The Ups and Downs

We knew when we started thinking about adopting a child that there would be ups and downs; there would be highs and lows attached to growing a family, especially by doing it in such a way that we have yielded control to the powers that be.  We also decided, early on in this adventure, that we wanted to be completely transparent with our friends and family.  We want to do that for many reasons, but mostly so that you can see that we are doing this in a way that is good and right.  Many of you have donated money to help get us where we are, so we want you to feel in the loop, and that what is being done (and how it is being done) is above reproach.  Thus, today's post.

 

Today, I'm feeling torn in two.  Half of me is thrilled, giddy even.  I've experienced the high that comes from being at God's mercy.  He has, in the past month provided for us in ways that I could not have imagined.  Oh to see what He can accomplish in the months to come!  We have met our first goal, raising $3,500, in order to be able to begin the process.  That, Praise God, is no small feat!

 

 (the highs:  K at the top of our sledding hill)

 

And, after doing the math this morning and realizing that we've got the funds we need to move forward, this.  I received an email  from a friend who has two adopted children, alerting me to the reality that adoptions that have been happening in the Congo (the country we were hoping to bring home our child from) may be corrupt.  Let me just state, for the record, that we have no intentions in participating in an adoption that is unethical in any way.  It is of utmost importance to us that things are done in a way that is helping people--our child, their orphanage, country, etc.  The adoption agency in the US that we were planning on using was named in that web article, which opens up many questions in our minds.

 

I also need to say that we have not been able to verify any of those claims.  Does this happen to you?  You need to do something that feels important and urgent, and it is the WEEKEND so everyone who would be able to help you is otherwise detained (read, "having fun while I'm stressing out!?!)...

yeah, it happens to me all the time.  God is doing something here! 

 



(the lows: K at the end of his sled run)

 

So, now what?  Our application is complete and we have the funding to move forward.  There is also this new knowledge that the plans we had envisioned may not be the way.  So, we wait until Monday, then begin asking questions, and trying to discern how to best move forward. One thing is clear in my mind...God has called us to adopt a child; the question remains just what that will look like. 

 

Won't you join us in praying for the truth to be known (whether adoptions from the Congo are happening in a corrupt way or not) and for our child (wherever he or she may be).

 

Thank you friends.  Your encouragement and support mean the world to us.  We are so thankful for you all!