Adoption: When, Where, and Why

Why adopt? Such a simple question, with so many answers...seems almost easier to respond with "why not." When I felt the call to adopt one of the quotes I read was from David Platt. He is a pastor, writer, speaker, and adopter. This quote really spoke to me, because It. Is. Truth. “We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – David Platt, “Radical”

 This quote is one of several that spurred me to research and read more about adoption. The more I began to read, the more I discovered that God was calling me to take the adoption journey. Below are several other reasons why we feel called to adopt.

Why?

• I feel called by The Lord. Enough said. ;)

• It's Biblical.  

"You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more." Psalms 10:14,17-18

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families."

Psalms 68:5-6

• I have a desire for more children, but due to two high risk pregnancies, I do not want to be on bed rest again for months.or the whole pregnancy, with two toddlers running amok. I could have a third child, BUT I feel that due to my health, this is yet another sign from God that He intended our family to adopt.

• I am pro-life, and would love to offer a child a chance at life, whom would have otherwise been aborted.

Where?

Rob and I have decided to go the domestic adoption route. We are using a consultant whom reaches out to many agencies, that are located in adoption friendly states.

When?

This summer we will be traveling and settling into our new home. There's work to be done in and around the house etc... And add that to the fact that we have two boys under three years old, is very busy.  Our goal is to  start looking for a match at the end of November or the beginning of 2014. By then, Luke will be three and Jake will be nearly 2 years old. 

That's our update for now! I am also starting to look for used baby items since I donated all of our baby stuff to a pregnancy crisis center several months ago, ;) So if you know of anyone selling gently used girl clothing, bumbos, swings, etc... please send me their info! The good thing is that it is garage sale season, so hopefully I can find some good deals. :)

Thank you again for the wonderful support and encouraging words! Please continue to pray for us as we continue to prepare our hearts and home for a sweet baby!

Blessings,

Rachel

Adoption: Answering the Call

If there's one thing I know about God, it's that when He calls you either a.) follow immediately and obediently, or b.) He will push you, tug at your heart, and stir your soul until you listen. Scenario b.) occurred two weeks ago. I was lying in bed and could not sleep, which is rare for me. So as I lie awake in the middle of the night, I did what any other insomniac would do; I perused Facebook.;) While perusing I came across a blog and began to read. The blog was about adoption. I've read through many adoption blogs, but this was different. It was as if the blog was written for me. As I read through the blog I began to weep, like ugly girl, runny make-up red eyes weep. I wept for all of the orphans waiting for homes and I also wept for myself because I knew that God was tugging at my heart and I had selfishly been pushing the thought of adoption aside. I have been very happy with two boys, and the thought of adoption made me uncomfortable. But God spoke to me that night and the quote that still resonates with me today is this:

"We care for orphans, not because we are rescuers. We care for orphans because we have been rescued."-David Platt.

Amazing words. Words that will forever be etched into my soul. We are all orphans and because of Jesus Christ, we now have an eternal father in heaven. We are indeed the rescued.

I truly believe that the The Holy Spirit spoke to me that night, as I tearfully and humbly went to Rob whom was up late working and told him I felt called to adopt. He was thrilled, as he had been wanting another child, and praying my heart would change.

We are trusting in The Lord and know that He has planned a child for us, and we cannot wait to meet him/her!   Please pray, laugh, cry, and rejoice with us as we begin our search for our chosen child.

I am leaving you with one of my favorite bands, Third Day's videos, it makes me so excited to follow Christ's calling to adopt!

Blessings,
Rachel and Rob