"To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61:3

The Burckhard Family

The Burckhard Family

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Remembering....As to Not Forget!

In addition to all the good memories I have of Ukraine, I would be remiss if I didn't share a moment in time that stands out with such clarity that I vividly remember it like it happened yesterday.

Right at the end of our adoption, our Facilitator--who is a very kind, compassionate man at heart--said to me (through translation) "Paula, you come back next year and I get you a HEALTHY child."

I was stunned! I wanted to say to him...

Say what?

Haven't you seen and experienced the joy and thankfulness that adopting Bella has brought to us! Can't you see that we LOVE this beautiful child we have been blessed with?


There were many things I could and should have said, but I only replied "No, this is the child God intended for us. And we are so thankful for her."

I hope and pray that through Reece's Rainbow and the adoptions of children with Down Syndrome that God will use adopting families as instruments to open the eyes of the world to the worth and beauty of our children!

The ultimate goal would be for things to change dramatically in foreign countries so that parents are able to keep their children with Down syndrome at home and not give them away to orphanages.

But, really, we aren't much better here in the US are we? At least there, the children are born...here, if the child is found prenatally to have Down syndrome, over 90% of their parents will end their life!

So my prayer really should be that ALL people from ALL over the world recognize that ALL children are valued! All people need to know this scripture taken from Psalm 139:

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.



So I hope this memory will stay with me and act as a catalyst to advocate for children with Down syndrome all over the world--first for life and then for families!

6 comments:

  1. That is my favorite Psalm! To God be the Glory...our prayer has always been that people change their thinking regarding the gift of a child. When you really think of the odds of a child being conceived, each one is a miracle in itself! God's Miracle! Who are we to decide which one to keep or 'delete'? :(

    You preach it sister! I think God Loves our Soapboxes :)

    God Bless you!

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  2. Wow. How sad...!! Our facilitator never said anything like that, but I could tell that she was a bit uncomfortable around Erik. We were her first (and only??) RR facilitation though, so give her time and I'm guessing she'll turn around a bit. She HAS been to America though, so exposure here might also help.

    *sigh* So much work to do.

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  3. What a beautiful posting! ...wish we could spread this far and wide to encourage others to recognize the worth of all God's children. My brother,Scott, is now 46 years old..he is Down's by definition, BUT he is so much more! My mother recently had her personal memoir published emphasizing God's faithfulness throughout her lifetime and Scott plays a huge part in our family's story. Our blog is www.themessageglorious.blogspot.com I enjoy your blog so much...your family is beautiful!

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  4. Dear Friends,

    I am so thankful for my online friends like you who know of God's truth and rely on Him for strength and guidance. Yes, we have lots of work to do...but let's just do it--all to the Glory of God!

    And Anon...I check out your blog too and your Mother's book looks so great! How wonderful for you to be able to travel this road with her! And how wonderful that your brother Scott has played such a wondrous role in her family's life and legacy!

    L

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  5. I feel blessed to be a part of this family. Paula is my sister and she is such an amazing mother (& sister!). I feel that God gave her Grace and led her to Bella because she can be an inspiration to others. I know she is to me!!

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  6. Awww..little sis...you are so sweet; and one great Mama too! Wish you lived closer so the Texas cousins were actually NoDak cousins! Love you! P.

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