tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post6990239622339522502..comments2023-10-01T10:37:57.605-05:00Comments on The 30 Day Journey For Hope: Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-12487000965084608272010-04-06T16:43:49.340-05:002010-04-06T16:43:49.340-05:00Melanie,
I just wanted to let you know that I com...Melanie,<br /> I just wanted to let you know that I completely understand your not being able to travel to the Ukraine and be away from Hope for so long. I want you to know that your story and Lydia's faith in God made so many families aware of the desperate need for so many DS children in other countries to be adopted. I know that Darya's family will find her if they haven't already because of YOU!:)<br />Sincerely,<br />Barbie Huff and family:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-68871570054203902742010-04-05T19:59:14.518-05:002010-04-05T19:59:14.518-05:00Oh I'm so sorry you won't be able to bring...Oh I'm so sorry you won't be able to bring her home. But, I completely and totally understand where you are coming from.Qadoshyahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15824192344524447095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-12573179523503280652010-04-01T08:20:27.394-05:002010-04-01T08:20:27.394-05:00Thank you Melanie for sharing your story. I canno...Thank you Melanie for sharing your story. I cannot imagine leaving my child for that long either if they had such a serious health concern. God did use Lydia in so many ways. Not only did he use her to raise money for Darya's adoption but he also used her as example to the rest of us and to show us what he is capable of doing for his children. Your family is such an inspiration!! God bless you all, Traci<br /><br />p.s. could you email me please? traciwilli2 @yahoo.comTracihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14690956559913121350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-41398138846986151182010-03-30T09:23:42.739-05:002010-03-30T09:23:42.739-05:00Thank you for sharing your story so candidly. I...Thank you for sharing your story so candidly. I'm on my own adoption roller coaster at the moment, and you're right---it isn't about US, it's about His will, it's about saving His children. Darya will have a family---because of your family's selfless obedience to His call. Blessings!ashleypmohttp://www.chaosdiaries.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-24569427907143209362010-03-30T09:14:02.418-05:002010-03-30T09:14:02.418-05:00I have been following your blog since learning of ...I have been following your blog since learning of Lydia's miracle fundraiser. My husband and I are looking into adoption.<br />I don't have a sick child (yet, we may adopt a child with special needs) but I wouldn't want to try to fathom the heart ache you have had in all of this, for Hope and for Darya. I don't think I could travel in your situation, either. I will pray for your family and for little Hope, that she will be touched by God and healed. He is still in the miracle business! <br />You and your family are the first of many miracles for Darya. God has His hand on her.Carissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08659853395751780960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-58120779668940254282010-03-29T20:50:36.084-05:002010-03-29T20:50:36.084-05:00I just found your blog from a link on Gwen Oatsval...I just found your blog from a link on Gwen Oatsvall's page. I have only read this entry, and you have me in tears. My life is a mess right now, but I have three healthy children. I am so impressed with your honesty. You only have to answer to One and His is the only thoughts that matter. You have to do what you feel He is leading you to do. I have a hard time understanding how someone can judge you without walking in your shoes.<br /><br />Your kids are gorgeous. Pink is definitely Hope's color! <br /><br />I will add Hope and your family to our prayer list. <br />Thank you for sharing.Janicenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-72099540860164556042010-03-29T09:57:27.445-05:002010-03-29T09:57:27.445-05:00I completely understand your decision. I don'...I completely understand your decision. I don't have special needs children, but I do have 3 little girls and I really wanted to adopt from Ethiopia, but I just cannot leave my girls behind. I think sometimes that panic is not from being afraid or in fear or not trusting, but it is the holy spirit prompting us that it's not the right decision. Once you feel that peace again, you know it's the Lord's will. What your family has done for Darya is beautiful. God knew Darya would be taken care of because of that and now He has prepared another child for your family. It takes alot of courage, with all the publicity you've gotten, to be honest and do what you know the Lord is telling you to do. Alot of people would've felt they had to go through with it, no matter if they knew it wasn't right, just because of the press, so I admire you so much for making the choice you have. Not only that, but your family has inspired so many by giving God the glory for how fast those funds were raised. It just shows that anything can be accomplished if it's God's will!!Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10369117008622884945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-13992963377772537772010-03-29T07:45:12.898-05:002010-03-29T07:45:12.898-05:00praying for you and your family as you deal with t...praying for you and your family as you deal with the many thoughts and comments thrown your way... I am just reminded of the verse... Man may make his plans, but the Lord will bring them to pass (sallee version!).... if only we could see the BIG picture of our lives and understand His perfect plan for us! I so enjoy reading your posts, as you are honest and upfront... May the Lord bless you and comfort you as only HE can as you start a new 'journey' of life.salleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00235649868160009541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-24306205747737073002010-03-29T05:42:17.001-05:002010-03-29T05:42:17.001-05:00One more thing, when I recently found out I was pr...One more thing, when I recently found out I was pregnant, the only thing that upset me was the idea of leaving my two year old and home with the rest of our family while I recovered in the hospital for at least a week. When I miscarried, I was relieved. I don't feel bad that I was relieved because my husband and I knew that the timing was not right. Others may say otherwise, but they are not the ones bringing another child into their home with the exact same circumstances. I mean really now, people question you not wanting to leave Hope? It wouldn't matter if she was completely 'healthy' it would be incredibly hard to leave her. But just think for a moment about Hope's understanding. What if she thought her family left her because she did something wrong. What if she thought she was abandoned? No one knows how a child internalizes their parents leaving. So let the nay-sayers say what they want. The Lord knows your heart. God Bless you, your family, Hope and Darya.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-82793125947395419282010-03-29T05:35:38.723-05:002010-03-29T05:35:38.723-05:00http://1diamond1ruby1pearl.blogspot.com/2009/12/ou...http://1diamond1ruby1pearl.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-journey-to-sienna-grace.html<br /><br /><br />They were shown one to have another. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-71457425439477177122010-03-28T18:42:27.729-05:002010-03-28T18:42:27.729-05:00I just don't understand how you could have the...I just don't understand how you could have the faith to trust God to bring in the money before Thanksgiving (and he did) but you can't trust him to protect Hope while you are in Ukraine. Please don't take this as criticism I'm just trying to understand.Sara Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02710865646151460433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-25259874745708132952010-03-27T21:37:11.324-05:002010-03-27T21:37:11.324-05:00We are sorry to hear about what anquish you have b...We are sorry to hear about what anquish you have been going through and pray that God will give you comfort and peace. We too have been impacted by your family's heart for adoption and raising funds for Daria...<br />now we are in the process of going back to the orphanage we adopted our son inorder to adopt the little girl we had tried to before (but her paperwork wasn't ready then) At that time we didn't think we'd ever go back and God used your testimony to remind us how He can provide if it is His will, so we are seeking to bring her home and praying for His provisions. I also sympathize--I have a baby I can't imagine leaving and he doesn't have a serious medical condition like in your situation. God bless you and keep you...He alone knows His good will and what He wants for your family and Daria too. We will pray for you! love in Christ, the Adamsons<br />www.childrenpreciousinhissight.blogspot.comOur missionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06924947602920190656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-54915486038436936122010-03-27T12:35:26.328-05:002010-03-27T12:35:26.328-05:00I wanted to let you know that we have been trying ...I wanted to let you know that we have been trying to adopt here in the states for a while. For the same reason you have chosen not to get Daria, our son is medically fragile and I don't know if I could leave him for that long. He would need nursing care. but so many people want DS kids in the US that its hard to come by. I was on RR the other day and saw Daria, I thought she looked a lot like my son, and that she would fit perfectly into our family! I emailed Andrea about her, haven't heard back yet. Then a friend told me that she thought someone was already taking her and thats how I found your blog. I know many people may try to get her now that you can't. but I'm hoping it will turn out in our favor and we can finally add a little girl to our clan! I don't blame you one bit for your decisions. People without medically fragile children just don't understand.Laceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03321275110857561824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-71177826582058579732010-03-27T10:38:05.988-05:002010-03-27T10:38:05.988-05:00I haven't experienced anything close to what y...I haven't experienced anything close to what you have, but I do think I'm able to empathize. I sobbed reading this entire post and I think you are so wise and courageous! I find it so difficult to think I'm going to zig, only to have God say, "Zag." It is humbling. But, I believe you are doing what is good and what is RIGHT, and the Lord will richly reward you for it. We know He has a plan for Daria, as well, and I'm anxious to watch it unfold. Blessings to you!Tarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12808674825863044909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-83790358010128573072010-03-27T10:00:04.728-05:002010-03-27T10:00:04.728-05:00Melanie...I've been following your blog since ...Melanie...I've been following your blog since Lydia began fundraising for Darya and our children even contributed a bit to the effort. Where your family goes is definatly between you and God. But, please know what was done to raise those funds and bring attention to adopting children with DS has impacted our family greatly- and I suspect many other families as well. We are now in process of bringing home a child who was listed on RR with DS, and soon another little face will be placed next to his on our RR sponsorship page. It is in part because of Lydia and you sharing the story on this blog. Right now I have two 11 yr olds also...one by birth, the other by adoption. When I feel anxious about the money, I am quickly reminded of this story. I suspect the impact of your story is wider then you or any of us could imagine. My prayers will continue for you and your family. God bless, JenniferDifference2This1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00984690062311016144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-56951715095590079922010-03-26T19:55:38.477-05:002010-03-26T19:55:38.477-05:00We are so in the same boat. Feel the call, ready ...We are so in the same boat. Feel the call, ready to proceed, then dealing with serious illness with N over the last week and more hospital. Not sure I can leave her, wish I could take her with us and praying for direction. Hope we can get together soon to talk about this more...We love you guys and know God has a plan to give you a hope and a future! E-mail me about next week, maybe we can do dinner.Dabneyhttp://www.chuckndabs.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-60032274518992873742010-03-26T16:52:09.991-05:002010-03-26T16:52:09.991-05:00I can only imagine what a hard decision this must ...I can only imagine what a hard decision this must have been for your whole family. I know that God is fully aware of who Darya's forever family is and that Lydia may very well have been a piece of the puzzle to finding that family. We are in the process of adopting Alyona through RR and your Lydia has played a big part in our decision to step out in faith and commit to adopting a little one with DS. Your family has been such an inspiration not only to me, but to countless other families. I have contacted Andrea @ RR to see if logistically it is possible for our family to adopt Darya in addition to Alyona. We will be praying for your family, Darya, and her forever family whoever that may be.Aprilhttp://themissingswerd.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-21285788651962731502010-03-26T13:04:49.131-05:002010-03-26T13:04:49.131-05:00Bless your heart. May the Comforter bring your fam...Bless your heart. May the Comforter bring your family peace about this decision. Of course, you need no confirmation but that of our Lord, but for the record, I support your decision 100%. Your family has inspired us to look into Reece's Rainbow for our adoption. Thank you so much for sharing your journey!Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13529249915048384723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-38993873018953391642010-03-26T13:02:00.652-05:002010-03-26T13:02:00.652-05:00"I would caution you, though, because if you ..."I would caution you, though, because if you judge too harshly, God may put you into a situation where you find yourself in my shoes. And daily facing the mortality of your child is not a pleasant place to be; I wouldn't wish it on anyone."<br /><br />Hmmm.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-35129365782561172622010-03-26T11:44:11.654-05:002010-03-26T11:44:11.654-05:00Melanie, I have the utmost respect for your family...Melanie, I have the utmost respect for your family in making such a difficult decision. I won't pretend to know that I understand what you're going through. I am continuing to pray for you all that the Lord will fill you all with His perfect peace. What a blessing and inspiration you have been and continue to be to many! I have been following your blog since November and am amazed at how God has worked through your family. Would you please email me at mefick@gmail.com? Thank you!Mariannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-87131836041607954762010-03-26T10:06:37.449-05:002010-03-26T10:06:37.449-05:00This only makes me respect you even more. We are c...This only makes me respect you even more. We are called to obedience. Not just when it feels good or is convenient. Your story has touched many people- us included. Another poster was so correct in saying that its the process not what you thought was the end of the journey that is important. We have been waiting so long for our approval in Ecuador and have learned so much in the waiting place! It wasnt just about adopting our little girl.... its about so much more!Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05452607521750848540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-77550753406239589632010-03-26T09:17:38.559-05:002010-03-26T09:17:38.559-05:00As a parent of 2 on earth and 2 in heaven who want...As a parent of 2 on earth and 2 in heaven who wants to badly to adopt, I thank you. My husband and I could never afford to adopt a child like sweet Darya though we would love to open our home to her today. What your family is doing is giving a tremendous gift to another family. You are unselfishly sharing the blessing of Darya. So on behalf of families everywhere, thank you for being willing to walk the road of obedience even when it is difficult.Amber Bengehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07071072319018194914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-12695349465464740782010-03-25T23:53:11.302-05:002010-03-25T23:53:11.302-05:00Not a single spot of criticsm. Not one. The well-b...Not a single spot of criticsm. Not one. The well-being of our entire family always has to be considered carefully before God before adding another child to our family. We have several children with special needs, and have had to reluctantly conclude that God's plan for us right now does *not* include adopting more. Not saying it won't again possibly later on, but not for now. There are other ways for us to help orphans in addition to adoption, so we are seeking out and following God in obedience in those other areas. God bless you all . . . . my heart aches with you but understands.Happymom4 aka Hope Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13853646859979784516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-65294671149917855372010-03-25T21:28:13.196-05:002010-03-25T21:28:13.196-05:00Thinking of you, Melanie.
You and your family hav...Thinking of you, Melanie.<br /><br />You and your family have touched so many lives! Thanks be to God for using Hope, and Darya, and Lydia, and you, and your whole family for such GOOD! We're praying for you all!<br /><br />We think you're an amazing person! <br /><br />JTHTLTinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06289050178453786267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-37158539512347596462010-03-25T21:07:49.119-05:002010-03-25T21:07:49.119-05:00I absolutely understand because I have a son who i...I absolutely understand because I have a son who is medically fragile, as well.<br /><br />Many prayers for you, dear Melanie. My heart is broken for your family tonight.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10184386463890917186noreply@blogger.com