September 2012:
Growing up, Greg and I had always had a longing to adopt- we just never discussed the matter much once we were married- until recently. Little did we know, but God was stirring up a deep passion within both of us, to bring more children into our home by means of adoption. In 2010 God began to open our eyes through His Word, to His great love for orphans, and the role and responsibility His bride {the Church} has in caring for them. It was then, that God called our family to adopt.Throughout the past two years, the Lord has not been idle in preparing us to bring another child into our family. There is much more to the adoption process than merely filling out mounds of paperwork, participating in home studies, taking online adoption courses, writing check after check after check, traveling etc. He sought to purge us of selfish desires. He sought to bring us to our knees so that our story was not simply about our longing for a daughter, but that this was about being the Gospel in action- that our story was quite literally, our faith on display for all to see. He has humbled us in ways that will require our family to point to heaven and say, "This adoption, was made possible by Christ, and Christ alone!"
Currently, we are in the process of finding an agency to work with. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has called us to bring home a little girl from Ethiopia, so our days are consumed with online searches for Christian international adoption agencies. We've narrowed down the search and we're seeking God's guidance as far as which one to go with. We have also just started our adoption savings account- because people don't take you seriously until you start budgeting for these kinds of things.
Meanwhile, we are stepping out in faith in several areas of our lives {particularly in the area of our finances} and we're asking God to provide our family with the means to complete the adoption application, home study fee, and agency fees. We eagerly anticipate His divine intervention as we wait. The waiting period is hard, but He has taught us a great deal about Himself thus far, and we know to expect more periods of waiting once our journey has "officially" begun.
Keep checking back with us, as I will post more updates as they happen.
We have some really close friends that have adopted from Ethiopia. Our Sunday School teacher is also in the process of adopting from there. I'm sure they would be more than willing to talk to you about the agency they used and their experience in general!
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVE to connect with them! We are still searching for an agency and hope to apply at the beginning of the year. Just working on getting our finances in order at the moment :) It was good to hear from you! How are you?!
ReplyDeletehi megan! just stopping by from bloggymoms.com, and i'm happy i did. i love your blog, and i'm currently subscribed and following you on twitter. it's so wonderful to know you're planning to adopt. from the little that i've read, that child will be extremely blessed to have you as a mother. i will be praying that your dreams are fulfilled. i'm a newbie in this blogging world, but i'm finding it be enjoyable and quite liberating. i would be so honored, if you could check out my blog (www.theheartnart.wordpress.com) so we can continue connecting.
ReplyDeletethank you so very much <3
Congrats! I am actually in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. Feel free to take a look at by blog to see our timeline thus far. We are pretty early in the adoption journey, but things are moving very fast! Feel free to ask any questions! Congrats again and many blessings to you and your family! http://loveacrosstheglobe.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing journey you've been on!! I am enthralled in your writing, and am excited to keep reading. Just keep believing! With God, ALL things are possible!!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you & yours!
Marianne
Sandling All Day