We have both individually felt called to adoption even since before we met each other and got married. During the first 3 years of our marriage, God blessed us with two beautiful girls. We felt fulfilled and happy (and tired and crazy!). But, over the last several months, He has been reminding us of something... He began saying, "Don't you remember Mara and Jeremy, I need you for something else..." He made it clear that our family is not finished growing.
We've said "yes" and will be adding a little boy from China to our family!!! : )
This might be quite surprising to our friends and family. It is a huge decision and definitely one we have not taken lightly. A lot of research and planning has gone into this. And there is a lot of work ahead. But, in the end, it comes down to stepping forward in faith that this is God's call on our lives and we want to follow what He has for us. Our church talks a lot about how we need to make sure that our "Story" is a Story Worth Telling. We don't want to look back in regret and know that we missed out on this exciting journey due to fear.
God has been working on our hearts to dispel the fear and doubt that is continually trying to press in. When we begin to focus too much on the cares of this world, the thought of choosing to adopt seems crazy. How in the world will we be able to meet the costs involved? Will our family change in any negative ways? How will we leave our girls to travel to China?! But, we then remember that with God we have no reason to fear. We know that he will supply all our needs and that He will provide to make it possible.
We ask for your prayers as we continue forward on this journey. We've submitted our application to our agency and it has been approved. We have contacted a local agency and will be completing our home study over the next two months. We will have A LOT of paperwork and tasks to manage so we would appreciate prayer that all of those things would go smoothly. We would also love your prayers for our family as we prepare ourselves to welcome another child, that we will have the strength and gain the knowledge to parent a child with cultural differences and a special need. And, of course, please pray for our little baby whose name and face we don't yet know!! : )
