As My Husband Says, the News Is Out Now!
"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27 NLT
This verse has become rooted in my mind over the past few years. For each and every Christian, this command applies, but not every one of us will reach out in the same way.
Some of us will go to the corners of the earth to build and repair orphanages. We'll lead vacation bible schools, love on those sweet precious faces and tell them the story of Jesus. We'll send shoe boxes full of Christmas goodies through Operation Christmas Child, or maybe sponsor a child through an organization like Compassion International.
Some will stay right where they are; open up their homes to the children who need a safe place to call home for just a short time. Those foster families will provide comfort and care for children who live in an unsteady world, and need more than ever to know a gentle, loving touch. They are a shelter in the storm.
And then, there are those who choose to seek out the ones who are looking for their forever family. The few that decide to embark on the journey that leads straight to adoption. That's where you'll find me and my crew.
I should not be surprised we ended up here. After all, I am not the first, or second generation to go through the adoption process, I am the third. As for my husband, he will be the second. We felt the prompting to step out, but couldn't decide whether to foster or to adopt, or maybe even foster to adopt.
So, a year ago, we fasted and prayed, discussed the matter very quietly between the two of us, and then called a family meeting. We asked our children what they thought, and it was a unanimous yes. After praying together as a family, we stepped out and put in our first application with the agency and looked toward the future expectantly.
And then, well, it all came to a halt. That isn't a story for today, but suffice it to say, a year has passed and we are right back where we started, feeling even more led to bring one more child into our home. We're excited! Giddy even!
To give you the facts:
We're adopting a waiting child from China. I really don't have a preference if it is a boy or girl, but I have one sweet baby who wants someone to share her room with, so she's put in her request for a sister. (we'll see....) Lifeline is our adoption agency and I have put their link on the right side of this blog page. We have completed our initial application and sent in our first stack of paperwork and payment. ($2.12 postage worth of paperwork. Seriously, it was like buying a home, and this is just the beginning, people.) Now, we begin our home study process.
We have a lengthy road ahead, but rest assured, I'm taking you, dear reader, along for the ride. Our family will need as much love, support, and prayer as we can get! Please lift us up today, tomorrow, and whenever we come to mind. Satan always tries to attack when God's people step out and follow His lead, so we treasure all your prayers.
And don't forget to pray for the newest member of our family! I don't have a name, a birth date or a picture of a face to look at just yet, but I know God made him/her just for our family. And for now, that's enough.
This verse has become rooted in my mind over the past few years. For each and every Christian, this command applies, but not every one of us will reach out in the same way.
Some of us will go to the corners of the earth to build and repair orphanages. We'll lead vacation bible schools, love on those sweet precious faces and tell them the story of Jesus. We'll send shoe boxes full of Christmas goodies through Operation Christmas Child, or maybe sponsor a child through an organization like Compassion International.
Some will stay right where they are; open up their homes to the children who need a safe place to call home for just a short time. Those foster families will provide comfort and care for children who live in an unsteady world, and need more than ever to know a gentle, loving touch. They are a shelter in the storm.
And then, there are those who choose to seek out the ones who are looking for their forever family. The few that decide to embark on the journey that leads straight to adoption. That's where you'll find me and my crew.
I should not be surprised we ended up here. After all, I am not the first, or second generation to go through the adoption process, I am the third. As for my husband, he will be the second. We felt the prompting to step out, but couldn't decide whether to foster or to adopt, or maybe even foster to adopt.
So, a year ago, we fasted and prayed, discussed the matter very quietly between the two of us, and then called a family meeting. We asked our children what they thought, and it was a unanimous yes. After praying together as a family, we stepped out and put in our first application with the agency and looked toward the future expectantly.
And then, well, it all came to a halt. That isn't a story for today, but suffice it to say, a year has passed and we are right back where we started, feeling even more led to bring one more child into our home. We're excited! Giddy even!
To give you the facts:
We have a lengthy road ahead, but rest assured, I'm taking you, dear reader, along for the ride. Our family will need as much love, support, and prayer as we can get! Please lift us up today, tomorrow, and whenever we come to mind. Satan always tries to attack when God's people step out and follow His lead, so we treasure all your prayers.
And don't forget to pray for the newest member of our family! I don't have a name, a birth date or a picture of a face to look at just yet, but I know God made him/her just for our family. And for now, that's enough.
WOOT! Thanks for including us on the journey! So excited for you guys!!!
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