Chris and I have always known that we were going to adopt. I would say, even before we were married. We've known in our hearts that we were not going to be the couple who said they'd like to do it and never do. No. We were serious. You see, someone's life is more valuable then an empty statement. Now, that's not to put down those who have made that statement and don't really intend to adopt. That's just our heart and how we feel. So...as usual, we were at a concert in early January (2012) and I had already scanned the table for the next bebe we would sponsor through Holt International. We've sponsored a child nearly every year of our marriage. When I asked Chris in the middle of what could have been the loudest song, "Do you want to go pick out our next child to sponsor?" He looked at me and asked, "Why don't we go ahead and adopt this year?" And that was it. With a simple shrug and "Why not?" it was done. No major fireworks, no deep discussion, just our burden hearts and the fly-by-the-seat-of-you-pants lifestyle we embrace. Now, of course we prayed, and continue to pray about this decision. That very week we completed the online application to Holt and made our first payment. Then...then, my friends, came the paperwork.
We believe that all believers in Christ are adopted. He adopted us into his family. We are not His blood related children, not biological heir to His throne. No, no. We are adopted. Once you realize that, I mean, you totally get that, how can you not adopt?! He chose us, how much more Christ-like can we be outside of adoption? Of course, there's a variety of opinions and thoughts about that rhetorical question...but it hit us like a brick wall. It will you to...check out Adopted for Life. It's $10 on your nook or iPad and is worth 100 times more than that. Get it, read it, then get it. Maybe it will motivate you to adoption or assist in an adoption process. Maybe it will help you understand who you are in the Lord. Heck, maybe it will just be a good read...but read it. It's amazing.
Chris and Connie
Excellent! (like Mr. Burns says it) Someone close to us to go through the process before us. Siobhan and I went to an adoption info meeting about a month ago. Mars Hill has a support group and ties with locals that do foster-to-adopt, infant, and international adoption so the church is really supportive. After I get out of grad school the hope is to start a foster-to-adopt process and eventually pick out a sibling team to keep. I know that will be crazy hard for us (but it's quite a bit cheaper, too). I'll be following this blog closely! Keep me updated!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Adopted for Life...does that book talk about all kinds of adoption, or does it mostly talk about the spiritual significance of our adoption by God?
ReplyDeleteWell, both really. They adopted two boys from Russia. Moore talks about how the world identifies our kids as adopted and "real". He parallels our Adoption in Christ throughout the entire book, but it's informative in both aspects. The actual adoption process/experience and our adoption in Christ.
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