It would be easier to say I am pregnant.....

Lately, especially with the start of our third adoption, I have had this in my head a lot. It would be so much easier, and so much more accepted by others, if I was exclaiming the news that I am pregnant instead of telling you (excitedly by the way) that we are adopting again.

If I told you I was pregnant maybe you wouldn’t be so quick to tell me that adopting more kids is going to cost more, and be harder to care for. (I am a somewhat responsible adult, and I do actually know this.)

If I told you I was pregnant I wouldn’t be questioned on where we are adopting from, and being asked or told where you think we should adopt from.

If I told you I was pregnant maybe you wouldn’t tell me that I already have two (one of each gender) what do I need more for; I should just take care of the ones I have.

If I told you I was pregnant you would more than likely ask me how the morning sickness is, and as my belly gets bigger how I am doing, but a lot of you wouldn’t ask me how the adoption process is going and how we are handling things, and what happens next.

I don’t tell you this so you feel sorry for me, or to make you feel bad, but I tell you this in order to educate you on some things whether you completely understand them or not. Often in my blogs I have frequently quoted scripture that command all Christians to care for the orphans of the world, so why would you question our desire to do that?

We are adopting and folks it is an exciting, scary thing all wrapped up into the fact it is God’s Will for our family.

We are adopting not just to make a family for ourselves, but because God is commanding us to do so.

We are adopting from Ethiopia because it is God’s will.

We are adopting even though we are fearful. Every one of our adoptions has had a great amount of fear along with the excitement. With our EJ fear the country would stop adoptions before we could bring her home, and fear of the unknown about a child that did not grow in my tummy but my heart. With the adoption of our Mo I had fear of the unknowns in that process and just traveling to Africa! My life is forever changed with both of these experiences. And now with our third adoption that we have only just begun, there is the fear of being able to handle 1 or 2 more children physically, emotionally and financially, fear of raising the money to get this adoption done, fear of changes in the process as we wait for the child or children God has planned for our family.

We are adopting because we are willing to face that fear head on because it is God’s will and he wants us to trust him.

We are adopting because God doesn't promise us easy, but he promises us forever with him, and asks us to trust him completely and give glory to him here on earth.

We are adopting because it is the most joyous thing we have done with our family, and it is true unconditional love we are living out with the children the Lord has blessed us with.

So…..

When a family says they are adopting be supportive. Even if you don’t understand what they are going through, and it is hard to unless you have been through it yourself, give them loving support.

When a family says they are adopting, be EXCITED for them.

When a family says they are adopting, ask them how you can pray, and pray for them.

When a family says they are adopting ask God to show you how you can help them.

When a family says they are adopting ask God what your role is in the lives of the least of these.

(P.S. Don't forget to order your Ugandan Necklaces...details HERE)