God began to steer my heart in the way of adoption way back in the 9th grade. Every year in high school, my school would take a mission trip to other parts of the country and world. Wherever we went, we were always serving children whose parents could no longer take care of them. We went to French Camp, MS where we worked and played with troubled teens who were living at a Christian home away from home to get the help they needed. We went to St. Croix where we helped repair an orphanage that was hit hard by a hurricane.
We traveled to Poland to help lead a Children's camp. This was my first heart-breaking experience with true orphans. Most of the children at this camp came from families, but there were 2 children there who were orphans. The camp hosted a family day where the parents of the kids got to come and experience a day at camp, but these 2 children had no family to come and visit them. They had a nice man from the children's home who came. But, I can remember one little girl who ran into my tent crying that day because she had no mom or dad to visit her. I held her in my arms and wished with all my heart that I could take that little girl home with me.
The next year, and several more years into my college years, we began traveling to an orphanage in Guatemala called Agua Viva. Here, we actually stayed at the orphanage and taught the kids about Jesus and played with them every day! We helped with maintenance on the building and grounds, took trips into the city to preach the Word on the streets; but, my favorite times were sitting with the children and hearing them laugh! I was always amazed at how much joy they had, especially with such meager circumstances.
Through these years of mission trips, I knew that I would one day pursue adoption for my future family. So much so, that it became a pre-requisite for marriage! Yes, this is one issue that Robbie and I talked about before marriage and were in agreement upon. I just couldn't see myself marrying anyone who would not consider the adoption of a child into their family.
So, from the get go, we have always wanted to adopt. I always said that I wanted to have 2 children by birth and adopt two children. My perfect little plan was turned upside-down when God graciously blessed with 5 children by birth! I began to think that our plans for adoption might never become a reality, but God has rejuvenated my God-given vision for adoption again.
And, I whole-heartedly believe that He will give us everything we need for this journey. From the energy, the patience, right down to the money and the perfect house! "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
So, here we go! We covet your prayers for us during this time and would love all the advice and wisdom you can give us!
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