A leap of faith

Isaiah 30:21: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying "This is the way, walk in it"

Many of you already know that adoption has always had a special place in our hearts. Luke's brother and my brother-in-law, along with a few friends are all adopted and we've always felt that the concept is just plain miraculous. It was definately something we would consider doing someday, but it stayed a "consideration" for many years. Throughout the years, God has planted many seeds in our hearts. If there was a turning point in making this a reality, I would have to say it was probably a few days after the earthquake hit Haiti. It was once again a reminder of just how many children are orphaned and now the numbers just rose by thousands. It was a real eye opener for both Luke and I and I'll never forget our heart to heart talk we had in a little outside cafe in Southern California. Sitting there on that quiet afternoon, we discovered our hearts were breaking for the things that break God's heart. Adoption quickly turned from a matter of "consideration" to a matter of "moving forward" in a split second. We both sat there with this overwhelming feeling of how blessed we've been. We have three healthy biological children who mean the world to us. God has provided Luke with a great career, we live comfortably and all our needs are met and more. Why not share this with at least one child who has been orphaned? It was so clear that God was placing this decision before us that we had no choice but to listen and respond. Sure, do I think I have the patience for more children sometimes? Nope. Do I feel we're the best parents equipped to deal with emotional ups and downs that come along with adoption and beyond? Nope. But we do know God provides a way for those who trust Him. So here we are....a leap of faith. A very scary, yet exciting leap of faith!

We've been attending informational meetings, scouring the internet, chatting with friends and obtaining as much "knowledge" as we can about the process and what country would be the best fit for us. There were so many things to consider! We quickly discovered that out of the handful of open countries there was a desparate need in Ethiopia. Here, some of these children simply won't be fed, provided medical care or educated if they're not adopted. The country is quickly being swept away by HIV. To date they estimate that there are 60-150 MILLION orphaned children in Africa right now. Babies are being born and children abandoned by the deaths of their parents at alarming rates. It really is unfathomable. All things pointed to this country...and let me tell you, the guidelines are not as easy as one would think.

So today we submitted our formal application and will begin our adoption journey to Ethiopia! I can't even begin to tell you what joy Luke and I feel in our hearts. Please pray for us as we make this important decision to move forward!