On November 28, I posted a blog about the fact that Clint and I felt very strongly that God was calling us to adopt a baby boy from Ethiopia. I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that we feel even stronger about this now as we are getting further along in the process. Many of you have asked how things are going, so I thought I’d post a quick update as we do covet your prayers throughout this process.
The week before Christmas was a big one for us. That Tuesday Clint and I both had to do our individual interviews with the adoption agency. It is pretty amazing to consider the scope of the questions you are asked, but it is also reassuring that they are fanatical about discernment when it comes to placing children. We had a great time in the car on the way home talking about the questions and hoping we did well!
The Wednesday before Christmas was our home study. That is the day that they come to your house and look around to make sure that it is safe, large enough for more children, and suitable to place a child in. I will have to say that I think we overcleaned…the squeaky clean baseboards in the guest room weren’t even noticed! The home study went great and barely lasted an hour. We have really enjoyed getting to know the lady we are working with at the adoption agency. She is really great about answering our questions and keeping us posted on things that she knows we might be wondering about.
We have 2 or 3 more hoops to jump through before our dossier (super important packet of documents) is sent off to Ethiopia. Everyone has been asking when we think we will have our son. We pray sooner rather than later, but we truly have no idea. The fact that we just have to trust God for this has been incredibly liberating.
Yesterday in chapel at school, we had a band from Liberty University come and lead worship to kick off the spring semester. The band chose Hosanna as one of their songs. The lyrics of that song really speak to the heart of why we feel called to adoption. The challenge in the song is for us to cry out to God so that he will “Break my heart for what breaks yours”. God loves the orphans and His word provides for them through those that know Him. We are excited about what the next weeks, days, months, and years hold for us and our family and believe that God’s timing will be perfect in this whole situation. Please keep praying. I am so pumped to think about the fact that, before too long, we will have a picture to post of our son!
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity