Well, I thought if I was going to begin blogging about our journey I probably should tell you how we got started.
I guess the most often asked question is, "Why adopt?" "You guys have 3 children already! Why more?" My answer is always, "Why not?" "Children should want for toys, video games and cool gadgets, but NEVER EVER should a child want for a family!"
My desire to adopt has been lifelong. You see, at the age of one day old, I would NEVER EVER want for a family. My sweet parents picked me to be their daughter forever! Adopting is what I have always wanted to do. Yes, Mark and I have been blessed with three tremendous kids. They are wonderful, healthy and our joy. But the desire to add more to our already hopping household was always on my heart.
The desire had become so strong that I prayed that God would either take the desire from me, or increase the desire in Mark's heart. Well, I guess you know how God answered that prayer.
In 2007, Mark and I began the adoption process through Child Protection Services. Our plans were to adopt a child who was in the CPS system. We knew we would be able to adopt an older child, so we began the long process of paperwork and classes. We had taken 4 of the 8 courses and we were blindsided. In Feb., someone who had heard about our decision to adopt contacted us about the possibility of adopting a baby that was due in June. In March, we met the birthmother, and fell in love with her. We talked many times and began making plans to adopt a little girl, who we had decided to name Olivia Faith. During this time, I found myself searching the scriptures for calmness in the situation. Jer. 33:3 was the verse I kept coming back to many times. Without too much detail, Olivia Faith was not who God had for us. She was never to be ours, but we now know God truly has a plan for all of us. Yes, our hearts were broken, and adoption was not talked about for a long time. The days were filled with the everyday busyness of homeschooling our 3 kids. (That will keep you very busy!) I was reading a book during this time about being content. This was something I was struggling with in a way that was indescribable. It was consuming my days and nights. Also during this time, God revealed why we were not to adopt at this season of our life. My mom was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I had the privilege of watching my mom fight a very brave battle. As I watched her, I was amazed at how content she was. I was having quite a pity party! She never complained, she always smiled and thanked her Jesus! How thankful I am to have had the privilege of her example. The Lord was doing a work in my life during this personal storm. I was humbled before God as to how much He had blessed me. I confessed out loud to him that I was sorry for always wanting more and rarely content. I thanked him for blessing me with 3 great kids, and I confessed my desire to be truly content. How thankful I am for a patient and loving Savior. He brought me to a point where He was waiting with open arms.
In March 2009, my dad was able to return to Peru, a place he loves dearly. He was going to a place called Hogar de Esperanza, an orphanage in Trujillo, Peru. On March 15, 2009, he called our home during dinnertime. When I answered the phone, it was obvious he was filled with emotion. (for those who know my dad, this is pretty common!) The first thing he said to me was, "I found your son." I was overwhelmed. He began to tell me about this sweet brown eyed boy, who had obviously stolen his heart. He wanted to talk to Mark, and I could see a huge smile on Mark's face. When Mark finished the conversation he said, "This is what God has been preparing us for....."
During the past 11 months, I have learned many things about my Jesus. He grows sweeter each day and His Word becomes dearer each time I read. We as a family have claimed two verses: Eph. 3:20 "...He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope for.", and Psalm 138:8 "The Lord will work out HIS PLANS for my life-for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever..."
I am still a work in progress, and continue to learn how deep the Father's love is for me. Please pray for our family as we continue on this journey.