KIN STORIES
Le Roux Family – A Dad’s View
Everyone loves a story. Hearing about other’s experiences entertains, inspires and possibly leaves us with some food for thought at the end. Listening to the Le Roux family’s account of adopting Lukas into their family will probably do all of the above. Up next is Willem. You’ll enjoy reading his part of the story.
I am in some respects the opposite to my beautiful, fun-loving, caring wife. I am quite serious and I like being in control, which the Lord is curing through our children. I was therefore quite nervous when Melissa was pregnant with our first daughter. Suffice to say God has absolutely blown my mind with the capacity that He has created in my heart to love our little mini-me’s!
Nonetheless, as Melissa explained, going through the process to adopt a child was with a dash of trepidation for the unknown. As time passed, the excitement grew on my side as well, feeling a sense of purpose and confident knowing that this was exactly what God wants for Melissa and I to do.
Early on in the process I wondered about the risk was of adopting a child that I might struggle to bond with. However, in wrestling with the Lord, I gained full confidence that my faith and trust could be in our loving Heavenly Father, who gives every good and perfect gift. I never looked back after that.
It did help to have Melissa pouring out her love and affection on Lukas on the day we got him – it took the pressure off me, being slower to respond on the emotions. What I can say is that this little “beertjie” of mine is my first choice, firstborn son and there is no backup plan. I love him so much and I am tempted to convince everyone to adopt a son. He is a source of constant joy, has an infectious laugh and zest for life which inspires me.
Melissa said that adopting Lukas was exactly the same as having biological kids. I fully agree. I would caution everyone going through the same process to drop your expectations, trust God that He is not confused about who He will place in your care and allow yourself to be excited at the prospect of being part of God’s plan for this world. And of course the biggest privilege is to do life with a spirit-being, created by God, with a perfect plan for his or her life and to impart something of God’s way in that spirit.
However, in wrestling with the Lord, I gained full confidence that my faith and trust could be in our loving Heavenly Father, who gives every good and perfect gift. I never looked back after that.
