Bringing Lucy Home (A Book Review.)

In her book, A Million Little Ways, Emily Freeman tells us to “Listen to our tears” meaning in part, that we learn much by paying attention to those things that make us cry.

There are several things that tend to make me cry, but one of them– has been making me cry since 1997. The first time I traveled overseas and saw those precious ones– I cried. Their brown skin and big eyes captivated me and their big smiles shone brighter than their glossy black hair. So many sweet parentless children. No mommy to kiss them goodnight. No Dad to wrap them tightly in a big bear hug. And I just. couldn’t. stand. it.

I still cannot think of many things that make me cry like that does. Seeing a child brought home into a forever family, watching them bond and settle in– I know it’s a long process for some, but it makes me shed big happy tears.

When my sweet friend Kasey (who just recently brought home her own sweet China Baby!) introduced me to Jennifer Phillips and her book, Bringing Lucy Home— I was anxious to read their adoption story. As I began to read Jennifer’s story of bringing their little Lucy home from China, I realized that orphans and adoption still very much make me cry. Lucky for me, Jennifer also writes with a hilarious wit so the two balance each other quite well. I mean, where else can you read about the anguish of waiting on very important paperwork that will bring your family together again— alongside quippy thoughts about Brangelina and Jackie Chan Lullabies? No where, that’s where. That’s just one reason I enjoyed this book.

Bringing Lucy Home is one family’s story of the obstacles, separation, and joy they encountered when they said an obedient yes to God’s pull on their hearts to adopt. Their first shaky step of faith led to another, and another as they made the journey to add to their family with a little girl who needed them badly. The return trip home wound around many curves and surreptitious detours before they were finally able to begin life together some time later. Through the entire journey, Jennifer shares her story with candid realism and a small dose of honest frustration– but through it all she keeps her face upturned to the true Master of the details. I throughly enjoyed walking through the journey with their family and I am grateful she chose to share her story in Bringing Lucy Home. There were many aspects of international adoption which I found myself learning in the reading of this book, but the most important reminder I walk away with now, is that there are more just like their Lucy. 

As believers, may we never find ourselves turning away from the heart-breaking reality of the orphan crisis– just because it causes us to hurt. The hurt is fruitful when it moves us to action. And it should move us to action. There are millions like Lucy. Alone and in need of a family. The first step for many of us, is open obedience. Available and willing is where I want to reside. What about you, friend?

Jennifer sent me a complimentary copy of Bringing Lucy Home so that I might read it and share it with you–As usual, all opinions are my own.

You can find a copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and by request, your local bookstore.