As I mentioned in several previous posts, Dora had a lousy Friday followed by a terrific Saturday. Speaking with one of her favorite extended family members really brightened her day. Beth’s assessment of Dora’s feelings about this particular woman was that this person was Dora’s alternate attachment figure, just as Guy was for Beth.


When I told this particular family member this information, she was quite pleased that she had, indeed, been a significant person in Dora’s life. And clearly she still is … as talking to her on Saturday completely altered Dora’s mood.


Saturday night as we were rocking, Dora looked up at me and said, “God made some bad things happen in my life, but He also made some good things happen! This is a nice house!” She then proceeded to tell me all the things she likes about our home. How’s that for barely-nine-year-old wisdom? Another extended family member told me a few weeks ago that she believed Dora had a fairly deep spiritual understanding, and I have to agree. Dora readily embraces God and spirituality—and I personally believe this will assist her on her healing journey.


Sherrie Eldridge, adoptee and founder of Jewel Among Jewels Adoption Network, created her organization to provide “adoption literature with a Biblical perspective.” She is also the author of two great adoption-related books … Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew and Twenty Life-Transforming Choices Adoptees Need to Make.


Immediately prior to my trip to meet (and ultimately return with) Dora, our pastor preached a sermon about great men of God and how they had been called to “do a job” for God. Moses listened and led his people; Noah built the ark amidst great ridicule; ultimately Jonah listened but not before spending time in the belly of a whale! It was Jonah’s story that was most interesting. Our pastor is very learned and he gives great history lessons and terrific visual aids. He drew on a map how Jonah was to go to Nineveh, but instead went the exact opposite way … until God created a storm, causing Jonah to abandon the ship to save the other sailors … thus ending up in a whale and finally agreeing to do as God asked!


God most certainly didn’t have to throw me inside a whale to convince me to move forward with this placement … but one main point of this sermon was how we had to move forward with faith. I’m sure glad I listened.


Prayers for things to come

The door keeps swinging open


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