Tuesday, January 13, 2009

This post is hard for me to type. When we signed on to be Sonel's host family, we knew he had parents, but we knew before he came that his parents told Lori that they did not want him back. I hadn't even met him yet, and my heart broke for him. After he had been here for several months, my husband suggested that we see if we could adopt Sonel. (That has been my desire forever, but we haven't been in harmony on the subject.) I was thrilled beyond words that my husband wanted to adopt. When Lori contacted his parents about a possible adoption, the father had a list of demands...he wants us to send them money every month, Sonel would not be allowed to call us Mom and Dad, we would have to take Sonel to Haiti several times a year to visit them, and when he is 18 he has to move back and take care of them until they die. Sonel's dad is 72 years old and his mom is 34. They are not married. Lori told them that this was illegal and couldn't be done, then he told Lori that they want him back when he is well.
I pray every night for God's will to be done in Sonel's life. I want what's best for him. Living in the US isn't what's best, but being loved is. I want him to be loved. I show him picture ID's of his mom and dad and talk about them. He knows them, even though he hasn't seen them, since they dropped him off at the Rescue Center 2 days after his 4th birthday. He's 5 and 1/2 now. Sonel talks total English now and today he told me that he's not going back to Haiti. ( I've told him several times that he came here to get his feet fixed and his mom and dad want him to come back when he is all better.) I told him again that his mom and dad want to see him. He just kept saying that he's not going back. It's going to be so hard for him, and my family. Hope has already bawled about it a couple times. One time Hope and Sonel were playing and Hope was asking Sonel questions and he was answering in a microphone. She asked him his name and where he was from. Then she asked him if he liked Haiti and he said "No, Haiti hurt me" . She said "What" and he repeated it. My heart sank. PLEASE pray for Sonel. Please help me pray that he has a happy life. I know that there is NOTHING that God cannot do.
Brenda

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brenda,
Words are inadequate. Please know that I am sitting with you in prayer and sharing the belief that God can move mountains. Knowing that He loves Sonel more than anyone, and praying that He will make a way for this beautiful boy.

Corey
www.watchingthewaters.wordpress.com

dreamingBIGdreams said...

I can't even imagine this pain. I love how you said that the US in not the best for him but being loved is. I love that thought. Being loved is the best thing for these kids. I think of you a lot now that we have Fedna here and are just starting our journey. Fortunately for us Fedna has a momma and papa that love her and take great care of her. It is going to be so hard to take her back though. I have fallen so in love with her and she hasn't even been here a week.

Thanks for posting your thoughts on this.

C said...

I'm praying today that the Holy Spirit will pray FOR me. Just too much for my brain and my heart to handle right now.

I'm writing to say that I read every single post on Sonel, and have loved being a silent part of this journey with you.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Brenda,

I just hope that Sonel can live where he receives lots of love... and you know where he receives lots of love. I hope that God will do what is best for Sonel, you and your family.

Claire

Anonymous said...

Brenda...I have been with you almost since the beginning of your journey with Sonel. He has grown, not only physically, but mentally in his time with you and your family. It has been so exciting to watch. His smile makes me smile each and every time I look at his pictures.

I will pray for God's will to be done, and I know it will...it always happens, right?! Take it a step at a time, and when/if Sonel leaves, God will be by your side and Sonel's side - always.

~Amy in Wisconsin

Brenda said...

It is such a blessing knowing that there are people out there encouraging me to trust God and helping me to KNOW He will do what's right. Thank you all, reading this blog, for your prayers. I'll keep everyone posted.
Brenda

One Crowded House said...

I will be praying... Brit and Fed leave in less than two weeks... luckily they still are happy to see pictures of their mamas.... I know they are loved. That makes it easier.

Praying for him and your family... so so so hard. I will be praying his mom and dad fall back in love with him...

Stephanie said...

Sonel captured my heart from the first time I saw him on the video Lori and Licia made ... Praying for a miracle in this sweet boy's life!!

Brenda said...

I love reading everyone's blogs. I think I'm a blog-a-holic. I would love to be invited to continue reading "One Crowded House". I want to thank everyone again for your prayers on Sonel's behalf. It really touches my heart to see your concern for Sonel.
Brenda

Rebekah Hubley said...

Praying for you Brenda! God has big plans for Sonel, whether here or in Haiti! How much longer is he here for treatments?

Brenda said...

His medical visa is good until July 27th. I will probably take him back in May, though. I went in June before and it's soooo HOT. I don't want to go in July. He wears braces at night and his shoes on the wrong feet, but that is all that is going on right now as far as treatment. He needs an additional surgery, but the doc said they don't do it until they are 8 years old. I need to ask the doc if there is any physical therapy that he needs to be having. He is such a blessing!