I met an Olympian today!
This morning when I woke up, I tried to bargain with God just a little bit. Not really ready to get out of bed, I asked for a little more time and then promised that I would get up and go to church as I knew I should.
Because I made my way to church, God gifted me with an awesome morning. The worship part of church was wonderful and had me in tears. The sermon was great and really taught me about of all things obedience and seeking to know the word of God.
But it was after church when Sydney and I really got our gift. We decided to go for Chinese food which is one of our favorites. Lunch out after church has become sort of a regular occurrence and as indecisive as we both are, I was a little surprised when Chinese came to my mind and Sydney instantly agreed that sounded good. When we sat, the restaurant was relatively full with the usual after church crowd. We waited for a table and sat next to a family with two elderly parents and an adult daughter. Nothing ordinary until mom and daughter got up and went to the buffet line. It was then that I noticed the daughter was a beautiful woman with Down syndrome. Her mom gently ushered her back to the table explaining that they only wanted to take small portions because larger portions would not be good when they got to it. The woman agreed with her mom and sat at the table to eat her meal making polite conversation while she ate. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit with that young lady's mom a little later and I found out that her daughter is named Kandi, she had heart surgery when she was little and now she is 41. She is gifted with purity, humility and love. Love for herself and love from her family.
She was inducted into the Special Olympics hall of fame and really enjoyed her experience at the games. She had 3 roommates and came away with many new friends. When I told her mother that I was adopting a little girl with Down syndrome, she told me that I would be forever blessed and would never regret my decision.
This past few weeks have been wrought with anxiety and fear for me. The cost and reality of the adoption was too real for me and I found myself afraid and unwilling to go back and so apprehensive about going forward. I've been worried about bringing a toddler into my life again (it's been a long time) and my own lack of discipline and how am I ever going to fit a child into my schedule that sometimes goes so fast I can't even manage it for myself.
I've been so blessed by people who are there for me and offer such support. I have prayers coming from all over the world.
Today, my answer came from God via a simple mom who loves her daughter. "You'll never regret it"
Somehow, I know that. Now more than ever.
