Friday, October 14, 2011

King over the flood.

Several people have asked about the flooding in Thailand and what we know and what it means.  The answers are brief.  We know that it is pretty bad.  Monsoons and typhoons have caused the worst flooding in decades...affecting two-thirds of Thailand.  THIS ARTICLE gives you an idea of how bad...and it's a few days old, so there may be newer updates by now. We know that Asher and his foster family are safe, but they have been evacuated--as have all foster families in that area.  The official quote from our agency was that the floods have "severely affected" all the foster families in the Ayutthaya district, which is where Asher and many of our friends' children are living.  We don't know where they are now, and we don't know how long.  I'm assuming somewhere in Bangkok, which is one of the only areas yet to be flooded.  We know that Holt Sahathai, our sister agency in Thailand, is providing safe housing and relief support to the families--almost 80 families. I'm sure this is a huge task for them to support the Thai families and know how worried the adoptive families are as well.  We don't know if their homes are still standing, or how badly damaged they are.  We don't know if his foster family was able to save any of the things or pictures we have sent to Asher.  We don't know how this will emotionally affect our son or his foster family. We don't know if or when his foster family will be able to return to their home.  WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR ADOPTION PROCESS.  Several people have asked if this could be a way for Asher to come home sooner.  In all honesty, I cannot foresee how that would happen.  If anything, I'm afraid the stress of a natural disaster on the entire country will slow down government paperwork, not speed it up. 

Here's what we know--what we are clinging to.  (Sorry if this is too "spiritual spice" for some of my readers!)  Our heavenly Father is not surprised by this flood.  I don't know why He is allowing it to happen, or why He allows so many devastating things to happen on this earth.  He never promised life would be easy and safe.  "In this world you will have trouble..." But I know that He has promised to never leave me or forsake me--or my son.  My God loves Asher even more than I do.  A silly little Christian cliche that I've seen over people's bathroom sinks comes to mind...and in this moment it doesn't sound silly to me.  "Sometimes God calms the storm.  Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child."  Bumper sticker theology?  Maybe.  But right now there's a storm across the ocean that if affecting my family, and I need some calmin'. 

For most of the past 2 weeks I've felt a little numb about the situation.  I have kind of put it out of my mind in a move of self-preservation.  Of course, that can only last so long.  A few days ago I was driving and listening to my tunes and heard a song that I've heard and sung dozens of times.  But I heard it with new ears. 
 "When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with You above the storm.  Father You are KING OVER THE FLOOD.  I will be still and know You are God."


8 comments:

Peaby said...

whoah...love that song anyway, but it is certainly taking new meaning today. Praying for my nephew!

Steph said...

No joke, I have been singing this song ALL morning in my head, so I was a little weirded out when I saw your title. I love you and your heart, my friend, and will continue to sing this song and pray for your son. I am encouraged and blessed by your attitude and trust!

Evan Becky said...

I read your blog, but don't comment much, but I wanted to tell you that we're praying for you.

MommyG said...

Praying peace in the midst of so much unknown...thank the Lord we have HIM and only HIM to cling to sometimes. Much love to your family and lifting you and your sweet boy up in prayer!!

Erika

woosterweester said...

Been praying for you guys this morning. Thanks for putting finger to keypad and letting us in on a glimpse of what life is like over there. I don't know about everyone else, but I NEED that! Natural disasters can seem overwhelming and it is so easy to turn away because it's on the other side of the world, but this time the flood is personal. It has a name, or I should say HE has a name. Asher. And Asher doesn't just stand for your beautiful precious son whom we want home NOW, but also for his foster family, and ALL the Thai people affected.
We stand with you Jen and are trusting in the King over the flood.

Becky said...

You know we're already praying for Asher...for all of you, but we will certainly be more specific now. I think being still can be one of the most difficult things sometime, but He is King over it all and your trust in that is a testimony. I know you're holding onto Him and the peace only He can bring. Love you!

Nina said...

My heart and my prayers are with you my precious family. God has gathered His people to pray. So much power in prayer both here and there. It has gathered our hearts together. Love you so much.

Catiejoyce said...

I needed to read this again today! I am so thankful for our agency and all they do for the families in Thailand - foster care and family preservation families. The reports are overwhelming and it is hard to think about what life is like for them right now. Thank you for pointing me back to the King over the flood. I know our kids are in HIS hands, but like I have said before, I know you and I will be happy to have them in our arms as well!!!!!!!!!