Sunday, January 30, 2011

A Heavy Conversation That Took Place at Waffle House (and our BIG annoucement!)

Christopher and I have some exciting news to announce...
We will be adopting our first child from Ethiopia!


 
                           

In July of 2010 after the staggering statistic of the number of orphans in the world (over 147 MILLION!) was made known to me, I could not get this overwhelming number out of my mind. I came across this inspiring story at www.weloveourlucy.blogspot.com and could not get the issue of orphans off my mind (watch her beautiful "Gotcha Day" video and you won't be able to either!). I spoke with Christopher about it, both of us figuring that this would be something that we might pursue down the road after we had "children of our own."                                                                                                    
                                                                          
In the meantime, God gave me numerous signs to let me know I was on the right track. One sign came through the Minnovich family. One of their sons (who they brought home to their family from Ethiopia) is involved in Student Council at the school where I teach. I have had the privilege of getting to know him and have e-mailed his wonderful mother Tracey. Read their story at http://www.ourunveiledfaces.blogspot.com/.

Another sign came through my high school friend Katie. She and her husband Brent actually made me first think, "If adoption is that important to me, why not adopt first?" They are also adopting from Ethiopia. You can check out their story at http://www.journeytothreeormore.blogspot.com/.

Well, after not being able to get the idea out of my mind, I told Christopher that I was very serious and no longer thinking "down the road", but for our first child! This heavy conversation actually took place at Waffle House! I just knew he'd say I was crazy, but to my surprise he said, "I knew you were serious about it." (I don't know what gave it away. Maybe it was the HOURS I spent on the computer researching and blog stalking!).  He went on to tell me that he wanted the same things for our future family.

                                                                    

I kept praying for Christopher to be ready. And on December 29th, he said he wanted to fill out the pre-application! So we're on our way! I couldn't think of any way that I would have rather rung in the new year!
                                           
Whew! If you're still reading, thank you! I tried to sum up a 5 month journey in one post! In my next post, I will answer the question, "Why Ethiopia?" Pin It

9 comments:

  1. I'm so excited for you! Please let me know if I can do anything for you!

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  2. Praise God for your desire to adopt! I am so happy for you two! I look forward to hearing about it every step of the way. I love you guys!

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  3. Thank you for all of your sweet comments! We feel so loved and supported all ready!

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  4. LOL! Waffle House?!? That is just soooo YOU!

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  5. I am new to your blog and visiting via Toni over a Bowl Full Of Lemons, your journey to adoption story is what sparked my attention. My husband and I are current foster care providers for the state we live in and I cant begin to tell you what a need there is for orphaned children or even children that have homes but are needing protective care. I think hearing that which the Lord places on your heart and convicts you is His way of telling you your lifes is about to start journey.


    May your path to adoption be met with only Gods sovereign Grace.

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  6. I also wanted to input if you were aware of Steven Curtis Chapmans Adoption Aid Grants?

    http://www.showhope.org/AdoptionAid/AdoptionGrants.aspx

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  7. Ms. Jeannie,
    Somehow your kind comment slipped past me. I apologize! I was on Spring Break at that time! I think foster families are amazing! Thank you for your words of encouragement. I was aware of the Show Hope Grant. When our homestudy is complete, I am going to apply for it. Thank you for letting me know! Best wishes to you and your family!

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