A little over a week ago, Beth and I received an email from America World Adoption with seven to eight pictures of Ethiopian children who were a part of the Waiting Children Program.
When we began our adoption we originally thought that we would be adopting an infant. We reasoned that an infant would grow to love us more quickly than an older child. We reasoned that an infant would have an easier time learning English. (sure…) And we reasoned that an infant would more quickly adapt to the American culture. Slowly, however our paradigm shifted. Blogs and books, emails and online news gradually changed our thinking.
We learned in our study that the waiting period for an infant is much longer than an older child. We wondered at what the older children could be feeling when time after time, they witness infants being plucked up from the transitional home. We learned that many children with even slight developmental challenges ended up being passed over in the application for immigration due to the potential parents not specifying the developmental challenges they are willing to embrace.
Then came the email of a brand new program for Ethiopia; The Waiting Children Program. This program highlights those children, that for one reason or another are in urgent need of adoption. We began to have a real burden for those children. We began to inquire about the process of adopting a child on this list and submitted an application YESTERDAY.
Okay, so here is the fun part. An hour after submitting our application to adopt from the Waiting Children’s Program, we received an email with pictures of two beautiful children who met our adoption request perfectly. Our adviser said in astonishment that this kind of turn around for a referral has NEVER happened before. What a precious gift and a reminder of God’s loving kindness towards us and those children.
Lord willing, we could possibly be traveling to Ethiopia in December or January. We have almost completed our home study phase and then we will be able to share with you more details. Right now we are amazed by God’s grace in all of this. We sense His pleasure and we are filled with joy. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
All of this is not void of temptation for worry and impatience, so please continue to pray for us.
Grace to you,
Joshua
5 Comments
June 26, 2008 at 6:47 am
Wow! Obviously, God is with your decision.
By the way, I was adopted just before I turned five-years-old.:)
June 26, 2008 at 8:24 am
I’m so excited to watch the Lord’s hand as He builds your family. No doubt the months ahead will hold many challenges, but WOW – so exciting!!
Andy’s spent the last year documenting the adoption and transition period for a couple we knew who were adopting a Haitian six-year old. Through the process they and their son, Kerwin, have become dear friends.
And all I can say is that it is breath-taking to see how God could so perfectly match parents with their child. I can’t wait to watch your story unfold. I pray the Lord will bless you with perseverance, patience, and HOPE.
June 27, 2008 at 12:05 am
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. After Gabe and I came home from Ethiopia, actually while we were still there, Gabe was so impressed with the beautiful older children that he said our next adoption would be for older children. Gabe had so much fun playing with the boys in the transition home. I hope that the rest of the paperchase goes quickly and that you can hold these two soon.
With Love,
Penelope
June 27, 2008 at 2:27 am
Such an awesome post Joshua!! I just keep getting something in my eye that makes me tear up…. : ) love you guys and rejoicing w/ you!
June 29, 2008 at 4:05 am
I rejoice with you both – what wonderful providence!