Adoption Update

We finished our adoption classes two weeks ago.   Praise the good Lord!  No more sitting through long lectures about this and that.  Let's move on to the next thing!

I bought our fire extinguishers and thankfully had a conversation with Jen about getting them inspected, which I did this week.

We are moving houses in December.  The Lord has been all up in that transition.  More on that later.  So many people that have previously been adopted have been in the thick of this.  The Lord has been faithful to show His Goodness through all of this.

Called the fire marshal to see what I needed to change in our new house before having a fire inspection for adoption.

Still have to get all 3 of us TB shots.  Justin said briefly today when I told him that he didn't want to adopt because of the shot.  I asked him that he would rather not get the shot vs. give some kids a home who don't have one, point them to Christ, tell others about the gospel and how Christ loved us enough to adopt us into His family, and get him some much needed siblings.  To which he laughed.  Then he asked if we would get the shot the day we got the kids.  I told him how grateful we are that Jesus didn't decide to not get on the cross after realizing how hard it would be.  And we decided that getting a shot wouldn't be so bad.

Perspective.  We all need a little of it now and then.

Three weeks ago was Orphan Sunday.  It started in Zambia, 117th poorest country of 128. There was an AIDS crisis, and a pastor looked at the scriptures and said let's do something about this.  I dare you to go and listen to Jay's Sermon on Orphan Sunday.  7-8 families from our class have since come forward to adopt.   Jay talked about how we wrestle with why God cares so much about caring for the orphans.  And it all comes down to this - it's for the worship of our Great God.  God intends for the primary communication to be within the family.  So what happens to the kids that don't have a family?  Who will take them in if we as the Body choose to make up excuses?

I have been reading a book that Becca Harris recommended called Setting their Hope in God.  It has a daily prayer with Scripture incorporated into it that help me to be more focused in my plea for Justin.  I have been praying it over our future children.  It has made their arrival seem nearer.  I am anxiously anticipating them as I pray specific needs for their souls.

I read  Jen Hatmaker's blog post about being the village.  A great read on how you can be helpful once the dust settles on a family that recently added an orphan to their home.

Pray for waiting children  is a blog that shows a child that needs a home and gives you specific ways to pray for them.  Check it out and intercede for a child that may not know how to pray for themselves.

With Christmas around the corner, you should check out the Lifesong for Orphans Gift Catalog.  It's a lot like Samaritan's Purse Christmas Catalog that has purpose to your giving.  Not only can you donate to a family that would have financial needs to adopt, but you can help one learn a trade, get a job, or escalate out of poverty.  Make a dent in the cycle of poverty where sin orphans children.

A year and a half ago I would have wanted anyone talking about adoption to stand at arms link.  Wasn't ready.  But after reading Adopted for Life I knew I didn't have many excuses left.

Challenge yourself this Advent Season to pray as to what it is the Lord is calling you to do with the orphan crisis.   And get on it.