"You're My Mama..."

Mrs. Beaver:

As our family of 14 goes through the adjustment inherent to adding three new children, any indication that the transition is going well is a big encouragement. This morning as we home schooled, I was blessed to get two doses of encouragement.

Each morning before breakfast the kids and I set aside a 15-minute period to memorize scripture. We've folded our recently adopted kiddos into this family routine.

I normally work with Oksana, but this morning I got an urgent phone call. When I came out of my bedroom, I caught sight of Jaynie cuddling with Oksana helping helping her memorize the first passage we've started all our older adoptees on, Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

I was sitting on the stairs when Scripture-memory time ended, and I invited Oksana onto my lap. As I held her, she looked into my eyes and said in Russian, "You are my mama." Never has the title mama sounded so sweet as it did coming from this precious little girl who never knew the care of a mother until 12 weeks ago! I feel honored to be her mama. It's deeply pleasing to know she's pleased with the arrangement, too.

My heart has been full of thanksgiving to the Lord all day long.