Our Journey Begins

Every Call Has A Beginning:

"Every call has a beginning…
A quiet moment when God whispers a promise to a mother’s heart
A holy place where a father bows and faithfully accepts the journey set before him.
A miraculous morning that unexpectedly dawns…Casting its first light on a chosen threshold.A gentle knock… a closed door opens.
A sacred invitation sent by the Father…Leads to the other side of the world.
Where lonely hearts stare out orphanage windows
Praying for someone to care.
And then one morning…On an ordinary day
An orphan’s life changes…God sends them a second chance…
Through you."
(From All God's Children International)

This is where our family's new journey begins. We have been through so much heartache and loss over the last few years. I am so excited that God has begun the process of turning our wailing into dancing and giving us beauty for ashes.

It is amazing how he has placed this idea in our hearts. We do not see the adoption as replacing our lost babies, but as a new dream. I find it so special and such a privilege to be embarking on this journey. God closed one door, but has sent us a "sacred invitation" and is "leading us to the other side of the world"- Liberia, West Africa.

I've always wondered when people choose to adopt internationally, how they know which country they should adopt from, or how they choose from the 143 million orphans in the world? I know now the answer is that God tells them. It is strange for me to think through the sequence of events that allowed me to "stumble" upon the Acres of Hope website, but once I was there, I knew. Pat mentioned the other day that when he was surfing the net, curiosity led him to check out other countries. He said that he had a strong emotional response that said, "No! This is not it," but when he looked at the pictures on the Liberian websites, he knew that this was where God was calling us. I was so thankful for the confirmation. Right now the specifics are fuzzy, but we know for sure that God has clearly said "Liberia!" and He has directed us to the orphanage, Acres of Hope.

Here is a brief summary (believe me, you don't want the detailed version)of where we are at in the process and what we still need to do before the adoption will be complete:

1. We are in the middle of the home study process. Hopefully, this will be done by the end of January.
2. After we complete the home study, we will need to submit it to the US Immigration Service and wait for their approval.
3. Once we are approved, we will gather all of the documents necessary for what is called our dossier. We will then send our home study and our dossier to Acres of Hope and wait for a referral.
4. Hopefully soon we will be given and accept a referral of our child/children. I can't wait to have pictures to post!!!

I'll wait to explain the rest of the process from there. I am just focused on knowing them by name and seeing their face. I am so thankful that whoever he or they are, God knows them by name and is even more concerned for their well being then we are.

Matthew 10: 29-30 NLT
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Here are our current prayer requests:

1. Please pray that God would give us great wisdom in all of the decision making that lies ahead. We are torn on whether or not he is calling us to adopt one boy or a sibling group. We want to be in the center of His will regarding all of this, so we pray that He will direct us to the child or children He has selected to be a part of our family.

2. Pray for the process that it will go smoothly and that there will not be any hang-ups.

3. Pray that we would be patient. When I was tucking Amy in the other day, she asked me if we could go get our brothers tomorrow. Waiting a year or more will be tough on all of us. I pray that we will use the time to truly prepare as a family.

4. Pray for our new son or sons. Pray that God's hand of protection would be on them and that they would be comforted where they hurt. Pray that their needs would be met. I pray that God would give them the knowledge that He has a future and a hope for them, and that He loves them, and has a family ready and waiting to love them, too.

We are so thankful for your love and prayers, and your interest in our family. We are so blessed by the incredible relationships that God has given us.