Sam, Mom, Jacob & Anna speak with Mary Beth (holding Maria) about being Maria's Sponsors
A Helping Hand Reunion 2005
For many adoptive parents Steven Curtis Chapman's music has been our soundtrack. His family and their orphan ministry, Shaohannah's Hope, has raised awareness for the plights of orphans worldwide. His music speaks to all of us living in the wonder and miracle of adoption.
When I awoke this morning it was to a text message from my best friend letting me know of a tragedy. The Chapman's youngest daughter, Maria, was struck and killed in her driveway last night at age 5. Her older brother was driving that vehicle. I can't begin to know the pain and anguish that the family must have at this moment.
Maria was special to our family, too. We had her sweet photograph on our refrigerator as our sponsored child. Her smile gave me confidence when going through that crazy web of paperwork during our first adoption. She lived with Asher at PHF, toddlers together. I remember sitting in a parking lot shortly after Maria had been adopted. Steven Curtis Chapman spoke of his beautiful daughter, Maria. "Could that be our Maria?" we wondered. It was.
What a joy to watch her grow up via news of the Chapmans. I would check out Mary Beth's blog and catch up on what our little sweetie was up to and relish the photos of that precious smile. Maria was our first sponsored child, but since then we've prayed for Dinah (now adopted) and Abraham (just adopted). And as a sponsor I grow to love these faces and pray for them every day.
My prayer today is that the Chapmans can somehow find a peace in knowing that our little Maria is dancing with Jesus. Her smile is lighting up heaven and she is sharing with her Father God all the wonderful things her family is doing to find His children homes.
God, comfort us all.
When I awoke this morning it was to a text message from my best friend letting me know of a tragedy. The Chapman's youngest daughter, Maria, was struck and killed in her driveway last night at age 5. Her older brother was driving that vehicle. I can't begin to know the pain and anguish that the family must have at this moment.
Maria was special to our family, too. We had her sweet photograph on our refrigerator as our sponsored child. Her smile gave me confidence when going through that crazy web of paperwork during our first adoption. She lived with Asher at PHF, toddlers together. I remember sitting in a parking lot shortly after Maria had been adopted. Steven Curtis Chapman spoke of his beautiful daughter, Maria. "Could that be our Maria?" we wondered. It was.
What a joy to watch her grow up via news of the Chapmans. I would check out Mary Beth's blog and catch up on what our little sweetie was up to and relish the photos of that precious smile. Maria was our first sponsored child, but since then we've prayed for Dinah (now adopted) and Abraham (just adopted). And as a sponsor I grow to love these faces and pray for them every day.
My prayer today is that the Chapmans can somehow find a peace in knowing that our little Maria is dancing with Jesus. Her smile is lighting up heaven and she is sharing with her Father God all the wonderful things her family is doing to find His children homes.
God, comfort us all.
No comments:
Post a Comment