It is difficult to know where to begin with this post. As a whole, Craig and I continue to do well as we journey through this adoption. Our conviction that this is God's plan for us has not wavered and has only become stronger through the last year. This week has taught me a lot about perseverance and the importance of continuing to run the race that the Lord has put before us.
Our pastor had an incredible message two weeks ago at church about this very topic. His message was very moving and convicting. He encouraged the congregation to think of their faith walk as a race...and then to evaluate what their race looks like. Craig and I have been Christians for a long time now....Craig grew up in a Christian home and has claimed Christ as his own for as long as he can remember. I began to walk with the Lord in fifth grade.
I wish that I could say that from the time I was saved...I have been running the Christian race with every ounce of my energy...I am quite sure that Craig would admit that there have been times of jogging and even walking during his faith walk as well.
Earlier this week, we watched a video of a young woman who moved to Uganda when she was 18 years old, against the wishes of her family, because she was being called by God to do so. She chose to obey God. She is now 21 years old and the sole provider and mother for 13 orphans. Her testimony was incredible. It filled my heart with joy to see how she is using her whole life as a tool to share Christ's love with others...especially with the orphans. This is a young woman that learned early in life to run the race!
The last year has been a huge trust walk for both of us. We are CERTAIN of the calling that the Lord has for us, but it has stretched us in many ways. At times it has been challenging as we have moved through this process, but none of the obstacles or delays has even cast the smallest doubt in our minds. It has only made our determination stronger.
A few days ago, I received two calls in the same evening from well-intentioned family members full of questions about the adoption process. I have to admit that...while I am happy that they love our family enough to be cautious about the decision we have made...it was hard to have so many questions filled with apprehension this late in the process. I felt encouraged at the end of the conversations though when both people commented that they were reassured after our conversation.
We know that this journey is going to be challenging. We know that there could potentially be increased stress, heart-ache, medical issues, attachment issues, sensory issues, and God only knows what else. The education process that we are required to attend prior to moving forward with this process covered all of these areas.
I don't begin to think that I am completely prepared to handle all of these issues perfectly and without difficulty. I know that it will be hard and I am sure that I won't always be the perfect parent. Even though Craig is a wonderful father, I am sure that he will be less than perfect too. I think that it is important to be clear with this...we won't be perfect parents....but we will BE PARENTS. These children that we are opening our home, arms and ultimately our hearts to will be given more than they have ever known. They will be given a home, a family, parents, siblings, a church family, schooling, nourishment and whatever medical care they might need...but most importantly, they will be given LOVE.
I can't imagine living a life without these things. It is truly a privilege and a blessing to US to be called to love sacrificially. We are willing to move forward in this adoption process despite the possible issues that might arise. It is God's calling to care for the orphans. Some would say...why you? We say...why not us? We know that with God's help...this has the potential to be the most amazing experience our family has ever been through together.
We understand the worries that people are having. Nothing you might think of or worry about will be something that we haven't already considered. We ask that instead of using your energy worrying, that you would channel your energy into prayer and support! We love all of you so much and know that we are only able to be doing what we are doing by God's grace and through prayer.
We are still waiting to hear that our paperwork has been fully translated. We are also excitedly waiting for our referral. It is amazing to think that we could be sharing the Christmas season with a larger family even possibly next year! What a blessing! Until that time comes...we will continue to run the race!
Rebecca
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