Growing Family

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

"God sets the lonely in families."

I've started, erased, and restarted this blog post nearly six times now. I know exactly what I want to say but I'm not certain how to say it. So, instead of trying to sound eloquent I'm just going to put my heart on the line and tell you:

RJ and I are adopting from Ethiopia. 

We are hoping to adopt young siblings (younger than Landon), and we are currently a bit more than a month into the process. We're in the part called "the paper-chase". The paperwork is all consuming but should be done with in about three to four months, from there we are estimating that our children will be home anywhere between 12-18 months later.

I have so much I want to share with you all. How our family came to this place. Why we chose Ethiopia. The simultaneous feelings of excitement and nervousness that continually permeates my gut.  How much I already love these children. Things that I can't wait to write about and process through. 

But for now I just want to share our news with all my friends. RJ and I are incredibly excited about the path the Lord has put our family on. And we can't wait to share this journey with you. We do ask that you would please, please pray for us. It is bound to be an emotional, difficult journey and we covet your your prayers.





I've wrestled with whether or not to allow comments and I am going to go ahead and keep them open, because this news is a cause for celebration! However, I do know that some of you might not understand our decision or have concerns. I'm hoping to answer many of your questions in further blog posts. However, if you have a pressing question please feel free to email it to me. Thanks.


8 comments:

Annie Brothers said...

Congratulations!! That's so exciting. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Stephanie said...

So happy for all of you - congrats!

Jessica G. said...

Anna, I am so excited for the journey that you and your family are on to get a new member of your family. I look forward to you sharing about the journey openly and honestly. And I will be keeping all 4 of you in my prayers.

Jess Roy said...

YAY! We couldn't be happier for you guys. Looking forward to hearing about the continued journey... :)

Amy said...

Congratulations! Just hearing the word "adoption" brings tears of joy to my eyes. I certainly wouldn't be 'mom' without it. I love my little boy; sure this week especially my mind has been filled with concerns and questions about the future. Those teenager fights that are bound to happen, and hearing the "you're not my real mom" just terrifies me. As I teach my son to love God and follow Him, will he resent me and this lifestyle because his birthmom isn't that way. Probably all fears and questions I shouldn't share, but I do. But then I hold my sweet boy. He cuddles up to me. He smiles and laughs. And all I can say is that from the moment we heard there was a possibility of him, I knew God's hand was bringing our family together in a miraculous and beautiful way.

I have a family friend that adopted 2 sisters from Ethiopia just over a year ago. I've never met them, but I have followed their journey on her blog.

I struggle to find words to express for the excitement and prayers for patience. I know when we first started our adoption process, and share the news with family and friends, we were ON FIRE with the excitement for our family. And then the paperwork and each and every little step often became daunting and overwhelming. It was hard work. It tried patience, energy, and each step we questioned just giving up and saying "who cares." But then God would remind us that we would survive the struggles, and something else would be accomplished. Just hang in there. The end result is far greater than can ever be imagined, or described. God bless you...and your family!

The Schmidts said...

That's awesome! I can't wait to hear all the details. When you need the family of five advice, I'm here. :) Rhiannon

Anonymous said...

This is fantastic! Praying for you guys!!!!

drea

Deb said...

WOW! Congratulations!
That is super exciting. My hubby and I have also made the decision to adopt from overseas and Ethiopia is one of the countries we would have liked to adopt from. However, living in Australia, the waiting list is around 10 years and we do not want to wait for that length of time. It is crazy when there are so many children who need families, and so many families who want children, why there is SO much red tape and so many hoops to jump through...

Anyway, all that to say I will pray for you and will keep watching your blog for updates along the way.

xx

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