Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Publish...

This is my 255th post.  Never has it been so painstakingly difficult to hit "Publish."

I’m honestly not quite sure how to write this post.  My heart is just broken.  Justin and I (and my family, and bless them, anyone who knows me in the “real” world) have just had a devastating past two and a half weeks.  Without a doubt, there has been good in those two weeks, but ultimately, they have been the hardest days of my entire life.  Last Tuesday was, without a doubt, the lowest I have ever been. 

It is with such sorrow that I tell you that beautiful HJ will not be coming home to Justin and me.  Through our sadness, we are both entirely grateful that God allowed us to be her Mommy and Daddy, even just for the shortest of times.  We know without an ounce of doubt, that He has a reason that He needed us to say ‘yes.’  We believe fully that, ‘yes’ was the right answer.  He had a reason for having us open up our hearts and love her beyond reason and lavish her (and will continue to do) with prayers.  We do love her.  We will never stop praying for her.  We know that God has a plan that is out of this world.  And we accept and understand that we may never know the purpose of all this, this side of heaven.

Although this precious little gem is not our Ruby-Grace, we are still planning to adopt from South Korea, still working with our amazing agency, and still seeking God’s will each and every day for the child that will one day be our Ruby-Grace.  I know this probably doesn’t make an inch of sense and I’m sure it never will.  But, we know we are following where He is leading. 

I have taken down HJ’s picture for her privacy and out of respect for her and her future forever family, though we will keep this photos we have of her forever.  Each time we see them, we pray for her and all that God has planned for her life.  However, I still want to leave up the stories about her referral and our acceptance.  They are a part of her story and ours. 

The other day, I said I probably wouldn’t write too much in the near future but I have found that writing (even just in my personal journal) is a great tool for me.  So rather than saying I will or I won’t, I’m just gonna say I will take it day by day. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers for me, Justin, Perry, and little HJ.  We literally have had people from all over America praying for this situation and your prayers have physically been felt.  I’m so thankful and truly believe in the power of prayer.

 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths staright.
Proverbs 3:5-6

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord.  "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

7 kind thoughts:

Christy said...

Sorry, mistype - I am so so sorry, Brooke. I am praying for you, Justin and little HJ. I'm praying for God's awesome power to be with you and strengthen you and that you see your little girl's face soon.

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Oh Brooke~ I know your pain. It is nothing short of how a miscarriage feels... same way I felt losing our babies and then Grayson. I know your heart is broken and I am praying for you/your family! So many emotions with this decision but know, it means her mom is still looking for her and your daughter is still waiting for you to find her. What a sweet blessing for all. God uses everything to the good of those that LOVE Him! He already knew this was going to happen and His plan is perfect even in our pain. Please know I am just an email away and will be praying for you. I look forward to the amazing blessings God has in store for you all!!! Blessings and love! XO

Unknown said...

I am praying for you and your family. Hoping that his plan will be laid out for you in a short time to help your heart and that of your families.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Praying for you my friend!!! I am heartbroken to hear the latest news and I am sure you are too. Sometimes God throws very tough decisions our way and it is not easy to make our way through them, but in the end, we are stronger because of it. I hope that things start to look a little more clear and that you are peace knowing you made the right decision for your family! Thinking of you at this difficult time. Keep the faith and the little girl that was meant to be your daughter will find her way to you soon..... I promise.

Love,

Lisa

T said...

So sorry Brooke. I can't imagine the pain you all must be going through. I hope you are surrounded with love from friends & family. I'm praying for you & HJ.

Lee and Sarah VanGrunsven said...

:-( So sorry Brooke! God's plan is always perfect, even when it's hard to see in times like these.
XOXO

Michael and Amanda said...

Sweet friend, my heart aches with yours. Please know that you are constantly on my mind and in my prayers. Love, Amanda

Post a Comment

Our Adoption Timeline

  • June 19, 2011- We are officially "Paper Pregnant!" We have submitted our Waiting Child Application to Holt!
  • July 5, 2011- Submitted our formal Home Study Application to Villa Hope
  • September 6, 2011- Submitted all of our paperwork for our Home Study
  • October 8, 2011- Completed our First Home Visit
  • October 17, 2011- Completed our Second Home Visit
  • November 14, 2011- Home Study Approved
  • December 1, 2011- Filed our I600a
  • February 1, 2012- I600a Approval Letter
 
© Heart and Seoul

CoffeeShop Designs