Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers

Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers

Monday, February 21, 2011

Long over due update!

Okay, so when you have to reset your password because you can't remember the old one you have definate proof that its been way too long since you blogged! :)
When we began this adoption journey, we committed to always being open to "a change of direction" if we felt the Lord leading us to a different path than the one we started down.  We have found, that is a very hard thing to do; however, it is also very rewarding.  I think it is hard for several reasons, one, because you get your head and heart set on something and you don't want to give it up.  Two, because you start to doubt yourself, "well, we thought this was the right path, now we feel it isn't, what if that happens again?"  Third, we let ourselves get wrapped up in what others around us might think.  "Well, we've already said this is what we are doing.  What if they (everyone involved in your life) think we are making the wrong decision."  We've come to realize, God's way is always best and He is the One we should be concerned with, not everyone around  us. 
During December and January, Andrew and I both began to realize that we didn't seem to have a true peace about the path to Ethiopia.  We wanted to do it, we saw the need and wanted to say this is the way we need to go, but we just couldn't take the next step.  When you want to do something so badly and  you can't find the strength or courage to move forward, I think that is a huge red flag.  (I'm not just talking about fear, either, because I think fear is a constant in any area of adoption.  You can have peace in the midst of fear, but when that peace isn't there, that is when, I think you need to start seeking and see if this is really the path God has for you.)  We continued to pray about it and talk about it and we finally realized that there were things about the Ethiopia process that we felt just wasn't for us.  We still think there is a HUGE need in Ethiopia, and we are still praying for the precious orphans there!
So, you may be asking, what is the new plan?  Well, it really isn't that new, its actually the original plan that started all of this in motion to begin with.  Many of you know that about 7 years ago I spent some time in an orphanage in China.  It was those 2 amazingly heartbreaking weeks that started the adoption seed growing in my heart.  When Andrew and I first talked about adoption, while we were dating, it was specifically China that we talked about and the seed began to take root in his heart as well.  However, one of the qualifications to adopt from China is, you must be 30.  My amazing husband, isn't quite there. :)  So, we thought, we'll adopt from somewhere else, first, and then adopt from China when we adopt the 2nd time.  Well, what we've realized is that its going to take us a while to raise the funds to be able to afford this adoption journey.  By the time we have raised the money, it will more than likely be close enough to time to start the paperwork.  So, after much prayer and consideration, we decided to just continue to raise the money we need, and move forward with China when the time is right.
There is a 2nd part of this decision.  It is the decision to step way outside of our comfort zone and really put our faith where our actions are.  We have always said, "I don't think I could ever do foster care.  It would be too hard if you have to give them up."  Well, we felt that God was working on our hearts in this area as well.  As if He was asking us, do you really trust me, do you really trust my sovereignty?  This is something I will probably write a completely different blog about in the near future, because all of a sudden God has given me this passion about being willing to lay aside your fears and worries about being hurt, in order to help someone who is already hurting, through no fault of their own.  Why is it okay for us to say, "I can't do that, it'll hurt too much" when their are babies and children out there that just need to be loved and they have no control over their circumstances.  Anyway, I'll expound more on that later, just know its something that has taken very deep root in my heart.
So, basically, our new plan is two fold, one for the future and one for the present.  Right now, we are starting the process to do foster-to-adopt.  When Andrew turns 30, Lord willing, we will begin our journey to China.  After the last several months, I know that we really never know what the future may hold.  Our job is just to be open to where He is leading us.
Through the foster-to-adopt program, we could have a baby placed in our home in less than 4 months!  That has us very excited, and very, very, busy!!