Our hearts are full as we write out the story of how God called us to adopt again. Through the adoption of our daughter Milagros in 2021, we caught a glimpse of God’s heart for the fatherless. He loves them, cares for them, and calls us to pursue them. We appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to obey God’s calling to our family to raise up the foundations of many generations and step into the gap to repair the breach in the lives of orphans (Isaiah 58).
We have been awarded a $4500 matching grant from Josiah’s Adoption Fund, administered by Lifesong for Orphans, and we are asking for the support of family and friends to help us make the most of this generous grant. All funds raised will go directly to our adoption fees and expenses to finalize the adoption in Colombia. We are so grateful for Josiah’s Adoption Fund to come alongside us in this way and for our community of friends and family who give support, encouragement, and prayer! Thank you for being a part of our story.
With Love, The Leebrick Family
Brandon, Amy, Emmett, Everett, Allen, & Mila
There and Back Again: From Miracles to Emanuel
In spring 2024, Brandon and Amy sensed God stirring their hearts. It felt like a welling up of anticipation and purpose, but they didn’t know exactly what they were supposed to do. Rather than sit in uncertainty, they reflected on and worked all summer completing any outstanding things God had already called them to do.
Through the fall, they prayed, met with church leaders, and waited. Then one November morning, Amy woke with the words “Father, Father, why have you forsaken me?” echoing in her mind. She began to picture Jesus on the cross and for the first time it struck her that Jesus knew how orphans feel because He too had been forsaken by His Father because, though he was sinless, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24). She went to record these thoughts, but as she began writing, it struck her that “Father, Father,” weren’t the actual words Jesus had spoken. She reread Matthew 27 and her memory recalled the familiar phrase “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But Matthew also recorded the actual Aramaic words Jesus had cried —“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”—and the word Eli in particular caught her attention. She then discovered that in Mark’s account it’s recorded as Eloi, meaning “chosen”—the same word Brandon had recently mentioned in another context and the name of their church’s adoption ministry. As she took in all these connections, she began wondering if God was leading them toward a child named Eli.
With this thought in mind, Amy remembered how recently both she and Brandon had, unknowingly, each requested Lifeline’s adoption waitlist password—and later were amused when they realized they’d both done it. As Amy retrieved the password and entered the waitlist, she saw the option to filter the waiting children by age, gender, and country but decided that since she was specifically looking for a child named Eli, she would leave it wide open for God. She took a breath as she scrolled down from the filters to the first child’s profile. She stared in disbelief as she saw his name was Eli. The initial shock continued to ripple through her as she glanced at her still sleeping husband on that early Saturday morning. But there was no need for shock. Their family, of all people, should understand the miracles surrounding adoption, for in 2021 they adopted a little girl named Milagros (Mila) and her name means miracles. Through Mila’s adoption, God reaffirmed what He has been revealing since the Old Testament. He loves and redeems the fatherless.
In amazement, Amy looked on from the name Eli to read the minimal information provided – Eli was a baby boy from Colombia, the same country they had adopted Mila from. He was listed as having special needs, and instead of a profile picture, there were only the familiar colors of the Colombian flag.
Both Brandon and Amy agreed they should inquire about Eli and through God opening doors, they began the familiar Colombian adoption journey: forms, interviews, appointments, waiting, and praying. Through it all, God has been teaching their family about His abundance, reminding them that He can do more than they ask, think, or imagine.
This has been a season of growing and stretching for their family as God prompts them to take more steps of obedience. Throughout last year and this year, they have obediently said one yes after another, and they are left speechless over what they’ve seen God do.
Brandon and Amy often think back to the first video call they had with Lifeline about Eli. They learned about a history of brokenness he was born from and the struggles he’s already faced early in his life. But they also learned one surprising fact. The case worker told them the name Eli was just an advocacy name used on the website. They told them his real name is Emanuel.
Last Christmas the song “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” came alive in their hearts as they took first steps into his adoption. This year, as the Leebrick family gets closer to bringing Emanuel home, they have come to know God as bigger and greater than they ever realized before. God has shown Himself to be Emmanuel – God with us – who has always been and always will be. Through the adoption journeys of Milagros (Miracles) and Emanuel (God with us), the Leebricks have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. He does more than they can ask, think, or imagine, and their hearts overflow with gratitude.
(Logistical Note: The Leebricks’ Letter of Intent and Dossier have been received by Colombia’s ICBF, and Emanuel’s file is on hold pending final review. They trust God’s perfect plan—whether that means bringing home Emanuel or another child He has chosen for them.)
STRIPE charges an online processing fee (2.2% +.30 USD per transaction)*. Your donations will be decreased by this amount. You may also send a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo line please write “Leebrick 11741”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
Lifesong has been blessed with partners who underwrite all U.S. administrative and fundraising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
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