Adventures with Noah

Hi everyone,

It has been a year and a half since we last gave an update on Noah so this is long overdue! I can hardly believe it, but Noah has been a part of our family for almost four years. He has been with us as long as he was in Ukraine. We adopted him when he was almost four years old.

There were many who wondered whether adopting a child with such a significant disability was wise. Many wondered if adopting Noah would place an incredible burden upon us and our children. These were all understandable and reasonable questions and concerns. But, there is a God in heaven who made all things, who is gracious and kind, who calls us to visit orphans in their distress. He has helped us, provided for all our needs and given us strength in our weakness. While it has not always been easy, God has blessed us in innumerable ways and we are happy to report that God is faithful to his promises and Noah is doing great. He is growing, learning and continues to bring such joy to our family and everyone he encounters. We are so thankful for him! Noah has been attending his local public elementary school and started 2nd grade this year. Like his brother Andrew, Noah has the privilege of being included with his typical peers in the classroom and has an aide to help him. We are so thankful for his teachers, aides and the school staff that support him in this way.

The blessing of Andrew and Noah in our lives is further evidence of what the apostle Paul said to the Corinthians: "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Cor 1:27-29).

This video shows some of the fun we have been having with Noah and gives you a sense of his playful, joyful personality. We hope you like it!