I and others continued to counsel with Sara* about the advantages of her being adopted by a family in the States. This opened the strong possibility of a kidney transplant. It would certainly be life changing for this ill girl. I related to her being afraid of stepping into the unknown.
Teams often came to minister to the children of our growing orphanage and helped with the upkeep of the facilities. One day, Joanne received a reply from a couple in the States who were interested in adopting Sara. They came to the orphanage with a team, spent time with Sara, and went home feeling that adoption might work for them. Learning of this possibility, I felt motherly protectiveness well up inside of me. Not just anybody is going to be able to adopt her. We have to find the right people who will love her as we do. Joanne explained, “They will return to Guatemala and spend more time with Sara. They are seeking God’s guidance in this and have an understanding of how difficult it could be for her.” That will give me time to check them out too.
When the couple returned to Guatemala, they came to the orphanage and waited in my living room. Sara slowly walked through the doorway. When she saw the couple she screeched, “Darlene*!” and ran to the woman, throwing her arms around her. I lost control of my emotions and had to leave, so Sara wouldn’t see me crying. I went into my bedroom to get control. Is this the same girl who refused to show affection to people she hardly knows, the one who did not want to consider adoption? I knew what happened. God answered many prayers, and Sara connected with this couple. To me, this confirmed that she would become part of their family. God knew what I needed to see, in order for me to let her go with peace in my heart.
The next months were filled with phone calls to the States, so Sara could get better acquainted with this couple. I got to be involved in one of the most exciting parts of the transition. “Sara, how would you like to go to Disney World?” I asked. Sara perked up, and with an ear-to-ear grin, she yelled, “Yes!”
“We will fly to Orlando, meet with Darlene and Dennis*, and go to Disney.” We quickly made arrangements, including a temporary visa for Sara to leave Guatemala. I contacted my daughter, who worked for Disney, and she set the wheels in motion so that Princess Sara would be a special guest at Disney with her future parents. Seeing everything new through the eyes of this young girl, a child from the ghettos of Guatemala, excited me. We will never forget the memory of this trip, and it sealed Sara’s decision. She wanted to be adopted by these loving people and move to the US. Fear no longer dominated her thoughts. The quality time with these people made the difference.
The adoption process moved along quickly because of Sara’s serious medical condition. She moved to the States and became a part of this incredibly giving family. It wasn’t a coincidence that Sara’s new mother worked as an RN or that their church family helped support adopting families. The kidney transplant became a reality. God had many details all worked out. Through it all, Sara and I learned another great lesson about trusting the Lord. As a God of love, His plans are the best for each of His children. When we need help, He wants us to come to Him in trust and ask for His intervention, just as a young child does with his earthly father.
*Name has been changed.