Tomorrow is the big day. At approximately 2:00 p.m. Monday afternoon (around midnight tonight in Birmingham), Lord willing, we will meet our daughter.
As we prepare to become a family of five, I thought it might be helpful to share some of what we know about our little girl. Right around the time the Lord was turning our hearts toward adopting a child from China, a woman in a small city here was having a baby that she could not take care of. Instead of having an abortion, as is common throughout China, this precious woman decided to have her child. She wrapped her premature newborn little girl in a blanket, placed her in a brown paper box, and left her in a place where she could be found. Thus our daughter was born.
Sixteen months have passed since that day. In God’s grace, she has been well nurtured and cared for in an orphanage that we will have the opportunity to visit next week. The adoption agency we are working with, Lifeline, recently entered into a partnership with this orphanage, a home for orphans with various special needs. Many of the staff at Lifeline are members of Brook Hills, and some of them had the opportunity to visit this orphanage just a few months ago. This gave us an opportunity to send some gifts to our little girl, and it also allowed us to receive some pictures of her. Here’s a couple of our favorites, starting with her looking at pictures of her new brothers that we sent to her…
Caleb and Joshua built her a pink bear and recorded their voices so that when she squeezes the bear’s hand, she can hear Caleb and Joshua telling her they love her and can’t wait to see her…
And then one of our favorites. She has good taste in reading material…
In all seriousness, someone on the trip had a copy of “Radical” and gave it to her to hold. We have joked about the look on her face, as if she’s saying, “How did I get stuck with the guy who’s rebelling against the American dream?”
In summary, all I’ve seen are a few pictures of her, and she already has me wrapped around her finger!
Her name will be Mara Ruth. [For those wondering, we are pronouncing “Mara” like “Sarah” with an “M.”] In the first chapter of Ruth in the Bible, Naomi loses her husband and her two sons, and she returns to Bethlehem barren with little hope of survival beyond a daughter-in-law who has made the trip with her, Ruth. As people approach Naomi and call out her name, Naomi responds by saying, “Don’t call me Naomi; call me Mara (which means bitter).” Don’t worry…we’ve not named our daughter Mara because we think she’s a bitter little girl! Instead, we’ve named her Mara because Naomi had no idea that amidst the saddening tragedy in her life, God had actually set the stage for surprising triumph. For in the days ahead, he would use Ruth in Mara’s life to bring satisfaction from suffering.
This incredible story of redemption in Scripture illustrates what God has shown so clearly in our lives…and in our daughter’s life. Amidst the ups and downs of infertility and struggle, Heather and I have often wondered, “Lord, why are you not answering our prayers for children?” But in the end, He has shown that indeed He is sovereign, and He has used pain in our home to bring about pleasure that we never could have imagined. Similarly, the story of a little girl in China left in a brown paper box looks like tragedy on the surface. But the Father to the fatherless delights in showing His glory by taking tragedy and turning it into triumph. On Monday at 2:00 p.m., God will set the lonely in a family (Psalm 68:6), bringing satisfaction from suffering.
As I prepare to go to sleep (or at least try to sleep tonight!), I’ll leave you with a poem that I wrote last Christmas (2010). I hesitate to share this because poetry is definitely not a skill I possess, but I wrote this for Heather as we began to enter our third year of this adoption journey. I wanted to encourage Heather (and our family) to persevere, particularly from the perspective of a child waiting to be adopted in China. As I read over this again, I am compelled to worship, for tomorrow I will meet this child, hold her, hug her, kiss her, and love her as my daughter.
Today, I sit in China, a special child in need,
Of a mommy and a daddy who will come and care for me.
Though I’m still just a baby, I have a longing for a home,
For a family who is willing to call me their own.
Most days I feel forgotten, yet unbeknownst to me,
The Father to the fatherless is at work behind the scenes.
For many miles away, He has a mom and a dad,
Who’ve been walking through a journey that has sometimes left them sad.
For many years they prayed that God would give them a child,
And finally God answered in a way that made them smile.
In one year alone (nine months to be precise),
Through a miracle of miracles, God gave them offspring twice.
First a son through adoption, and then one more naturally,
And all of a sudden, they doubled their family.
Yet now a few years later, they are struggling once again,
Pleading and yet wondering if their prayers are in vain.
Oh, be patient, mom and dad, for the Father on high,
Is listening with care and has heard our every cry.
He knows how much I need you, and how much you need me,
He’s arranging every detail for the day that we will see…
Each other for the first time, in the city where I live,
Where you’ll take me in your arms, and on that day you’ll give…
Me what I’ve always dreamed of and desired deep inside,
A family whose love for me will never, ever subside.
I know this may sound insensitive and hard to understand,
But I am very grateful that the process you had planned…
Has been blocked and delayed at various points along the way,
For as a result of your setbacks, I’ll be your child one day.
So even when it’s tough, please wait and persevere,
For though you do not know me yet, I’m waiting over here.
One day soon in China, we will finally meet,
And our God will be exalted for your patient pursuit of me.
Posted by Erica on November 20, 2011 at 9:25 am
I am reading your blog from northeastern China where I am an English teacher. Several other teachers and I have listened to many of your messages and even did a Secret Church “retreat” last year, and we have been hugely challenged and encouraged. I have been following your adoption journey since I found out about it several days ago and am asking the Father to give you a wonderful first meeting with Mara Ruth tomorrow! Many blessings!
Posted by beth carey on November 20, 2011 at 9:26 am
thinking of and praying for you in your joyful anticipation ~
beth
Posted by James Drake on November 20, 2011 at 9:27 am
Thanks David your words are encouraging, inspiring, and challenging. We will be praying for your growing family. Thanks for your faithfulness.
Posted by stephseclecticinterests on November 20, 2011 at 9:42 am
She’s absolutely beautiful. God bless you all and congratulations.
Posted by hannah taylor on November 20, 2011 at 9:45 am
praying for the platt family as you meet your precious new daughter and sister! i am so blessed by your obedience and faithfulness. praise be to God!
Posted by Sue Lucas on November 20, 2011 at 9:46 am
Wonderful story and wonderful poem. We have three adopted children and daily we are amazed that God chose us to be their mom and dad. Ours were older when we adopted them and I can still remember the first time each of them went from calling me Susie, to calling me mom. They chose to call me mom. I knew then the joy our heavenly father must feel, when we come to know him and choose to call him “dad”. Bless you and your family and have a wonderful time as you soon get to meet your beautiful daughter.
Posted by Julie Blauwkamp on November 20, 2011 at 10:11 am
beautiful, touching poem, david. just 7 months ago my husband n i were in china for our 3rd adoption. the little girl we adopted was the foster sister of our son, we had a picture of her from the foster mom that we prayed over and then 2.5 months later, she miraculously “showed up” on agency’s shared list. we sensed god was calling us to be the answers to our prayers and adopt her too! 4 months into the paperchasing for her, god surprised us again when i found out i was pregnant (at 41 and after almost 15 years of marriage!). 2 miracles in 2010. 2 blessings in 2011! did i mention our son was only 6 weeks old when we traveled to get our daughter?
one of the joys on our 3 adoption trips was meeting and witnessing the miraculous ways god places the lowly in families. each child loved and cherished by our loving god. each family united. it’s indescribable joy! joyful for your family as you are united tomorrow! what a wonderful way to celebrate this thanksgiving week as a family of 5! thanx for sharing your journey with us!
Posted by Jackie on November 20, 2011 at 10:12 am
I am so thankful each day for the Birth Mothers who choose life. My daughter’s Birth Mother could have easily chosen what appeared to be the “easy way out,” but chose life instead. What a blessing she brought into this world and into our lives.
Posted by Laure on November 20, 2011 at 10:16 am
Moved to tears. Really.
The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.
So thankful to learn more about Mara Ruth’s beginnings in this world.
Your poem is beautiful, David.
As I said before, she definitely has that Platt look about her. *smile*
I dare say that she will find your arms about her to be a perfect fit!
Posted by vicki shelton on November 20, 2011 at 10:55 am
Mara Ruth is the most precious, beautiful little baby girl!! I know your hearts are leaping with joy!! Mine sure is….many many blessings as you finally get your hands on her. Oh what a moment that will be!! V
Posted by Diane on November 20, 2011 at 11:06 am
Remember what happens in China may not stay in China
baby # 4 ? !
Posted by Kristin on November 20, 2011 at 11:45 am
I was a teacher in Qinhuangdao last year and had the great priviledge of visiting an minority orphanage in Beijing each month. Every couple of months, another child would be gone but joy rang through the home because God had blessed another family with a gift from China. The rest of your Global Family rejoices with you and is praying for the transition ahead. Praise the Lord!
Posted by april and jason carlisle on November 20, 2011 at 12:40 pm
I am so excited for your family. Praying for all! Thank u for sharing all that u have today in your post. God is using u through that. We struggled with infertility also and God did bless us with a son, who is now three years old. We just lost a baby two weeks ago. I was 13 1/2 weeks pregnant. God is helping us through all of this. It is helpful to read your story and know we are not alone in our struggles. Thank u for sharing your journey.
Posted by Teesa on November 20, 2011 at 12:59 pm
My family and I lived and worked in China for seven years and adopted our little girl at 20 months-old from Guangzhou just two years ago. I am thrilled to read your story and know that you are sharing with so many about this incredibly journey. What a huge blessing you have in being chosen to be an adoptive family.
Posted by Sara Smith on November 20, 2011 at 1:31 pm
An absolutely beautiful story and a beautiful poem about how great our God is and how he provides in every situation despite that at that point in time we may not see how He is working. It is so encouraging to see and be reminded of that. I am praying for you guys and that God will bless your journey for His glory. Thank you for sharing your story! It has been such a blessing to be able to see a glimpse of your experience.
Posted by strawberrysugarstarz on November 20, 2011 at 1:45 pm
(A) very encouraging blog post. (B) your poem is also good! I’m excited to see what God does with you and your family. Blessings! Can’t wait to see a family photo of all of you at once.
Posted by Jo on November 20, 2011 at 1:49 pm
We have never met but through a friend, Kelley Hastings, I’m reading your story.
Thank you for sharing and reminding us how awesome our Lord is and that His timing is everything.
May God keep you safe and may you return with His gift at this holiday time.
Posted by Renee on November 20, 2011 at 1:55 pm
God bless you and your beautiful family. You are such an inspiration to others and your message of God’s blessings is so encouraging. I love to hear your messages.Thank you for sharing ;your story with us.
Posted by Kim Tate on November 20, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Praying that the transition for Mara Ruth and your family is overflowing with God’s love, peace, and rest.
Posted by Steve Deur on November 20, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Awesome and inspiring! Congrats! As an adoptive father I can relate and celebrate with you!
Posted by Anna on November 20, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Congrats to you and your family, David! Thanks so much for sharing. I appreciate your sincere godly leadership, obedience and faith. May God bless and guide you and your family in the days ahead as you are a blessing to the nations. As one who has lost her earthly father, I am so humbled and grateful for my Heavenly Father. My heart swells for your little Mara Ruth. God is good. Sending up prayers!
Posted by vfto2 on November 20, 2011 at 2:16 pm
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by Kenny on November 20, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Love the poetry.
Love the photos even more.
Thank you for sharing your adoption journey here on these pages.
Kenny
Posted by Elizabeth on November 20, 2011 at 2:36 pm
I love that poem…so beautiful and moving. I’m so blessed by the story and so excited that tomorrow’s finally the day. Praying for you all.
Posted by Jodie Frye on November 20, 2011 at 2:52 pm
“It’s not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What’s hard is figuring out what you are willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.” Shauna Niequist
David and Heather, your lives are a beautiful picture of the call of Grace. May your peace and joy overflow as you keep your eyes on Jesus! Thank you for sharing your journey with us…Mara Ruth is a precious miracle!
Posted by Kathleen on November 20, 2011 at 3:04 pm
So happy for you and your entire family. I pray God’s richest blessings on all of you, but especially on this sweet little girl. What a gift you are to her—praise the Lord!
Posted by Rachel Phillips on November 20, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Prayers to all three of you tomorrow. We’ve been home 8 weeks with our precious angel from Shanxi and she is a blessing…. it is quite a journey, but I know God has big plans for Miss Mara….
Posted by Sarah Stemen Browning on November 20, 2011 at 4:10 pm
So excited for your family David! Mara is one lucky little girl!
Posted by Donna Houston on November 20, 2011 at 5:59 pm
As I sit here and think that in a few hours another child (Mara Ruth) will have a Forever Family my heart is overwhelmed. I love the words of Jesus as He said, “Let the little children come to me.” One day Mara Ruth will know and come to Jesus because of the obedient Platt family!
Posted by Katy~TheCountryBlossom on November 20, 2011 at 6:05 pm
How wonderful! We are a family of five…and it is a beautiful blessing! (Although I would love to grow even larger). Your daughter is just beautiful…what a wonderful treasure and addition she will be to your family! Wishing each of you a wonderful union!!!
Posted by Syllen Crum on November 20, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Thinking of you and your family and keeping all of you lifted up in prayer. I work with your wonderful mom, Julie.
Posted by Barbara on November 20, 2011 at 6:14 pm
What a wonderful, loving God we serve! He can take the bitter in our life and made something beautiful out of it! Praise God that He loved me and chose me! I never knew my biological dad, but I have a Heavenly Father that loves me unconditionally! Mara Ruth is truly blessed to have you and Heather as her earthly parents! Love you,
Barbara Broome
Posted by Brenda McCollum on November 20, 2011 at 7:15 pm
She will have you wrapped so tight around her little finger that it might turn blue! She is a doll. So glad to be a part of this journey, long distance.
Posted by Chris Caughran on November 20, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Mara is beautiful!! The other end of the Red Thread! So happy for you all!
Posted by Tiffany Hailston on November 20, 2011 at 7:30 pm
It’s Sunday night here in B’ham, but already Gotcha Day in China. So excited for you guys! Can’t wait to wake up in the morning and see pictures of Mara with her family. Blessings!!
Posted by Adam and Karen Eurton on November 20, 2011 at 7:42 pm
We have been praying for you guys! We are so happy for you. God is SO Good!!!! Mara Ruth is precious!
Posted by Keri Mason on November 20, 2011 at 8:01 pm
David, Heather, Caleb, and Joshua…the Mason’s love you and are praying for you as you meet the first Platt daughter in just a few hours. My heart wells with awe and praise just thinking about what is about to happen…Mara Ruth will go from orphan to daughter…God has given you a wonderful Thanksgiving gift this year! And as you look at each of your children I know your heart will feel like it might burst with gratitude. So happy for you all. Caleb and Joshua, you are going to be such great big brothers! I know having you boys will help Mara Ruth during this hard transition. Praying for you all…thank you for your friendship.
Posted by Lauren on November 20, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Just a few more hours! I am praying for your family as you meet sweet Mara Ruth!
Posted by Chris Fischer on November 20, 2011 at 8:42 pm
To quote David Crowder: Things will never be the same, you will never be the same.
Posted by Allie on November 20, 2011 at 8:52 pm
As an adoptive mama of five, this just blessed my socks off! You have expressed your heart so beautifully.
Posted by Heather Thomas on November 20, 2011 at 9:22 pm
My heart is filled with joy tonight because your time has finally come. I just smile when I think about how you guys must be feeling right now. Give Mara Ruth a kiss from me…
Posted by Chris Hutto on November 20, 2011 at 11:40 pm
David and Heather, we are praying for you tonight as you are about to meet Mara Ruth (It is about 11:35 PM Sunday night, Birmingham time.) May God bless you during this time as you bring Mara into your family. We are very happy for you!
Posted by Gordon Elliott on November 21, 2011 at 7:56 am
Praying for you on this very special day for you all. Have been praying all week. Now the day has arrived. Hallelujah. It has felt so good to be even a small part of this journey for you all. The Lord richly bless you. Still hoping and praying one to meet you all.
Love and prayers from Scotland.
Gordon
Posted by gena on November 21, 2011 at 9:50 am
We are so very happy for you! We made the journey 10 yrs ago to Harbin, China to get our little 17 month old. What a blessing! To think that the Lord picked us for her and her for us out of over one billion people… Only a match He could have made.
Many blessings to you and your family.
Posted by National Adoption Month « Adventures on November 21, 2011 at 5:47 pm
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