It was about a year ago that Ryan was in Haiti and I was at The Christian Alliance for Orphans conference with some friends. God was working on our hearts on those days, just like He still is today. Ryan being in Haiti and me attending the Christian Alliance for Orphans was part of the Lord's leading to the two precious little boys that we are awaiting a court date for right now. Like I've shared before here, I believe adoption began with God. I'm so thankful and blessed by how God is bringing two more son's into my life. God has also been speaking to our hearts that taking care of the orphan and widow has many facets. Adoption is part of that, but it is not limited to adoption. God has shown me that it is really about adopting His dreams. Jeremiah 29:11 says - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I believe adoption is one of the ways that God uses to give back hope and a future. But is not about me/us "saving" a child. I'm not in the mind set that we are saving these two little boys. They have lost much on their way to us - my heart breaks for all that they have lost and are about to lose as they journey across the world to us. I will safely put that in the hands of the only One who can bring redemption - Jesus Christ. We are often told how we are doing a such a "good thing" by adopting. I appreciate the kind words and know that the hearts from which those comments are made is only to encourage. However, I know in the depths of my being that these two little boys are going to bless our family far more than we could ever bless them. You see, as we are walking through this process of adoption, some days (okay many days) seem to be filled with mixed emotions. I am so excited, so happy and my heart is simply elated with joy to have the honor of loving on and raising all my kids, and now these two little boys. I can not wait until we pass court and I can say they are legally ours! But, learning more about the story of the "orphan" - specifically these two little boys' story breaks my heart. As we "step into" the story of orphans and see that lives that have been lost, hope that has been shattered and dreams that have been stolen due to poverty it puts me on my knees asking my God what I can do about it - How can I be His hands and feet? How is God wanting to use me to show the hope and future that He has for everyone?
I don't think we will be able to attend The Christian Alliance for Orphans this year. We don't know when we are will be traveling to Ethiopia for court and are not making many plans these days due to that. But, I know that it will be an awesome couple days for all of those that get to attend. Being with a group of people that are coming together for the purpose of defending the orphan and widow and fight against poverty is an amazing place to be. You can check it out here.
Christian Alliance for Orphans from New Vision Productions on Vimeo.
