Bruce and Em and ALL of Them: The Water that Cleanses

Every Christian parent usually has very specific prayers they repeat often almost daily, regarding their children. Bruce and I are no exception. We pray for their health, their safety, their obedience, their academic success, their ability to make friends, their future spouses, a servants heart, and mostly, their salvation. We also pray specifically for each child as they have different needs and challenges, but we know that their salvation is still the most important prayer we can pray.

Our little William was a much prayed for little boy.....prior to his birth. If you want to read more about that, you can follow the link here: William's Story. Beau and I prayed for years before we decided to adopt and once we both were in agreement to pursue adoption to grown our family, we prayed for months leading up to Will's birth and adoption. His arrival was a sweet one. We KNEW that God had placed this little boy in our home and blessed us in a huge way.

From the time he could talk, we could see Will's tender heart. When Will turned 13 months old, we began fostering our first child, Oliver, who was 6 1/2 months old at the time. Oliver's story can be read here: Oliver's homecoming. Will instantly turned an open and sympathetic heart towards Ollie. Oliver required much of our attention from the beginning and continues to do so. William was gentle, loving, and proud of his new instant brother. It was almost as if Will never knew any different. Then Carter came along, follow his story here, and we felt like we were busting at the seams in busyness. We had 3 little boys under the age of 2 and all in diapers. It was very trying sometimes, but Will always remained calm. Oh yes, he had his 2 year old moments and his stints of mischievousness and "boy" tricks. But ultimately, William always had the ability to be reasoned with and parented easily. William often makes personal sacrifices for the good of his brothers. He is quick to release a brand new toy to his brothers without complaint. He is readily willing to give up something he desires so that his brothers can chose something instead. Bruce and I, however, work very hard to make sure that his generosity doesn't go unnoticed.

William has always made friends easily. He is very compassionate with other people. He sees others' sadness and always finds ways to help them. He takes the time to care for others. William is very sensitive to others' needs and constantly looks for opportunities to fill those needs. He is generous with his toys, his friendship, and his loyalty.

Over the last months, William has been very thoughtful with his questions and inquisitiveness about God. We have had wonderful conversations over this time and with each one the conversation has been more intense and more intentional. Driving in the car has been a time for many of these talks as we look at the beauty that surrounds us in nature. All of God's handy work. Will knows that he was a gift from God as HE joined him and our family together through adoption. He understands that he is a sinner in need of a savior. Will knows that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. The Trinity is still baffling to him. I still struggle as I try to wrap my mind around that one too. On July 16, William came running to me with tears welled up in his eyes. He had this urgency about him and this intense desire to KNOW that he was going to go to Heaven. Bruce came home for lunch and we prayed with Will and he asked Jesus to come into his heart. It was precious, moving, and sweet. But, the main ingredient that Will possesses is his child-like faith. His wide eyes and open heart is just the beginning of a long relationship with Christ. How I wish I could always possess that same ability!

I look forward to watching William as he travels his journey with Christ. For I know He has a plan for this little boy with a tender heart and I delight in watching his grow spiritually, physically, and mentally. I love you William.

We are very thankful for our church family. Our church is led by a God-loving pastor and his wife couldn't be more of an example of a Godly woman. We cherish their family who have gone out of their way to welcome the Bennett's. The congregation is very open-armed as well. The love of God is apparent every Sunday. In New England, where people keep to themselves and are often hard to reach, this church stands out. This church loves on people, loves Christ, and loves the Gospel. During a quaint and lovely baptism we had several families join us to celebrate. Thank you everyone who came and celebrated such a sweet time with us. We love you all.

PS At first Oliver so badly wanted to get in the water with William and was very vocal about it during the baptism. However, when he discovered how cold the water was, Oliver decided he no longer wanted to be hypnotized (baptized). There's got to be a little humor in the midst of dysfunction!!! Seriously though, I do continue to pray for Oliver and Carter's salvation and hope that one day they will be hypnotized.