Court in Ethiopia has officially closed for the rainy season. We didn't receive a court date and had hoped we would by now. Sometimes things seem unknown and that can be scary. It is easy to feel sad and discouraged when things seem to be moving slowly and we think about the time we are missing with the boys. But let me tell you that even though I am not exactly where I want to be in this adoption, I know I am exactly where God has planned. Despite the delays and the unknowns, I have to tell you that miracles are happening!
When we first started this process to adopt...I was scared.
I wondered how in the world we were going to be able to afford it.
You see, I am a very practical person. I like to save and budget. And this kind of money simply wasn't in the bank account.
I read so many blogs where others advised "do not worry about the cost, God will provide"
BUT STILL
I tried to list every possible way I could think of to come up with the money to adopt. I tried to work it all out on paper, but I just didn't see how it would work out. And what if we had to replace our AC unit or our cars needed repair? What if things came up and we couldn't even save what I thought we needed to. Every time I tried to plan out how we were going to finance this adoption it looked impossible....do you notice a pattern in what I have been saying...
At some point, I finally realized that this was not about what I could do alone...I didn't need to rely on what seemed normal or practical. Others questioned how in the world we were going to do this, yet we realized that this was not a matter of what we could offer. This was about what God wanted. If I really was going to trust God in this, how could I put him in a box that I had created which was based on my"normal" expectations rather than the extraordinary? We KNEW this was a journey in our lives that we were not willing to say no to. No matter the cost.
Can I tell you how humbled I have been by the generosity of others? Can I tell you that even though I knew somewhere inside me that God would provide, I was still blown away by actually seeing it all take place? Can I tell you that when I look back at all of the details that worried me, I am so grateful that I didn't let the cost hold me back? Can I tell you that at times when my heart aches to see these two boys, I remember how God has provided (even when I couldn't see the outcome)....and I know I just have to trust him alone.
Since we started this process we have been beyond blessed by the generous donations from friends and family. These people stepped out in faith to help us bring home the children God called us to. We have been blessed with grants from 4 different organizations to help fund our adoptions costs! These grants and donations have helped us to cover all of our agency and referral fees! This has been such a miracle and blessing to us. We could not have made it this far without God's provision and the blessing we have received through these grants:
We received a matching grant from Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, an agency that "is dedicated to helping children become part of "forever" families by partnering with Christian couples to help carry the burden of the cost of adoption through matching grants and the raising of support." We are so thankful for this support.
We also received a matching grant from Orphan Care Alliance through Lifesong for Orphans. "OCA believes that caring for orphans is one of the most important commands that God gives to Christians. This same command is listed explicitly in both the old and new testaments, which underscores its importance. In addition, the bible tells us that God adopts us as sons and daughters when we follow Jesus, and OCA works to equip and empower individuals and churches to follow this call." This organization is based here in Louisville and we are sooo excited to continue to work with this organization to help build orphan awareness in our community and aid other adoptive families!
As both of these were matching grants, we were amazed at God's provision when He allowed us to become involved in Naomi's Fund which is based here in Louisville as well! We have been blown away by the love of this family of adoptive parents and are so thankful to be a part of it. Naomi's Fund aids families who are adopting internationally and would not be able to do so without financial assistance. We look forward to get togethers with this amazing community of adoptive families. We also will now have the opportunity to be a part of helping to aid other adoptive families in the future through Naomi's Fund. We have been able to meet so many Namoi's Fund families who have been so amazing in supporting us through this journey and have provided us with opportunities to learn from their experiences with adoption. What a blessing!
Then just a couple of weeks ago we were awarded a grant through Show Hope. This organization was established by Steven Curtis Chapmen and his wife Mary Beth. Show Hope is named after their adopted daughter Shaohannah Hope. Show Hope "is a ministry that enables individuals and communities to change the world for orphans by not only addressing a child’s need for food, shelter, care, and spiritual nourishment, but by also addressing the root issue for an orphan: the lack of a family." Thank you Show Hope!
Between the grants, donations, and fundraising we have raised a total of....... $22,000 toward our adoption!!! This covers al of our agency fees and homestudy for both referrals. The remaining costs we have will be for our travel to Ethiopia twice. Again, to say that I have been blown away by all of this is an understatement. All of this happened so quickly that I did not even know how to accurately express how in awe I was of what God had done for our family, for these children. Thank you to all who have supported us through this journey. It isn't over yet, but I have been shown again and again that God is working miracles everyday! Keep praying and THANK YOU ALL for helping us!
