Hope

One week after the Create for Care Conference I am still soaking it all in.  It was amazing to be with 250 adoptive mamas and hear from so many speakers who have adopted. 
I would love to share with you all that I learned but I've tried writing several blog posts.  Nothing seems right.  For now, I will share with you the highlights for me.

There were many amazing speakers but two spoke to me when it comes to orphanage dust.  One mom has four adopted children from Russia and the other has EIGHT from Russia!  The age range of the children at adoption were about 5-14 years old.  These moms have been home for 10 years.  I was so encouraged by them because they have been where I am now.

The first thing these moms gave me was HOPE!
Joel 2:25- I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.

Then they encouraged me to continue BELIEVING that Igor's wounds, the emotional holes would heal. 
1 Peter 2:24- He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

They gave me a tool to speak the words of life into Igor's brokenness.  I realized that Igor knows who God is but may not know how God sees him. These words will give Igor language to help him think about who he is in God's eyes. 
Igor, you were wonderfully made by God.  He knew you before you were born (Psalm 139:14)
God choose you!  John 15:16
The love of Christ lives in you!  John 17:26
Igor, did you know that you are a child of God?  He has given you the ability to be slow to become angry? (James 1:19)

Finally, I should call things that are not as though they are.
When lying- Igor you are not a liar, you are a young man of integrity. 
When in or after meltdown mode - You are a young man of self control. 
When filled with rage- Igor you are filled with love and compassion.

There is so much more I want to share!  I will when I have the words.