Us at Hilton Head Island. Photos coming soon! One of the challenges the twins face is academic. For multiple reasons, they are missing some essential and foundational skills for learning. The missing pieces are inconsistent and scattered, more like a disorder than a delay. My wife, Jennifer, describes it like a tower of Jenga blocks where multiple blocks are missing. Their "towers" can't be built any higher because some key blocks are missing. In fact, we used these blocks to explain visually to the kids why they struggle with school. We have enrolled them in what we believe will be a game changer, not only for them, but for us too!
1 Comment
We truly thought the adoption process was going to be a challenge, but it pales in comparison to the adjustment and challenge of new children living in the home. We knew going in, there would be behavior problems and challenges. We knew God was calling us to adopt. We read books and articles. We spoke with friends who adopted or were fostering. We prayed and thought about "worst-case scenarios" to prepare. But there is nothing like experience and some experiences cannot be prepared for...or can they? It’s official! We have seven-year-old twins! Savanna and Michael (James’ new name) are now part of the family. I think all of us were a bit nervous about the court hearing, but it really was quick, easy, and fun! I think it took all of five minutes for the actual legal stuff and the rest was celebration! I can now add photos of them on the website and so check it out from time to time. The first ones can be seen by clicking here. We are thankful to all of the family and friends who have prayed, listened, and supported us on this journey (that journey is ongoing, so we covet your prayers all the more now!) We are also thankful for the help of those at DSS that made this possible and the foster families that helped prepare the twins for this. We are grateful for the most recent foster family that have fast become friends! We are especially thankful to Christ for blessing us in this way and for continually giving us strength and wisdom to help these children walk through their challenges. We are thankful for our heavenly Father’s adoption of us and making us part of His forever family! More updates will be forthcoming, but for now enjoy the photos and thank you! He was an orphan from an abusive and neglectful background. Paul gave him a home and a forever family. Paul opened his heart to him and offered stability in ways the child had never known before. Paul knew it would take a while to adjust, for both of them. He expected some bad habits and even behavior problems from the child. Paul knew it would take a while for the child to trust him and know how much better life could be with him. Paul just didn’t know how long “a while” truly was. We are about to go from a family of three to a family of five! We are adopting. We are not allowed give a lot of detail at this point, but we have two coming to live with us soon. We hope they are living with us by Easter! Then we hope the adoption will be finalized by late summer or early fall, but we are not sure of timelines yet. If they are living with us by Easter, I think it is very fitting. Easter has lost its importance in American culture. Even many Christians have lost sight of Resurrection Sunday’s significance. Christmas is just more “fun” to celebrate and we tend to prefer babies over crosses and tombs. But the cross and tomb are so much more. That which is most worthy of celebration is around the corner, and we may not give it much thought until the Saturday night before, as we pick out our “Easter clothes” for church or pictures. |
AuthorJeff Smoak Archives
February 2018
Old BlogCategory
All
|