News for the New Year

If you haven't heard yet...
WE'RE ADOPTING!

We are just in the beginning stages of the whole process, and we know it will take somewhere between a year and two years (of course it could always be more or less).

We have always known that we would someday adopt, but that someday is approaching as we are putting in our application with Lifeline, a local adoption agency.

To try to answer some of the most frequent questions we are already getting

We will be doing an international adoption, and right now Ethiopia or DRC are our top options.  We know that there is a need to care for children in our own country, and God calls some to that.  However, at this time that is not what he has asked of us.  Right now we both strongly feel that God is calling us reach beyond our boarders to a child in a foreign land.

Yes, it is an expensive process.  More than we have lying around ;)  But we are trusting God to provide as we know that he has, not only Biblically commanded all believers to care for the widows and orphans, but He has specifically called us to bring one (or more) into our home to become our own.  Our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  John describes His city gates as being formed from a single pearl, I'm certain that he can provide the funds to bring our child home. 

No, we will not be getting an infant.  As far as I know that is pretty impossible these days, when adopting internationally.  Sterling will remain our oldest child.  Ann Elizabeth may or may not be the next in line.

We are open to a pair of siblings; however, I don't know how likely that is given our age limit.  However, for some reason God has had us wrestle through that one and I actually would be excited at the opportunity to bring home two children.  I don't know what the reason, but I know there is a reason we had to decide to be open to siblings.

We have a long road ahead of us of filling out paperwork, meeting with a social worker, and raising money for this adventure.  Of course if you feel so led, we would welcome any monetary help toward the adoption, but we would covet your prayers most of all!  We know that this is going to be a long, emotional journey and we ask that you would pray for heavenly strength and patience.