Here are dear friends, Jenna and Allison, at a "welcome back" gathering this weekend. No, Wade and I did not undergo an accelerated adoption (or steal a baby)--I'm holding Jenna's sweet Jillian.
But since you brought it up (nudge, nudge- wink, wink)...we are one step closer to the child God has planned for our family. That's right! We submitted our formal application to Bethany Christian Services, and we've been accepted! We are now in the process of completing our home study, and we're very excited about the road ahead.
I would have mentioned this tiny detail a couple weeks ago, but we wanted to share the news with our families before making it "public." We have prayerfully considered and carefully researched adoption, and we are thrilled that God has called us to this journey. The Lord gave me a heart for adoption very early in life (about the same age I decided to call the 1-800 number to sponsor a child in Africa and found out that 10-year-olds aren't allowed to use their parents' credit cards). I am so grateful that my husband understands the Biblical basis for this ministry and what a gift it is to adopt one of God's children into our family.
We know that the journey may be difficult at times. The road to adoption can be bumpy and long (typically 2-3 years). And every child--biological or chosen--comes with his or her own special challenges. We know that quite well! And just as God set apart Liliana for our family and entrusted her into our care, He has ordained the other children that belong in our family. We have no doubt that we will love and treasure our adopted child(ren) just as much as we adore Liliana. Our hearts are bursting!
We are overjoyed to be sharing this news with you, and we would love to hear your thoughts about adoption...especially if you have a personal testimony you'd like to share! We pray that our family and friends will support and encourage us as we embark on this journey.
May you be richly blessed in the coming week. ~Ramona
1 comment:
Ramona,
I think adoption is an amazing gift God gives to children, birth parents who can't provide and biological parents who have their arms opened wide.
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5
In adopting us through Christ, God shows the depth of His love. What a delightful model this presents to those who want to adopt a child as their son or daughter.
God uses adoption to advance His Kingdom and to share the miracle of His unconditional love. The child adopted into a Christian family will have the security of knowing that God has been watching over and protecting him or her since before birth.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
Love and prayers to you and wade and what an example of God's love you show us in the midst of the challenging times. We truly enjoy you both!
April C.
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