Nola

I recently released the second book in my series As We Forgive Our Debtors. In this story we meet a new friend, whose name is Nola.

Nola is a precious girl whose life shines with joy despite her physical challenges that came from brain damage suffered as a toddler. Nola can’t walk and she can barely speak, but she teaches Margie and the Coopers that loving Jesus is something you can do without words.

But where did Nola come from? I read a blog post about a young man at my church who had shared about how he’d spent the entire kids’ night with a little boy who had severe Downs Syndrome. The young man confessed he had previously had reservations about such conditions but through that experience had seen the Lord’s love. Another woman who brought about Nola was a woman who had suffered a severe stroke and can no longer speak but through written word still expresses the life that is inside of her. And since writing this character I’ve had the privilege of meeting Yapheh, and have realized that Nola doesn’t just represent one child but many.

In my book, Nola is blessed to have a loving family that despite everything still sees her as beautiful.

My heart isn’t to sell adoption but to simply provide information for those who aren’t yet in the adoption circle. A common phrase in the adoption world is SN (Special Needs) kids or “Waiting Kids”. But what does that mean?

Special Needs: Some read that term and immediately think Mental Disabilities. YIKES! I could never do that! Now calm yourself. Special Needs is a very broad term. A child could be missing one finger and otherwise be entirely healthy but they would be “Special Needs”. In China there are many little boys (Boys in China! Can you believe it!) who have cleft lip and palates. Many of which have been partially or completely repaired, and they are considered “Special Needs”. “Waiting Kids” is also another term used to describe “Special Needs” kids. (I know, aren’t all orphans waiting?)

Other times a child may be considered “Special Needs” simply because they are older. So now you know. “Special Needs” covers EVERYTHING! From minor to major needs; one time fixes to ongoing procedures and everything in between.

So to say that all these children are “Special Needs” is accurate but to say that physically perfect orphans are not “Special Needs” is in accurate. Any child that has been neglected, abandon, abused, institutionalized and left to fend for themselves is going to have “Needs”.

Don’t be scared, be informed. If the Lord has called you to adoption He will give you everything you need to do it!

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

And if the Lord has called you to adopt that child missing a finger, He will give you everything you need to do it!

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

And if the Lord has called you to adopt a “Nola”, He will give you everything you need to do it!

You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit. Job 10:12

If you didn't know China had boys, check out this video of my little brothers adoption.

(No this isn't John. We're still waiting to get him.) 

This video can also be viewed in a bigger version at the bottom of this blog.