Chris and I have always talked about adopting someday, even before we were dating we had the conversation. It's been a desire of mine for as long as I can remember... I'm not sure why it's so ingrained in my heart-but it really is. A calling, some would say. When the "kids" conversation came up in our relationship, we decided we would definitely be adopting. After Jonah was born, we wanted to adopt our next child. We went to an Adoption Resource Center (ARC) conference at our church to learn more. We were so encouraged and inspired by the information we learned. We had originally thought we'd adopt through foster care, since it's so inexpensive. We wanted to adopt an African American baby, or mixed baby, whoever needed us the most. At the conference we heard statistics about orphans here, and around the world. We were so moved by the enormous numbers of orphans in Africa...and truly felt the Holy Spirit convicting us of the fear of the cost of international adoption. We looked at each other after that seminar and said, "we have to go to Africa". We then went to the "affording adoption" seminar, and were even more encouraged. We heard many stories of how God had provided for the costs, and how faithful He was throughout the process. We really believe God has called us to do this, and that He will finish this good work through us. After looking into African adoption, we decided Ethiopia was the country, simply because it seems to be the "simplest" country to adopt from in Africa. We also found out you have to be 25 years old, which I wasn't. So we decided to wait a few years, hopefully have another child before then... and Solomon joined our family!
We found our agency, Gladney Center in Texas, through friend's referrals. (http://adoptionsbygladney.com) We researched it and loved what we found. It has been around for a while, has a great reputation, and most importantly for us, has their own orphanage and people living in Ethiopia. We have been impressed with them every step of the way.
So far we have completed a few paperwork items, have completed our "phone orientation", but are really just beginning. Paperwork is a big part of this process! Our basic time outline they've given us is:
4-6 months of paperwork
9 months of waiting to be matched with a child
5-7 months until the child comes home
total about 18 months
Hopefully everything goes as planned, and totally smooth! Then we will have a baby in less than two years!
Speaking of baby, yes we are choosing a baby. The age bracket is 4-12 months. We didn't specify a gender, and also are open to adopting twins if they're available. We really would love to adopt two kids, so we figure if we can do it at once, great! Scary, but great.
Cost, yes, cost.... a biggie. As I mentioned, we believe God will provide. For us, that means we don't fear the way we will pay for this. It's about $18,000. We are planning on doing fundraisers, and applying for grants, as well as our own contribution. It's daunting, for sure... but nothing is impossible with God. We are praying like crazy for funds to come in, for miracles to happen, for our lives to change-which they will. God has always been faithful to us, He blesses us all the time, and we can't wait to see what things God will surprise us with in the next 2 years. It's humbling and crazy to think about...
I will keep updating this blog, I want to keep everyone aware of the details, and keep people involved in the process. We are planning some events, and will definitely share those details when we can. Thank you for your interest, and support... we will need all we can get! I ask for your prayers most of all, please lift us up whenever you think of us. For patience and endurance, for unity in our family, for money to come in, for our testimony through this, for our child-to-be's mother and father in Ethiopia... Thank you.
1 comment:
Congratulations on your decision to adopt! We attend the Blackberry campus and have a little girl from Ethiopia. Looking forward to following your journey...
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