After 3 children and a few disappointing miscarriages we started seriously talking about adoption. The specialists were clear – we could likely have more biological children. Our hearts were leaning elsewhere. We dreamed of growing our family in another way.
The definite feeling – the time is right feeling– hit my husband first. It was September. He patiently waited for me to jump on board. While we contemplated when and how to start the process, we attended Katelyn’s Fund Support meetings. Surrounded in the company of adoptive families and Christian love, our anxieties were put to rest.
We mailed our application for an Ethiopia program near the end of October. We were ecstatic to start the process! As we announced our intentions, we often heard references to our character and faith. Many well-intentioned people said "Oh – you are such good Christian people. I could never do that!" At first we nodded rather meekly and unsure of how to respond. Dishonesty left us uncomfortable. We didn’t adopt to save a child. We didn’t adopt to make a statment.
For us, adoption was a selfish choice. Our human hearts dreamt of caring for a child in need of a home. God put the desire in our hearts. We listened and followed our hearts. We petitioned God with the desires of our hearts and remained flexible. We waited and wondered in great anticipation.
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. {15} And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15
Early in March we read about tiny twins in need of a home. We guarded our hearts yet pursued them with every ounce of our beings. We hit a road block late in March. Our desires, our dreams and our plans – were not the same as His. The answers we heard were disappointing to say the least. We gradually accepted the path and continued to pray.
Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. {5} Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. {6} He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. {7} Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. {8} Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it only causes harm. Psalms 37:4-8
Early May we again inquired about the waiting twins we had been praying for. Amazing events began to unfold. Devine intervention. We accepted the referral of our beautiful Ethiopian twins in late May.
So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
Adoption is a lovely way to grow a family. We are blessed beyond measure!
