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.”