bodner003

Her time with us is nearing an end. In 4 days, I will fly to Chicago with Fu Yi to meet up with her host group, where they will depart together for their return to China. While we are sad to see her go, God has been preparing our hearts for months. From the beginning, we were fully aware that her travel visa allows her here for 30 days. This hosting experience gave us an opportunity for Fu Yi to stay in our home for one month. We knew this time would eventually end. We knew it wouldn't be easy. But it's what God called us to. And for good reason. First and foremost, our goal through this hosting program was to show her the love of Jesus. We vowed to pour in to her, showing her true love that she's never experienced before. We promised to love her fiercely, leaving our hearts exposed and vulnerable. By the grace of God, this love had a visible impact. We've witnessed physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive growth. The impact of physical touch, soothi...

About 3 months ago, God presented an opportunity to us. He made it very clear that it was His will that we follow through and live out what He had planned. We had no idea how faithfully He would provide through our obedience in simply saying "Yes." We had no idea the heartache it would cause us. Or the joy. Almost 6 years old, Fu Yi arrived to us on a Monday. She came with Down Syndrome, scared, exhausted, confused, hungry. She would be staying with us for one month. Our goal, as we felt God intended, was to love her fiercely and pour in to her in a way she's never known. Our secondary mission was to find her a forever family. We would post on FB, tell friends, pray over her, hold open houses where people could meet her, BEG God to soften hearts. She immediately stole our own hearts. Her sweet little stature, that body that appears to be owned by a 3 year old. Her smile and belly laugh that came out in spurts, more and more as time went on. The Mandarin babble she fills t...

In exactly one week, a 5-year-old little girl who lives in an orphanage in China will arrive in the United States. She may not understand what's to come but will be covered in love as she stays with our family for one month. We are praying boldly that a family would step in to the gap for this precious soul, that she would be adopted as their daughter and sister. Her name is Fu Yi and while her disability does not define her, it's important to know that she has Down Syndrome.   As you pray about the possibility of Fu Yi being your daughter, perhaps you have questions about what this adoption may look like. We have been blessed with a community of friends who have not only adopted from China but have adopted children who have DS. A couple of these families have graciously agreed to help us answer questions that we are not equipped to answer. More importantly, both families have made it clear that they would be happy to discuss any concerns or further qu...

It's hard to believe but she will be here in 2 weeks! We are gearing up for her arrival in so many ways. There are clothes and other essentials to shop for, meals to plan (that may suit her taste), events and meetings to coordinate, reports to process, children to talk with, and lots of praying to do. We are excited, nervous and hopeful all at the same time. We are opening our schedule and wanting to just be available for her. We've rejected expectations and are open-minded and open-hearted, ready for whatever she brings. We've planned several opportunities for you to meet Fu Yi. These are group settings, very casual, no commitment. This is a chance for families to discern if she could be their daughter, but it's also a chance to enjoy her company and love on her while she's here (even if adoption is not on your heart). Sunday, July 24th, 1:00-5:00  - Open House at friends' home in Tchefuncta Club Estates. (Translator present) Saturday, July 30th, 2:30-4:30 - B...

Hard questions are being asked. Good questions. Meaningful questions. Well-intentioned questions. We've actually asked them, as well. These questions were on our hearts before beginning the process to host an orphan. I believe one in particular deserves some extra attention. You've asked the question too, just maybe not out loud. Perhaps this question prompts you to doubt what we are doing. I'm thankful that our closest friends and church family have asked it directly. It absolutely needs to be asked and if we aren't considering it, we have done a disservice to many. This question needs to be answered with truth. I will attempt to do that now. Is hosting Fu Yi for one month really in her best interest? We are pulling her out of her comfort zone. As horrendous as her circumstances may be, they are familiar to her and these children cling to anything that feels familiar. She will experience atrocious jet lag and severe confusion. Certainly a 5 year ...

"The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea- the Lord on high is mighty." (Psalm 93:3-4) I sat on the edge of our bed last night, as Seamus assembled the toddler bed for Fu Yi. "I'm sad, Seamus. I have hope but my heart hurts," my voice trembled. I felt like bursting in to tears but I knew that would be ridiculous. "This is only one wave, Laura. There will be many more." Sigh. He was right, this was only one wave. That's a scary thought because the waves in life sometimes feel like more than I can bear. The breaking and crashing of a powerful wave is sometimes enough to tear us down. We know there will be more, so my perspective must be in order. I can let these waves drown me, or I can find a way to float atop. Exactly one week ago, a lady contacted me. She saw my post on FB and was moved by...

We can hardly wait to love on Fu Yi while she visits us this summer. Showing her the light of Jesus and the love of a family for one month will be monumental in her life. In addition to how we relate directly to her, we pray to also have an impact through advocating on her behalf. One aspect of advocating for Fu Yi includes providing assistance for the future adoptive family. We know that this assistance and support might be the difference between finding her forever family or not. We want to provide families the opportunity to get to know her. We will provide medical care and further information about her health. We will pray for and with this family, and we are happy to answer questions as they arise. Another support we can offer is financial assistance. We do not want the cost of adoption to be an obstacle for anyone willing to welcome this child into their family. We have an account set aside specifically for an adoption grant. Any donati...