Our lives have been a whirlwind these past couple of months. As Shelly worked to wrap-up her medical residency, we were also busy wrapping up our life in Memphis, the place we have called home for the past 7+ years (8+ for Shelly). This involved packing up and selling our house, making preparations for Billings, finalizing Ellie’s adoption, and saying goodbye to good friends, our church and community.
Officially Ellie Magdalene Basye. This past Friday, October 2nd, Shelly and I finalized our adoption of Ellie. Though the birth parents had already surrendered their rights, Tennessee law states that a child’s adoption cannot be final until 6 months from the time the child is brought home. How sweet is the timing of God? Born March 29th, we brought Ellie home from the hospital when she was four days old on April 1st. Her adoption was finalized that last business day Shelly and I planned on being in Memphis (6 months and 1 day to the day of her adoption). Had we brought Ellie home any later we would have had to delay our departure from Memphis in order to finalize her adoption. Again, the timing of God is truly amazing!
How we praise God for Ellie. She is a precious little baby and truly a part of the family. I remember wondering how I could ever love another child as much as I love Elijah (and throw in the added fear that I might love her less as she is not our biological child), but I have experienced that not only is it possible, but also very real. How we love both of our children with a love and devotion that can only come from God Himself. Lord, I do praise You for these very special gifts!
In 4-6 weeks Shelly and I will receive a new birth certificate for Ellie, stating that she was born to Eric and Shelly Basye at the MED in Memphis, Tennesee. Additionally, she will receive a new social security number as she is legally given a new identity. I can’t help but think of our adoption as sons and daughters of God when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” By the blood sacrifice of Jesus, we also become adopted children of God, given full rights as His children, and granted a new identity for all eternity. Again, how greatly He is to be praised. Just as our love is as real for Ellie as it is for Elijah, how much more does God pour out His perfect love for those who become His adopted children?
Leaving a place we’ve grown to love. Our family decided to stay in Memphis an additional night to attend a wedding of two friends that actually took place in our old backyard (well, the reception was there at least). One reason for doing this was that we wanted to see this young couple as they committed themselves to God and to one another. Additionally, many of our friends would be in attendance so it was a great way to say goodbye to many we have come to love. That night, hugs were shared, tears were shed... it was real, we were really leaving Memphis.
I truly love Memphis. I love the ghettos, I love our church and I love our old neighbors. How blessed we were to be a part of this city for such a significant time of our lives. Shelly and I will never be the same. We have been changed, transformed and empowered with a fresh vision of Christ, the gospel and the Kingdom of God. As I like to say, our lives have been ruined. We are unable to live a regular life, even one that is supposedly “Christian”. No longer are we content with the status quo. We have been challenged to consider how we may live as His disciples, forsaking all things for Christ and the gospel, even at cost to ourselves and the livelihood of our family. We have begun to learn how to live with Jesus Christ as our treasure and no longer for the fleeting and temporal things of this world - money, status, comfort, leasure, safety, security and the such. “O, taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). This is the prayer for my family... that we may taste and see that He alone is good, such that we will live our lives unashamedly for Jesus Christ our Lord.
Memphis has ruined us, but for the better. I am grateful and praise God for the many people that had a role in shaping our lives. As we leave for Montana in pursuit of casting a vision for this reality we have experienced in Memphis, so do we hope to be faithful to our Lord in living our lives fully for His purposes. In doing so, I hope and pray that we make you proud, Memphis, for if we do, I am confident we are doing the Lord’s work. You know who you are... one of the many lives that touched our lives in Memphis... thank you for impacting us. We love you all very much and will be missed tremendously.
Facing the unknown. Leaving this Friday afternoon to make a 2.5 day trek with Shelly’s dad, I will arrive in Montana Sunday night, as will Steve (the husband of a family that is moving with us from Memphis to work with us as we seek to start a church and live in community in a poorer part of the city). There are many unknowns for both families, but also much excitement. We are confident in one thing - that He is sending us - and that is all we need. As to what life will look like, how life in the South Side (the community where we will be residing) will pan out, or what kind of work we all will do, there are speculations, but not much more. In faith we go, seeking to trust Him as we step from this boat.
Until next time...
the basye's
