For the last year, every phone call directed at daughter Emily has begun or ended with, “When’s the adoption to be finalized?” I have waited and waited for each part of the law process to occur in or- der for the Massachusetts judge to declare Kayliahna ours. Waiting is interminable; and I don’t wait well whether passively or aggressively. All my vacation has been saved so I could celebrate the event in situ (that’s Massachusetts) no matter what time of year and no matter what was scheduled at church. I’d write the judge if the adoption was during a big Church event like Christmas on the Hill or Wine & Dine Auction, hedging my bets it wasn’t going to be on Christmas Eve.
Two months ago, I decided to go to Massachusetts in early December at a time where I missed the least church activities. Taking a shot in the dark, I chose December 5—10 for a little rest and relaxation in my daughter’s snowy home, knowing that the courtroom date could be set anytime within a few weeks or months of my pre-arranged flight. A little history is needed here for the few who are unaware … Our daughter has had trouble conceiving and suffered several early miscarriages over the past 5 years. She and her husband decided to foster then adopt through an agency that works with at-risk children. Last summer, 2018, Kayli was born two months prematurely and put up for foster care as a one month baby. Emily and Steven came into Kayli’s life in the NICU and have been at her side learning about her feeding tube issues, sight impairments, and loving her while educating her about life in their family.
Isaiah, during 8th century BC, was prophesying that an infant savior would be born to a pure woman and he would relieve the suffering of the oppressed and offer justice and righteousness to those who followed him. The Hebrew people were scattered due to wars and conflicts, living in exile as servants in Babylonia. Waiting for rescue from oppression for centuries of darkness is a long plight of unanswered prayers. Then the darkness was broken with light! Out of an impoverished family, a name above all names. Out of a stable and humble beginnings comes the Promised One, the Savior. One night angels appear and alert the lowly shepherds. “Hey, have you heard, do you know, will you sing glory with us? You’ll find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem.”
Last week, I learned that the adoption will take place on December 11th, the day after I was to leave Massachusetts. Quickly I called the travel agent. Glory Hallelujah, she could change my flight so I could stay longer to be a part of the ceremony. My darkness has been broken and the wait not really so interminable. The light does shine for the Advent of Adoption to come to us (Advent means “come” in Latin). I’ll witness this little child becoming my daughter’s child and my grand- child. The shepherds have nothing on me. I’ll shout it from the hilltop. I’ll tell everyone I know that we are a family—though an eccentric one who will love her to the moon and back as we did her mom, her Aunt Ellen, her Aunt Felicia (also adopted 26 years ago) and crazy cousins: Kennedi, DJ and Payten.
As we wait for things to happen in our life, I hope that we all consider the babies who are welcomed and those who are oppressed who wait for kind- nesses, food, clothing, and well being. May we look into all life and find those people and creatures who need adoption into God’s family and into our own families. May we rejoice with the angels, as I run with a shepherd’s crook down the streets and into the hills while crisscrossing around sheep, and singing loudly about love knowing no boundaries! Welcome again, Baby Jesus! And welcome, Kayli, into our family – officially!
Beth Fultz, Director of Education