In Ephesians 1, Paul tells us "In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—" So, much like a wedding is the picture of Christ and His church, adopting a child represents how we become God's children. I see all the beautiful faces of these children all over our church and am overwhelmed by the fact that I was in an orphanage and God sought me and purchased me and made me his daughter, just like little Maddie Rae from China or Robert from Russia or Amani from Africa and the many other children running around the narthax of the Church. I know where these kids were and I see them now, glowing from the love of their families. I'm glad God took me in, and gives me the warmth of his love. To be called to adopt a child is no easy path, but surely a highly rewarding one.
I'd like to introduce you to the some of our friends: Mike and Raegan and Kevin and Julie. Both of these families from our church are adopting children from Africa. Raegan and Julie are such sweet girls and so funny. You'll enjoy learning about their new families. Julie's website might be privatized for security reasons, but if you'd like to read some wonderful insight through her journey, I would be happy to ask permission for you to read it. Another family we've known for years adopted a little girl while they were living in China, and they are now back stateside: The Kelleys . Reading about their process was my first time realizing how you can't just go over there, pick out a baby you like, and then bring 'em on home. It's a long, detailed process. Celebrities make it look easy. It's not.
Besides these friends, I have been reading a blog It's Almost Nap Time written by a woman in Texas who is also in the process of adopting children. She's fun and honest and understands her calling.
If you asked me last February, I would have said "I think we are maybe called to adopt a child." When Nathan and I were first engaged, he said he was open to adopting children of any race or ethnicity. So, that idea has always been in the back of my mind. After experiencng a horrible miscarriage in late January, I convinced myself that God was dramatically showing us our path was to adopt. I didn't think our family was complete, yet. And then, through some rather strange and humorous circumstances, I found out I was pregant just a month later with our sweet Baby Petite Princess. I was so confused and scared this time around. I wondered why God would keep my head spinning in such a way. So, now if you ask me, I'd say I don't think our family is called to adopt at this time, but maybe to use our resources and abilities to help those who are adopting. Now, of course, that may all change because God seems to like to play it close to the vest with us. He knows my husband flies by the seat of his pants quite frequently and adeptly, so long range planning might not be our forte.
I encourage you to support those you may know who are adopting in any way you can. After all, they are beautifully carrying out the gospel love that has been shown to them. In truth, I've been around these church family adoptions my whole life. My dad has been the attorney for at least 6 adoptions in the small church I grew up in. I am proud that the church we attend and the one I grew up in fills their pews with children who have been grafted in to physical families, spiritual families from all over the world!
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
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