i would say that “why?” is the number one question we have gotten when we have shared with others that we are adopting. although, they don’t come out and say it right away. it is sort of a round-about why. for me, it’s the simplest to answer. and it’s question i wouldn’t even think twice about if someone told me they were adopting. but, a lot of people don’t see this life the way that i do and i understand that.
so, for those of you who are wondering why we are adopting when we are able to have biological children… here’s our answer.
current statistics say that there are over 147 MILLION orphans in the world.
one hundred and forty seven million.
The Lord commands us to love and serve the poor, the needy, the orphan, and the widow in His Word more times than i can count.
i could simply ignore this command. it’s easy to do, really. and for many years i did ignore it. i could let satan could fill my mind with “is ONE less orphan out those millions going to make a difference?” but, i already know the answer to that.
i know the answer is an outstanding YES.
and i know that precious life that we will call our own is worth it a hundred times over.
i began sponsoring a child through world vision as a sophomore in highschool. a year or two later life got in the way. i was working two jobs, thinking about college, an upcoming summer trip to europe, and quite frankly, i was thinking about me. i stopped sponsoring, while thinking of all the other things i needed that $30 a month for. life went on, i fell in love, married my dream guy, and was pregnant on our one year wedding anniversary. brody got a little bit older, i was pregnant again, and we were growing up a bit ourselves, cause we were just babies ourselves when we got married.
our hearts went back to orphans and doing something more. we began sponsoring a child through compassion international and, this past year, we began to financially support families in need and families adopting as best we could. we can’t always give a lot of money but, we could always do something. the years in between i wish i could have gone back and gave more. looking at what we have now and what i had then it makes me cringe a bit. i spent a lot of money on frivolous things those last years of high school.
it’s easy to have my eyes set on a perfect little family with no messy complications of adoption, a perfect little house, and achieving my own personal hopes and dreams in this earthly life. however, my heart is in the wrong place when they are what i am striving for. in this life i am striving, first and foremost, to follow Christ and follow what he calls us to do. and right now, for us, that is adoption.
we couldn’t be more excited.
i don’t believe that all are called to adopt. but, i firmly, firmly believe that all are called to do something when it comes to orphans. sponsor a child, give a one time gift to a family adopting, give a (dare i say it) monthly gift to a family in the adoption process, get your church on board to financially support adopting families. pray about adoption for yourself and your family. is the Lord saying move? well, then… move. it’s the hardest part. but, the best one, too.
a few people asked where are adopting from. it’s a local agency that offers three different programs. a foster to adopt program, a healthy domestic infant program and an international program. we are in the healthy domestic infant program which means we are adopting a baby (newborn to three months, most likely) from new york state. after our classes and homestudy are complete our adoptive family profile will be ready to show birth moms who have the same desires in the level of openness and needs of the adoption as we do.
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have you met my darling friend, jessi? maybe you have heard me talk about her once or twice before because i am slightly infatuated with her.
she is one of those blogging buddies that i have never met in person but in my heart i have been with her in person for years. her family is planting a church in boston WHICH IS ONLY 4 HOURS FROM ME. so, basically, as soon as they move, i will be seeing her once a month. and we will be eating canolis together in boston. even though she eats a vegan diet. i am breaking her of that. obviously.
anyways, she’s beautiful, and we both love video chatting and ombre hair. i text or call her on daily basis and we really just love each other a whole lot. she, and her husband nick, are so supportive of caleb and i and our decision to adopt. i am blessed by her every.single.day. her heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ is so inspiring to me. i want to be like her when i grow up.
she designed this print for us. for our baby. 100% of the profits go to our adoption fund.
my heart is full and i can’t say thank you enough to my sweet friend.
but, thank you for living out love and giving to those who need it. thank you for supporting us.
buy one for yourself and twelve more for twelve of your friends.
spread the word.
your mother-in-law needs one, too!
and while your buying your prints watch this:
(you can’t watch this without being filled with hope and shedding a tear. and you certainly can’t watch it without buying a print)
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bless you and your family….family of soon to be 5!
Wow! I love this. You have such a good heart, and I am so happy to see others feel this way about adoption! I would never ask you why, I would ask others Why not!
My hubby and I have a heart for adoption too, and I believe one day it may be a journey we both take together!
Praying for you, and your family, and your baby, who ever it may be 🙂
i drive past a nursing home almost every day (and saw a resident sitting out by the street watching life go by( and of course there's scripture that addresses both orphans and widows…it just got me thinking…i'm not doing anything.
this post is moving and generous because you owe none of us an explanation. the Lord has done great things in your heart and i am privileged to help YOUR family thru prayer and any other ways God leads. may you be blessed in this journey. my best friend laura will have her baby in 3 weeks–they are doing the exact same kind as you. let me know if you'd like her info. love u.
i think it's fantastic that you are adopting! and i don't wonder why. 🙂 good luck on your journey. many blessings.
I'm so happy for you being able to adopt, it's something I'd love to do as well as (hopefully) have my own! When I was a little girl I used to ask my mum why adults had new babies when there were already so many in the world without parents; I guess that's why I agree with you so whole-heartedly, good luck, I wish you all well 🙂 xo
http://louisejoyb.blogspot.com/
This is beautiful and true and pure. We have two adopted sons from Ethiopia… and even the very word "adopted" makes my heart sing. I am sooo excited for you and all that is to come. God bless you!!!
thank you for the reminder that there are still ways to help, even if adoption isn't feasible right now, in this moment. we have friends in their second adoption process, and you've inspired me to help them in ways i hadn't previously thought of. thanks, friend, as always, for being His hands and feet.
This makes my heart happy. I love that you are adopting… I really really do. You will be such an amazing family for that little baby to come into. You all have such good hearts, it makes me smile.
my friend emily sent me here! we adopted too with the ability to have bio kids…although we also had 3 bio kids before we adopted. i was amazed how often we got asked why?! even from christians! have fun on your journey!!
Good luck. Any child in a home with this much love will be fortunate. Congratulations on your decision.
I love this post! I can't wait to be a little older, wiser, and married…and then adopt myself. Your family is inspiring.
Also, while going through my daily reads I was reminded another bligger whom I follow is also going through the adoption process right now. I'm unsure if you've ever come across her blog, so I thought I'd share it http://www.iheartrunwithscissors.com
xoxo
Taylor M.
Such an exciting time for your family. And such a testimony you're writing. Yay!
Yay I am so happy for your family!! The baby you adopt is going to he one of the most loved/blessed baby out there! I think it is amazing that you're willing to do this.
I realize we haven't added to our family at all yet but adoption is always in the back of my mind. I do believe we will adopt one day and that thought just makes my heart swell!! 🙂
love you!
and so jealous of the monthly canolis eating.
so jealous.
I think it is so great that you are adopting. Several of my closest friends have adopted (both international and domestic) and all of their stories are so beautiful. While we haven't been called to adopt, we do sponsor a child through World Vision. I love to pray for our sponsored child with our children and to teach them about how we are helping. God bless you!
Beautiful, beautiful post. Can't wait to follow your adoption story. Best wishes!
Jessi and I went to high school together. She's a gem 🙂
love your heart and super love that you're adopting and super super love that you're adopting in our own country. Do you realize that God is working somewhere else in new york getting a little life ready just to bless yours. thats amazing!
love this! thanks for sharing your details-maybe you will inspire other to follow your lead! 😉
We had 10 bio. children when the Lord called us to add to our family through adoption. You can imagine the "Whys?" that we heard. 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
this is just beautiful. since i was a little girl, i have felt just as strongly about adoption as giving birth. bringing a little spirit into your family is the most beautiful thing- no matter the DNA that comes with it! 🙂 i really hope the process goes smoothly for you guys!
you handled your explanation with grace and beauty. what you guys are doing is amazing, and i pray blessings to you and your family as you go through this process. 🙂
Cannolis from Mike's Pastries in Boston! do it.
and that print is just lovely! i want.
We just posted our response to the very same question on our blog a couple days ago. http://coloradoforeverfamily.wordpress.com Good luck with your adoption journey and God bless!
Danielle, Thank you for the sweet comment on my blog. I love your blog and look forward to following you on your beautiful journey. Thanks again!
l.o.v.e.
Have you ever read Adeye Salem's blog? She has 2 bio kids and 4 adopted. She is a huge advocater of adoption. If you haven't already, you should check it out. (like we all don't have enough blogs to read as it is ;o))
http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/
the child God chooses for you will be so blessed – not just for the love & family he or she will receive but also for the Godly, faithful teachings 🙂
LOVE this. Just bought one. I can't wait to get it in the mail and put it up in my apartment!
So right on! Prayers on your journey.
sigh. {in response to people asking 'why' and your very accurate response statement that you see life differently} adoption is not {should not} be dependent on whether one has children of their own body or not. adoption should also never be a 'last resort'. that kinda fly's in the face of the message of adoption! off to continue bucking the {many} taboo's!
so many bits of this post are incredible! praying for your family!
Hi Danielle!
We adopted our son thru Bethany Christian Services and have an open adoption with his birthparents. Hit me up if you ever have any questions about open adoption! I look forward to meeting you at Blog Sugar! 🙂