Adoption
Higher Grounds Photography
feature
“
EACH DAY SPENT WITH
LEXIE IS A Precious
Blessing FROM GOD...
WE LOVE LEXIE IN THE
MOMENT WE ARE IN,
NOT WORRYING ABOUT
“
WHAT THE NEXT MOMENT
WILL BRING.
“LEXIE’S DIAGNOSIS IS “TETRALOGY OF FALLOT WITH PULMONARY ATRESIA.” Her heart and
had ever been given. I had always thought that I would have at least four children. Lexie
lungs cannot fully oxygenate her blood to the maximal level. Also, many of her pulmonary
completed our family by being the instrument God used to teach us to live every day to its
arteries are extremely tiny, so her blood cannot flow as it should through her heart and lungs.
fullest and to care deeply for one another. I know fully and confidently that He equips us to
This gives her a bluish appearance and decreases her physical strength and endurance. When
love the children He gives through adoption just as much as He does the ones born to us!
Cristi learned that Lexie’s condition is incurable, her heart began to break for this child she
After all, isn’t Jesus Christ the original designer of adoption?”
had grown so fond of. “One thing I knew was that I loved her more than words could describe,
Each day spent with Lexie is a precious blessing from God. “We don’t worry about the messy
and she loved me. Just before they wheeled Lexie into surgery, the doctors told me that it was
room that has baby dolls and more art supplies than a craft store strewn all over it. Instead,
possible she wouldn’t survive the procedure. Standing there all alone, I sobbed. I was over-
we are thankful that she feels like playing. We love Lexie in the moment we are in, not wor-
whelmed. What was I supposed to do to make sure sweet Lexie had the family she deserved?”
rying about what the next moment will bring. We choose joy over sadness and compassion
Thankfully, Lexie survived the procedure. Soon, Cristi and Scott agreed to become licensed
over criticism. Nehemiah 8:10 says, ‘The joy of the Lord is our strength.’ The happiness and
foster parents. “I was very eager to get through our long licensing checklist. The fact that she
joy that flows from Lexie can only be found in knowing Jesus. The very first time someone
was not ‘fixable’ did not cause me to waver in my belief that Lexie was born to be in our family.
looked at her and asked why her lips were blue, I told her to tell them, ‘It’s just how God made
I was confident that the very same God who took me to the Crosswell Home would give us the
me.’ Though it was difficult for her at first, she now very beautifully and confidently looks at
strength we needed to care for her.”
them with her head held high and says, ‘It’s just how God made me!’”
Lexie officially became a part of the Kinder family on November 21, 2008. Cristi remem-
Lexie loves to paint angels and often asks Cristi if her work can be sold to help children in
bers it was almost like bringing home a newborn. “She slept in our room the first week. I
foster homes. “Through Lexie, I have learned to take each day as it comes. God can do things
couldn’t imagine her waking up in a strange place all alone. We stayed home most of the
far beyond anything we can ever ask or imagine. I’ve learned that choosing to be joyful, even
week, organizing her room, toys and clothes. But, most of all, we spent time just loving on
when it’s not easy, allows us to possess strength that only comes from Jesus. This journey was
her, convincing her that she was finally home where she belonged. We developed a routine
started when Jesus lit a flame of passion in my heart for children who need to hear of His love
that worked for all of us. Almost instantly, she called us Mommy and Daddy; it seemed very
for them. Whatever my circumstances, I have learned to be thankful and to give all the honor
natural for her. And for us, going back to bathing, dressing, and early bedtimes with lots
and glory to Jesus. Lexie has shown me that child-like faith can move mountains.
of stories to read and oh-so-sweet bedtime prayers was the most awesome privilege we
Cristi Kinder is a homemaker who resides in Sumter, South Carolina, with her husband Scott. They have four children - Brandon, Jordan, Ryane and Lexie - and four grandchildren: Carson, Rivers, Jones and Mae.
106
NOVEMBER 2015
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