As I started brainstorming what I wanted to make, I reached out to some friends who had adopted for inspiration. There were so many inspiring comments! "hope, joy, love, faith, blessing" ...when thinking of these words in regards to a couple who have prayed for this child and already have a place in there heart for her....and this little girl from across the world who for the first time will have a "family" my heart overflowed with joy for them.
I wanted whatever I made to serve as a reminder of the hope this child now has for a future, the joy this couple will experience raising this little girl, the faith it took to go through the adoption process which will change the life of this child forever, and love they will all share as a family.
I pray that whoever ends up taking this sign home, will hang it up and let it serve as a reminder of Gods faithfulness and grace...and a reminder to keep this family in our prayers as there will be tough times ahead but God has a plan..."For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jer. 29:11
Most would look at this as just decoration, but every part of this sign has a purpose.
First step: was to chose a type of wood.
I chose Cedar.
Cedar wood -comes from several different trees that grow in different parts of the world.
Described as : "highly valued, durable, fragrant, and decay-resistant"
This was the perfect foundation!
Step 2: The message..
To sum up adoption in one word was so difficult....but, the one word that kept coming to mind was "Family". I can't imagine what my life would be like without my family. They gave me a Godly home to grow up in, they gave me love and hope. Now that I have a family of my own my heart overflows with joy everyday for the blessings that my family gives me.
Step 3: the letter "I"
Replacing the letter "I" with a dragonfly was more than just for looks. I have shared what dragonflies represent to me before ... it is a symbol of change and transformation...of adaptability...and of joy.
Dragonfly Story
"In the bottom of an old pond lived some grubs who could not understand why none of their group ever came back after crawling up the stems of the lilies to the top of the water. They promised each other that the next one who was called to make the upward climb would return and tell what happened to them. Soon one of them felt an urgent impulse to seek the surface; she rested herself on the top of a lily pad and went through a glorious transformation, which made her a dragonfly with beautiful wings. In vain she tried to keep her promise. Flying back and forth over the pond, she peered down at her friends below. Then she realized that even if they could see her they would not recognize such a radiant creature as one of their own."
Step 4: Hinges
A hinge is defined as "a bearing that connects two objects"
This couple has been connected to this little girl thru faith in God, prayer, trust and grace.
Step 5: Burlap bow
Burlap is so popular right now, but it has been used for years because of it's construction.
Described as: "Woven, breathable, durable enough for rough handling in transit, protection from the elements, even used to wrap the exposed roots of trees and shrubs when transplanting, and also for erosion control on steep slopes"
Step 6: Scripture
1 Samuel 1:27
I just want to thank my sweet friend Mary for this opportunity to share in this family's journey. It has been a blessing to be a part of it.
"Adoption is love, Adoption is hope, Adoption is faith, Adoption is joy, Adoption is...Family"
