being there before coming to Amani and their desire to visit. She arranged the visit with her mom....the one who has sent babies to Amani Baby Cottage. After arriving in her office and exchanging greetings, she looked for David's file. When it was located, she let him read it. Ok, here is where MY emotions were beginning to waver. He read about the gate where he was placed......it was different than what we had previously known. As we left the hospital that day, our friend pointed out to us where that particular place is. David was all smiles....it was important to him. God knew what David needed to know and provided a safe. loving way for him. We are so grateful for David's heart and God's blessing on him.

Then, after reading David's report, it was time to look for Courtney's file. We knew she had been in this hospital for some time before going to Amani. As the social worker read the report, she exclaimed "OH, not only is Courtney a part of our tribe, she is also part of our clan!" Now, the tears began to flow. There was information we hadn't disclosed yet and was waiting for the right time. I don't think this blog is the place nor is it time to  pass on all that information, but what we want you to know is this: God planned that day. He put that couple in our lives, He led us to that social worker, and He showed Courtney that He knew her beginning and her today. Both of the children were not ready to see the ward where they spent time, that will come another day. But, we are so thankful to the Lord for opening doors, showing David a place, and giving Courtney a piece of identity.

Are you waiting for a door to open? I wasn't ready nor prepared for that particular door.Our biological children and grandchildren have blessed us so immensely and now our hearts have been opened and stretched even wider.  God has done so much for us in the past 8 years with these two children. I pray that if you are even "considering" adoption, pray pray pray and then ACT. God will bring such joy into your lives with this obedience. Some people told us we were crazy... "at YOUR age?" "international?" "starting over?" Yes, yes and yes! Would we do it again? Just look at our lives now and you won't even need me to answer. We are so grateful for what the Lord has done!

Courtney, Faith (the Social Worker and mother of our friend), David at Mulago Hospital Kampala Uganda