Kathy Johnson Alexander, Class of 1985

I received only two items in the mail today. I thought that to be strange since we have started receiving Christmas cards from friends and family. The first item I looked at was the alumni magazine from the college I attended quite some time ago. I always enjoy looking at the new things happening there and looking to see the Alumni Notes section that breaks down each graduating class, highlighting some individual achievements in recent times. I usually go through a minor self-esteem issue when I read them. In the world’s eyes, I may not have accomplished much these days. I was well on my way in the early part of the 80’s. I finished my undergraduate degree in 1985 and literally within 24 hours had moved to my new Graduate Assistantship at Bowling Green State University. I finished my MA when I was 23 years old. I worked for a few years in higher education before something happened to me. I became a mother. All professional goals I had at the time literally went out the window! I struggled in the early years of being a stay-at-home-mom because I didn’t feel “important.” Over the years I’ve developed a greater appreciation for my decision and to be quite honest, I don’t care anymore. I’m where I am called by God to be at this time in my life. It is just that silly alumni magazine can get me thinking. Ah, but the other piece of mail followed!

Shaohannah’s Hope is a ministry started by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth. They sent us a copy of the booklet, “Miracles: Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness in Adoption.” It is their version of “alumni notes” of little ones that have been blessed by the generosity of Shaohannah’s Hope in the form of financial grants. The book was full of different testimonies of families and their experience of adopting a child in need of a forever family. There were children from China, the United States, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Russia and other countries. All of the families of these children were given money from Shaohannah’s Hope to bring home their child. I was blessed to have just sat down to read the testimonies. Section titles of this booklet excite me! A Seed of Faith outlines the story behind the start of adoption in the Chapman family. Their daughter Emily challenged her parents to consider adoption. That small note from a young teenage girl resulted in three more Chapman’s coming into the family by way of China. It also started this huge ministry that helps families with adopting and challenges churches to create a ministry with an adoption/orphan relief focus. Other sections highlight adoptions from specific countries. I especially like the section titled “Hidden Treasures.” The Scripture verse of Isaiah 45:3 is written in red print, “And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness-secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.” It is in this section that you would see the beautiful treasure we know as Sarah Alexander! Shaohannah’s Hope gave us a generous grant to help in the adoption expenses in our journey to bring Sarah home. We are so grateful to them for blessing us. I am grateful for them blessing me today. I am truly rich! It was not by accident that I would receive these two mailings today! Am I where I thought I’d be back in 1985 when I graduated from college? No. I’m in a better place than I could have ever imagined…..I’m right where God wants me! Why would I ever want to be someplace else? For it is in this place that I am blessed with riches like no other!