I love spending time with Tina and two of her amazing answers to prayer. After Katie Kat disappeared one fine day, Tina prayed and prayed for her return–even when her “sensible” grandma’s prayers had changed to petitions for either a quick passing or a good home somewhere for the beloved pet. Then one day, months after Katie Kat’s disappearance, Tina’s mom spotted a little gray cat in the window of a house down the street and brought her well cared for kitty back home.

Both Tina and her mom yearned for another child to share their home–a brother or sister for Tina. Then May‘s birth sister, just over a year old, came up for adoption. Cared for by the same loving foster mom who taught May that the world is a safe and happy place for children,  Eliana is a joyful, easygoing child. She takes great pleasure in snuggling with her mom, climbing just about anything, playing peek-a-boo, and “working” in her little kitchen.

To tell the truth, I hadn’t thought of 1  1/2-year-olds making plans until I went into Eliana’s room after her nap and found her sitting up, blanket positioned over her face. She’d heard me coming, and was ready to play peek-a-boo with Grandma.

What does the future hold for this beloved child? We don’t know, of course, but knowing that she’s an answer to prayer gives us comfort and hope.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)