16 Oct Day 6: Nicolas

Posted at 05:00h in 30 Days of Prayer 2019 by hopeunlimited
“We love because he first loved us.”
 
1 John 4:19

Nicolas

“It’s not that they don’t want you,” I heard myself say to Nicolas. He was sitting on the edge of the sofa, while I knelt down beside him, trying to gaze directly into his grief-stricken eyes. I struggled for the words to finish this sentence. I understood both sides.
 
Nicolas 13, and his older brother, Lucas 15, came to us a couple of years ago. Lucas, with some learning delays, is always cheerful. Nicolas has a more melancholy personality. He sees the complexities of their situation and is torn. He feels responsible for his older brother, yet he longs to be part of a real family.

Each of our kids is paired with “Godparents,” or a family from a church in the community. Sometimes they take them on outings, and they always bring gifts on special days like Easter and Christmas. This was the second time that Nicolas had begged to be adopted by his Godparents. Now I had to explain to him that while this family cared for him deeply, they were not ready to adopt a 13-year-old.

I dried his tears, and I gave him a bowl of ice cream. It was already a rare treat to be in Auntie’s house—especially to be there having a bowl of ice cream. Finally, he looked imploringly at me, and he asked me the dreaded question, “Why can’t you and Uncle Philip adopt me?” “Son, we already have,” I said to him. “I know it isn’t exactly the way you want, but you’re a part of our extended family. That’s why I’m talking to you now. I’ll always be here for you. It’s just that our family is a really big family.” It tears me apart to have to say these words to him. I know the facts don’t really matter; in a sense, it sounds to him like he’s being abandoned again.
 
Pray today for the families who serve as “Godparents” to our kids—those who give a weekend here and there, contribute financially, help on holidays and get involved in our kids’ lives.
 
Nicolas did go that weekend to stay with his “family.” They are trying to work through this with him—trying to create stability, trying to love him without disappointing him. It takes a mature family to be able to do this. It is a calling.

 
Heavenly Father, thank you for each of these individuals and families who have responded to your call to be Godparents to our kids. Help them show love while they maintain boundaries and help our kids understand the depth of their commitment.


ECFA CAFO Member Seal Charity Navigator

Hope Unlimited for Children is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization EIN: 33-0480141.
We are independently audited and are a member of the ECFA where we meet the highest standards of responsible stewardship.
Download 990 forms here.
Download the Audited Financials here.

Click here to donate!

Test Drive Bet365 — My Authentic Experience

I always approach such sites warily. I don't like it when bonuses look attractive and then evaporate or have 100 conditions. But Bet365 pleasantly surprised me — everything turned out to be sincere.

Initially, I spent some time examining the rules. There is a whole section on licenses and legal information — it's clear that it's not just a form. I also noticed that the site has tools for game control: setting limits, timers, and even the possibility of a pause for a certain period.

Games — for every preference. I settled on slots with free spins because I love the excitement. The winnings were humble, but I managed to withdraw everything without commissions. I communicated with support — they responded in English, without a translator. This is also an important element for me.

What else I liked — the mobile version works without glitches. I tested it on the go, and there were no disturbances, even with slow internet. I didn't install the app because everything works from the browser anyway.