Introducing…

I am SO excited to finally get to show you pictures and introduce you to this sweet boy that you all have been to faithful to lift up in prayer!  This is Elias!!!!  As of today he is no longer a resident of Puerta de Esperanza (which is why I can share his picture).  His mom signed the papers today and he officially went to live with the Clows… teammates of mine here in La Ceiba.  To keep following his story with them you can read their blog.  I am so proud of G for unselfishly doing the best thing for her baby for this time.  She is at peace with her decision and fighting every day to get better so that she can be his mom again in the future.  The Clows have been wonderful to her and she knows that they love and support her and want the best for she and Elias.  Isn’t that the Lord’s kindness?  She feels so blessed by the Lord’s provision for her and the Clow family is a huge part of that.  Wow.

I will say, this is going to be a week of adjustment in a lot of ways for a lot of people.  So please keep praying.  Little J has basically grown up over the last 9 months as E’s twin.  And at 2 years old it is kind of hard to explain why he isn’t around anymore.  Same for Elias.  Hard for him to understand another house change, people change, change in consistency and authority figures.  And why there is a huge dog outside all the time… he likes dogs, but Oso was a little much :)  So pray for their little baby hearts to know somehow that they are well loved by so many and by Jesus most of all.  And then there are the aunts and grandma that have loved Elias so well over the last few months, really taking on his full care, discipline and loving on him.  There were definitely tears shed over this little guy today, even though they know they will see him again.  And there is a family of 6 who just took in a 2 year old!  They are just going to be exhausted, so pray for them :)  And pray for me too as I love this little guy and love his mom so very much.  I feel a special connection with him since they lived with me for a time and I was his care-taker for awhile… and maybe just because we have been fighting so hard for him these last few months.  So pray for lots of wisdom in how to love him well and his mom well and fight for what is best for both of them at the same time.

But, I can say nothing more than just… thank you Jesus.  I praise Him for the way that everything has worked out.  He has really faithfully gone before us in every step, in HIS timing and through his provision.  I have prayed many times this week that this sweet little boy will grow up to be a man of God who walks with Him faithfully and understands His grace.  I pray that one day He will know and understand how much the Lord has fought for Him and provided for Him and that he will praise Him for it. 

So many have you have let us know that you have been joining us in giving this little boy and this situation over to the Lord.  I really am so grateful for your prayers and your love for this little one who has stolen our hearts.  And man, if he blew you kisses just one time and grinned that little grin at you, he would steal your heart too!