Today, July 24, 2012 the dream that God planted in our hearts finally became a reality.
We are a family of 8.
- Putnam Family – Forever!
This is a miracle in more ways than one.
When we started the adoption process in February 2011, our social worker asked us how many children we were willing to adopt. My answer was one. Scott said four. I told him (and the social worker) that I had to be realistic and think about just how much I could handle. Absolutely no way could I handle four more children!
Well, here we are with four more children! God is funny like that, isn’t He? He spent the last year and a half working in our family and preparing our hearts to accept all four of these new blessings.
When we first heard about sibling number four, we were told that we had maybe a 50% chance of being able to adopt her. We strongly felt that God was calling us to keep these siblings together and that He would provide a way. We started planning for our new family of 8. We registered for our blog “Our Great 8” with the hope in our hearts that God would make it a reality.
Every step of the way we were told about how “impossible” this would be. The courts couldn’t promise anything. Our agency had never had a situation like this before. Her paperwork would take almost a year to complete.
But God proved Himself over and over again. And here we are, a family full of hope and promises.
Does this mean it is all going to be easy? No! Does this mean that I am not scared at what the future might hold? No! Honestly, sometimes I feel like crying when I look at the years ahead of me and I start to worry. How am I going to do this? How am I going to be the mother that these children need? How am I going to be patient and kind and wise when I am so far out of my comfort zone? And honestly, sometimes I feel like crying when I look at the miracles God has already done in our family. When I think about the fact that Abigail could have spent the rest of her life in a tin shack with food only once a day. When I think about how Naomi and Micah and Levi could have been separated from their sister forever. When I realize how these children’s hearts will be affected for eternity.
Really, we are just beginning our journey. But if there is one truth I know, it is that God loves us and wants only the best for us.
“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 a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Our family’s future is full of hope. This is what God has promised. This is what I believe.
Blessings!
Natalie
LOVE THIS!! God has definitely worked miracles for your family. So thankful for the opportunity to witness what He has done in you all. You are a beautiful family!
We are so full of happiness for you. God has truly blessed all eight of you. Love, love the completed Family picture. What a beautiful family!!!
Congratulations and what a wonderful day this is. Finally you all are a complete family and dream come true.
What a beautiful family! I’m so happy for you!!!
Thank-you for letting us follow your journey~ we are so happy for you!
Congratulations! We are so happy for all of you! How long do you think all your paperwork for the US. Will take?
Yay! Congratulations on your beautiful family! God has done great things for you and through you, and I know He will continue to! I’m excited for your future =)
Our lives and times are in the Lord’s hands, we are blessed to be His children. AND it is but a breath compared to eternity.
We are rejoicing with you!!
Love & prayers,
Mom
Amazing, Natalie. But you and Scott did not just have hope. You had faith, which was made clear by the risks you two took in extending your hearts, your efforts, and your finances. Without faith it is impossible to please God, but if you have even the faith of a mustard seed, you can tell the mountains to move. Your journey includes legal, financial and other mountains moving, and I believe that God is, indeed, pleased with you all.
Praying that His blessings will continue to abound and strengthen you for every challenge as it comes to you.
God made the impossible possible again! Your family will forever be a reminder of His great power & love!
So very happy for all of you! Prayers answered!!! 🙂 🙂
Natalie….your family is gorgeous!! We are so happy for you. Your journey has been long and you have taken each day with God’s grace and looking forward to what He had in mind for you every step of the way. Your faith is an awesome example to all of us. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Maureen Wildauer
Congratulations to all eight of you. My heart is full of joy for you!
I am so happy to hear of your great joy and blessing! I’m so excited to meet each and everyone of them.
Congratulations! I’ve been checking your blog every day for this wonderful news. God’s blessings to you and your beautiful family through every amazing adventure ahead. You are truly an inspiration.
Congratulation!!!!! What an incredible miracle to watch! So excited for all 8 of you!
Congratulations!! Praise God for His faithfulness. I love to think of the fact that God pre-destined you all to be a family. He knew during the struggles and pain that these children faced there would be redemption, healing , and grace. You are blessed to be a part of this amazing plan!