Signed, Sealed, and On Its Way For Delivery

Today we completed the 18 page application for Adoption. I met Reid in a parking lot where he "signed his signature" to the many dotted lines. Afterwards, I headed to the post office where it was sealed in an envelope and officially beginning the journey to the adoption agency. Oddly enough, the agency is in High Point, NC which is our previous hometown.

Upon returning home from the post office, I printed off the next step - the 51 page Home study application. Whew! I had no idea we would be completing so many forms, sharing so much personal information, obtaining so many verifications, finding original copies of certificates, etc... It seems like a lot of work, but we know it is more than worth it!

Tonight we told Omar and Lamar our plans. They are so excited about another "brother or sister" from Ghana. Omar said, "That is so cool!" I asked if their Mom, Anna, would help teach me to braid hair if we end up adopting a girl. I was assured she would be thrilled to walk me through it. We assured Omar and Lamar that our relationship with them would not change. Lamar seemed relieved to hear it. Honestly, I think the two of them have played a significant role in preparing our hearts for this decision. They have shown us that the only thing a child really needs is someone to love them. So, love, love, love...

This evening Reid did the devotion with all of the boys (Omar, Lamar, and ours). The scripture he read reminded us that God knew everything before time even began. He knew we would be making this step at this exact time. He knows.

Tonight there is a child in Ghana who has no idea that we are already praying for her/him. This child does not yet know that our hearts are already opening wide with love. This child does not realize there is a family waiting with open arms to receive her/him home. However, tonight in our devotion, Weston pointed out that "God is the one who knows which child will join our family." He knows.

God's Providing

As we begin this journey, my heart begins to pump rapidly when I think about the enormous cost of this endeavor. However, I trust God will provide every step of this journey...

The day we made the decision to adopt (Tuesday, 01/26/10), Braden, our 6 year old offered us all of his money to put toward the adoption. Therefore, we have a start of $72.36. (Ha-ha!) What an encouragement to already see the generous heart of our son! We are blessed.

Mason is planning to start a lawn-mowing business and he told us that he's decided to give his "tithe" to his father and me for ministry and adoption. My heart rejoices at his early recognition that his first fruits belong to the Lord! Of course, we will discuss the tithe should go to the church, but at 13 years old, his desire is to share! God love graciously abounds in Him!

Many of you know, Reid was gone for most of December working on a project at Three Mile Island, PA. He spent long, freezing-cold days away from his family during the Christmas Season. It was difficult. Well, yesterday, he received a little bonus for his work there. After taxes and with-holdings, he brought home $321.00! Whoo-Hoo! We laughed to realize that this will cover the initial application fee, which is being mailed TODAY! It's the perfect amount of money - in the perfect time! God will provide! Yes, we believe He will!

The Brothers Are Praying

Last night, Mason spent the night with a friend, so the other three decided to have a "brother slumber party" downstairs. Reid tip-toed toward the downstairs room wondering what he might find as the boys were preparing for bedtime. However, standing outside the door, his ears picked up a sweet surprise.

"Does anyone want to pray?" asked Franklin.
"I will," replied Weston. "Dear God, We pray for Mason at his friend's house and ask that he would have fun and you would keep him safe. We also pray for this adoption. Please bring this little child home to us."
Franklin continued, "And Lord, we pray that our new brother or sister would come to know Jesus. We pray that he or she will choose to follow You. Amen."

Three Nations - One Family

Reid and I have made the decision to pursue adoption from Ghana, Africa. The Lord began moving our hearts toward adoption over a year ago. We have been seeking God and praying, and it's with much fear and trembling that we are taking this step of faith. Yet, we KNOW this is God's desire from us, and we know the child is to come from Ghana. We have both been to Ghana on mission trips. Reid - twice, I - once. On Sunday, I had this overwhelming feeling that there is a little girl over there that is supposed to join our family. We step forward in faith, trusting God's plan. Please PRAY!

We spent Sunday afternoon (1-24-10) with Mathiang, and his friend from China, Yilong. I realized that, because of Mathiang in our life, our little family will consist of people from three nations. That is ONLY GOD!?! What a beautiful picture of HIM! I've been studying 1 Corinthians Chapter One. It's amazing how "God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise." I know this will seem foolish to many. Through our time with Omar and Lamar, we've realized that children simply need someone to love them, and not all of the trappings of this world. God continues to grow our family and press us on!

Yesterday, I shared with my Dad how God was stirring in our hearts. Expecting to hear all the reasons not to adopt from a foreign country or reasons not to adopt - period, I braced myself for what Dad was about to say. He looked me in the eye and said, "If it's something God is telling you to do Robin, you DO IT." We say, "Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!"

All four boys are extremely excited. They are ecstatic that we are bringing a little one into our lives. Mathiang sent his smile through the phone line. Our families are excited about another child. (I feel like we've announced we are pregnant again!) It's been so encouraging!

Friends, we humbly ask for your prayer as we begin this journey.

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation."
-Revelation 5:9