Well, here we are.....how do we begin? Let me start by saying that I can't believe we're at this point!
For months now, God's been "ripening" us for this process. Nearly a year and a half ago, I felt like God was laying the idea of adoption on my heart. It was so CRAZY, I couldn't even speak it! We are so blessed with four biological children, I couldn't imagine why God would lead us in this direction. In March of 2009, we attended a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. Of course, he spoke of his own adoption triumphs and tragedies. For weeks after, I could barely sleep...still afraid to even breathe the word "adoption" to George.
Finally, after a few weeks, we were talking one evening and I said to him, "There are two things that God's been laying on my heart. One is adoption and the other is short-term mission work." I braced myself for the "Are you out of your mind?" question. Instead, his reply was simple. He said, "Me too". WOW!! I couldn't imagine how this could or would all happen, so we remained fairly silent until a few months ago, but God was not letting us out of this!
We prayed for signs. When we got those signs, we prayed for "bigger signs", still unable to phathom why we would have this burden and how God would accomplish it all.
We still don't have all the answers (the finances of it are daunting), but we know that beginning the adoption process for the Democratic Republic of Congo is the first step. The application is ready to be mailed in the morning. The kids are sooo excited. Hallie cried happy tears as she called and told our family members that we were beginning this process. I'm sure they're thinking that we're crazy....we think it sounds crazy....crazy and right and wonderful all at the same time!
If we were eloquent with words, we would say something like this couple....details are different, but our hearts are very similar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH73KHN_nUw&feature=related
Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act.Prov. 24:12
Please pray with us as and for us as we begin this journey to giving an orphan a forever home.
Hope & George
Road Trip: New Mexican Expedition, Day 4
6 years ago
I think I'm the first follower. I can't wait to watch this unfold. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHope, I am so excited for all of you & am so glad we got to catch up. By the way, my family was supportive of that possibility we spoke of! I will be praying.
ReplyDeletep.s. can't find you on facebook???
Hope, what an awesome journey you are being called to take! I'll be praying for you as you follow where God is leading you. Thanks to Emily for letting Kim know about the website.
ReplyDeleteThere are a million things I could say right now! My heart is cheering, my eyes are misting, and I am praying. Been praying since you first told me, will keep praying until that little one is home =)
ReplyDeleteAnd we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ~Romans 8:28