don’t hold back

Such a huge blessing.  Thank you so much for your support, friends.

So often people tell us that they would love to adopt a child.  You know the one thing that keeps them from actually doing it?

Finances.

There is no denying that adoption is expensive.  Unfairly so, in my opinion.  It should not be that way.  But it is–and there is nothing we can do to change it.  Rescuing children costs money.  Heaps of it.

The reality of it is that there are few of us who have $25, 000+ lying around.  We sure don’t.  My hubby is a Hospice Chaplain.  We live on one very average income.  If you consider the size of our family versus what we earn, it is a bit crazy.  But we have never seen Anthony’s employment as the source of our provision.  Instead, we choose to look to the ONE who can supply every single one of our needs–and always does.  Faithful and True is His name.  The only Provider who never fails us.  He is our ultimate source of provision in our family.

So, coming back to adoption.  I want to tell those of you who feel that you cannot adopt a child due to the high ransom that needs to be paid, that God is MORE than able to provide.  Yes, He is.  I can tell you because each and every time we step out and bring a child home, I do wonder where in the world the money is going to come from.  I do wonder how God is going to make it come together.  In my flesh, I doubt and wonder.  But in my heart and spirit, I know my God.  The One who has never, ever, not once, let my family go without.

Every time we adopt a child, the Lord does it.  Every single time! 

Hailee and Harper’s adoption has been our most expensive so far, especially with our adopting two children. The Lord has totally amazed us.  He has provided in ways we never imagined. We knew that we would need about $30,000 [which seemed like an enormous about of money when we were just starting out]. The Ukraine is not a cheap adoption–especially when there are two children.

You know the thing that truly blows my mind?  Most of this money has been provided by complete strangers.  People we have never met. Some who even live in different countries.  So amazing.  So God.  He uses whoever He chooses to be the blesser, no matter where in the world they may be.  

Anthony and I are the ones God has called to parent Hailee and Harper.  But, when God calls us to do something, He can’t help but mobilize the glorious Body of Christ to come alongside us.  We are never called to do things alone. When we step out and do the impossible, He surrounds us with His mighty army in the battle [for orphans] and equips us with everything we need to accomplish the task.  And do it well, not lacking a single thing. 

An adoption is not just about the family taking in the orphan.  It’s about community.  It’s about many people playing a part in the child’s story.  And that even applies to paying the exorbitant fees.  God, who sits on His throne in heaven, speaks the word, and His army rushes in to help. It’s just that simple.

It’s the truth.  This is the third time we’re living this out.  Miraculous provision.

Does that mean we just sit back and do absolutely nothing, expecting the Father to just rain down money from heaven?  No way!  We do our part.  We work hard and come up with creative ways to fundraise, and then we trust the Lord to bless the fruit of our labor.  I tell you, He just can’t help but do it.  We serve a God of immense blessing.

Please, dear friends, if you are one of those sitting on the fence, so anxious and eager to adopt a child, but feel like a humongous wall stands between you and your child–PLEASE don’t let the lack of finances hold you back.  It really just begins with a step of obedience.  A stepping out of the boat and saying, “Okay, Lord, I trust you in this.  You are more than able to provide for something YOU have commanded us to do.”  And then just go for it!  I beg you to not let the financial hurdle hold you back.

Many may disagree with what I’m about to say, with is totally fine.  I don’t, for one second, believe that “Adoption Loans” are the way to go.  I just don’t.  Sure, they may serve a purpose for the last little remaining amount one may need to complete an adoption, but I truly do not believe they should ever be a starting point.  Why?  Because God loves, loves, loves to show Himself faithful.  He loves to show His glory for all to see.  And I believe that trusting Him to provide for an adoption is just one of the ways that He can show Himself faithful to the world who watches.  The glory belongs to Him.  I believe that when we rush and take out loans and credit cards to rescue a child, we’re robbing God of His glory.  We’re robbing Him of an opportunity to show the world that He adores orphans, and so desperately desires for us, as Christians, to bring them home, no matter what the cost! I don’t think the creator of the universe expects us to go into debt to to fulfill a COMMAND in His Word (to care for orphans).  That’s just the conviction of my heart.

He is MORE than able to provide.  My goodness, if He can part the sea, surely He can bring in a bit of money?  It’s nothing for Him.

Just do it, friends.  Go and rescue one of God’s children.  He’ll amaze you on the journey.  Your life and your faith will never be the same again. I promise.

Thank you!  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every one of you who has sown seed into our adoption.  Whether it be $5 or $5000.  Whether it be an item for our auction, or clothes that have been mailed to me for Hailee and Harper.  Whether it be encouraging comments, or heartfelt prayers. We are so very grateful for each and every bit of seed that has been sown.  The Father has blessed it abundantly, as I know you too have been blessed by your giving.

I appreciate you all so much.

Counting the days until I can finally hold my daughters. So close!