I grew up the only girl with two brothers. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 5. I was a happy little girl, except that I HATED being the only girl in a "sea of boys" (my cousins on both sides were also boys) I and really wanted a sister. Truth was, I didn't mind so much being the "princess" of the family and being a bit spoiled. It was kind of nice. Looking back now, I realize God must have placed the desire for a sister in my heart from early on for a reason. That reason's name is Meribeth.
When I was around 7, I think, I asked my mom if she could have a baby, preferably a girl:). Mom said that I would have to take it up with God. I knew that God gave people that loved Him the desires of their hearts, so I decided I would take it up with Him. I prayed everyday that God would bring me a sister. And He did, just not the way I thought He would.
In the fall of 2007, my mom called me into her room one morning. I crawled into her bed to peak at her computer screen. On the screen was a picture of a little girl. She had dark hair, dark skin, and dark eyes. She was from Colombia. Her shirt had the word, "Candy" written across it. Her name was Luz Mery. She was only 4 months older than me, 10 years old. My mom started to explain to me that perhaps God was asking us to adopt her, and wanted to know my opinion. I totally thought she was talking about a sponsorship through World Vision or something and replied, "Well, yeah, I'm all for it. Don't you think you're making a big deal out of a sponsorship?" She looked a bit stunned and said, "No, like adopt her. She would be your sister." My heart skipped a beat and my stomach did some flip flops inside of me as I gleefully replied, "YES!!!! A thousand times yes!!" I ran out of the room and started jumping around. Mom called me back in and we talked about how I wouldn't be the only girl anymore and I would have to give up a lot of things. I was still 100 percent positive that I wanted to adopt Luz Mery.
The next year flew by in preparations to bring Luz Mery home. I was so excited to be sharing a room and bed and everything I could with my new sister. We flew the whole family to Colombia in November of 2008, and actually got asked in the airport if we were moving because we had so much luggage! The first day I met her, I was so nervous. We were waiting in a small room for her to arrive. Finally, Luz Mery, my beloved sister whom I had prayed for for so long, walked in the room. Shy, timid, and so small. I ran to her and hugged her tight. As I embraced the sister I had for so long wanted, tears of joy streamed down my 10 year old face.
Things were going pretty well, and just when we thought our perfectly balanced, two girls, two boys family was working out, God called us to adopt again.
To be continued........
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Have a wonderful day, you're definitely are a writer like your mama.
ReplyDeleteHappy 15th, Mattie! You are a true blessing to your family! I hope God blesses you HUGELY during this year!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, sweet girl. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy 15th birthday, my beloved daughter! I love you so much, and I thank God for the privilege of calling you my daughter. Thank you for living out 1 Timothy 4:12 so faithfully. Love you!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story, it is a blessing to read.
Happy Birthday Mattie!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Mattie! I will be happy to follow you on your own blog - I've been following your mom's blog for quite a while now and have been very impressed by you and your heart for God and for orphans. I hope that you have a lovely birthday, sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteHaPpY BiRtHdAy MATTIE!!! Thanks for being such an inspiration to others. May your year be Blessed abundantly.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mrs. Gypsie Judice
Happy birthday, Mattie! I firmly believe God is going to use to do wonderful things...be they big or small, if they are done for HIM, they are gigantic and life-changing...for you, and for the person(s) you minister to! Excited to see what is to come for you, as you follow Jesus!
ReplyDeleteNancy (follower of your Mom's blog, and blessed mom to ShaoXi, age 16, adopted at age one in China.)
Happy Birthday! And congratulations on the start of your blog!
ReplyDeleteLove you sweet girl- Happy Birthday! The day you were born the world became a better place!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Mattie!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you're fifteen! You've grown into a spectacular young lady. I'm excited to see what God's doing/will do in your life!
I really loved what you said about accepting Jesus as our Lord, not just our Savior. Thank you for that reminder. :)
God bless,
-Renee-
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTIE!!! You are such a lovely young woman, royal daughter of the King of Kings!! Love your new blog....love your mom's blog!! Love your family, your faith, your walk!! Be blessed today and every day!! (((HUGS)))!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Mattie!!!!! What a joy to see how much you have blossomed!!!! May you always be a warrior for God!!! Stand firm in your Faith always!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You have a beautiful voice in your writing.
ReplyDeleteHappy 15th Birthday to a beautiful young lady! What a blessing you are to your family and to others! I know that you are going to do great things for the Lord in the years ahead.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Judith (I read your Mom's blog.)
Happy Birthday, Mattie! I'm a follower of your mom's blog! Wishing you all the best!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Day Mattie! I have five sisters what a joy. I love reading your Mom's blog and now yours.
ReplyDeleteCharlene
Happy 15th Birthday Maddie! A blessing you are indeed & a beautiful child of God to share His Word. Have the best day & enjoy the Love, Laughter, Life you were given!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy 15th birthday! Enjoyed the post! I'm off to read part 2--
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to an amazing, beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteHi Mattie,
ReplyDeleteI delivered a warm sugar coated banana cake to your house today. I totally forgot this was the weekend you were going to have a get-away. :( Maybe they froze you a piece :)
I love your blog~ <3 You have a beautiful heart to match your beautiful face!