A Journey Begins

Welcome to our family's blog. Our adoption story begins in 1993 when Erika (age 3) asked for a sister of African origin, like the girl in her Bible Study Fellowship class. Jeff and I smiled, but as the years went by, it became apparent that Erika has Africa in her heart. Several years and 4 children later, Jeff entertained the thought of a different kind of adoption as he watched orphans fleeing Afganistan while our armed forces went after Osama Bin Laden. At that time I had just delivered baby #5 (Blake), so this was not on my radar at all. A few years ago, however, the Lord started working on our hearts together through various avenues. The pain of several miscarriages and a trip to Zambia by Jeff, Erika, and Stewart softened our hearts to the plight of orphans and made me realize how much I desired to raise more children. It was soon after their return from Africa that we began to seriously pursue adoption. One of the defining moments for me through the journey occured in February 2008. At that time we were just completing our home-study, and Jeff was in China. It was during his trip that I began having doubts and seriously wondered if this adoption thing was really right for our family. With Jeff being in China, I went to bed alone that night and pleaded with the Lord for guidance. The next morning, as I read Isaiah 43, I felt as though God anchored His direction in my heart with these words:

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east, and gather you from the west.... Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth--everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

In June 2008 we were approved by Homeland Security to adopt up to 3 siblings. Our paperwork traveled to Ethiopia in July 2008, and we have been waiting ever since. The wait has been difficult, but I have learned much. I have come to realize that waiting is much more than a means to a certain end. In reality, it is learning to live a life of worship and expectation while waiting on God Himself. During this time I have read through Isaiah again, and have come to realize in a much deeper way God's heart for the orphan and fatherless.

On Thursday, April 3o "the phone call" came. Our international case worker eagerly informed me over the phone that 2 little girls had been referred to our family for adoption: Selame (5) and Debritu (3). They had arrived at the orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 16, 2009. That evening we cried tears of joy, felt excitement, and pain as we considered the grief and loss they have experienced in their young lives.

This past Friday (May 9) our official acceptance letter along with a pile of additional paperwork began its journey to Ethiopia. After its arrival a court date should be set in Addis Ababa. We will not need to be present for the court date, but will need to arrive in Ethiopia in time for the scheduled appointment at the U.S. Embassy. If all goes as planned, our travel will take place mid/late June. Thanks for listening to our story, and thank you especially for your prayers. We don't expect this journey to be easy!! Until next time...

"Heal my life and make it clean,
Open up my eyes to the things unseen,
Show me how to love like You have loved me.

Break my heart for what breaks Yours,

Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause,

As I walk from earth into Eternity."