Together In The Journeyনমুনা

Goad Liya (Adopted in Hindi)

“In the airports, several groups of Indian women were fascinated with us because we looked like a unique family. I spoke the phrase “Goad liya” (adopted in Hindi); my friend in Mumbai said it translates “from one lap to another.” When I told people she was adopted, they became excited. They chatted away in Hindi, and I knew they were talking about us because they stared at us as they talked. Most always though, one person would stop and look at Lyla and touch her face and say she was blessed.” (Chapter 11)

I find “from one lap to another” to be very thought provoking. When I reflect on it, I think about the third person in the scenario, the birth mother.

While I know nothing about Lyla’s birth mom or the reasons which led to Lyla’s placement in an orphanage, I know this: she cared enough to spare Lyla’s life and make sure she was looked after. India has a high female infant mortality rate; they are not desired and often considered a curse. But Lyla made it, she beat the odds, and a big part of that is thanks to her birth mom.

Through God's grace, I have been blessed to experience motherhood through childbirth and adoption. Having carried and birthed children, I can only imagine how difficult it was for Lyla’s birth mother to part with her precious little one. I pray often for her—that she knows she made the right choice and she rests in the hope that her daughter is in a good home. I long for her to know her daughter will hear about and understand the sacrifice she paid as a mother. But most of all, I pray she knows Jesus so we can meet one day.

It is important to remember the potential sacrifices made by our children’s birth parents. I am aware that all situations may not be healthy ones, and some are made out of necessity for the child’s safety, but even in horrendous situations, a sacrifice was made.

Our salvation story is similar. We should know every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. These gifts, such as His blessings, our atonement, and our one-on-one relationship with Him did not come without sacrifice. These were all made possible because of the sacrifice God made in giving up His son for you and me. Once again we see the beautiful reflection of the redemption story in the act of the adoption process…the giving up of oneself for the gain of another.

Thank God today for the ultimate sacrifice He made on our behalf. Also, spend time praying for your child’s birth parents, being thankful for their sacrifice and hoping that they also know of the great love of Jesus and the sacrifice He made for them.