Welcome back to our family’s blog!  

I’ll admit it.  I’m an avid Facebook user.  Don’t judge me!  It is the place I most conveniently store my thoughts, surface emotions and memories.  Over the years, it has become a digital scrapbook of sorts.  Until now, that’s also been where I’ve kept my updates on two things very near and dear to my heart: all things adoption and updates on my CKD warrior, Benji.  Some of you will know that Benji is our Chinese-born son, adopted at the age of 3 1/2 with Chronic Kidney Disease.  If you’d like to learn more about how he became a part of our family, then please go here.  His journey to becoming a Kelley is nothing short of miraculous, and I’d be delighted for you to read all about it!  

Since coming home from China, Benji has undergone several surgeries, treatments, med changes, etc to stave off his need for a kidney transplant.  The Lord has granted us a few additional years with our boy and his original “beans”, but we realize we are coming to the end of that extra time.  Recent labs show Benji’s kidney function at 24%.  Though the early days felt like we were “crawling” toward transplant, these past few months however, have felt more like “freefalling”.  It’s a scary place, in those moments where we lose sight of the One that created Benji and holds him and his future in His hands.  We are comforted by the thought of Benji’s life story so far and how much our great God’s fingerprints are all over it.  It’s obvious that He loves Benji very much and so do we!  

Due to Benji’s decline in kidney function, we have decided to move all further updates regarding his care here to our family blog.   I anticipate there will be thoughts and emotions, stories even, that will necessitate utilizing this space, as opposed to the limited capacity of FB or Instagram.  I pray, in the days ahead, to fill the pages of this blog with news of all the unsettling and wonderful events that are happening in Benji’s life and to give God all the glory for His marvelous work through them.  

Benji will more than likely begin the process of being listed for kidney transplant in the next couple of months.  Just typing those words makes my heart heavy for my sweet boy.  And if I’m being totally transparent, it can sometimes feel as though we “lost” our battle to prevent him from needing a transplant.  Thankfully, the Lord is faithful to remind me that the battle is not mine, but His and His alone.  He will be faithful to complete the good work He has already begun.  

Thank you for following along and praying with us as we continue to navigate this uncertain territory.  Many years ago, the Lord impressed upon me the name for a blog that I felt He wanted me to write someday…”Sojourning HIS path”.  It didn’t make much sense all those years ago.  But it sure does now.  This journey is simply our family obediently following HIS path He has set before us.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

To read more about the adoption of Faith, Hope, Silas and Benji – click their name.