Five has become a very important number in the Dunlea house as of late. We have decided to add one to our brood. Now many of you are shocked, many not surprised at all; I fit in both categories. Dennis and I always talked about adoption as something we were interested in doing. Long before we had a house of 4 wonderfully, energetic boys, we knew international adoption was something that was on both our hearts. We have been blessed with so much (not necessarily monetarily, however compared to the world we are wealthy), with family, community, education, the list goes on and on. To those that have much, much is expected. Besides, we just felt like our family had room to grow.
When Dennis and I started seriously talking about it, I said that I would pray about it. He, of course, was ready to adopt twins:) I think as Christians sometimes we say we are going to pray about guidance and often fail to take action that the Bible so clearly tells us to do. "Take care of widows and orphans." There is no ambiguity in that sentence. I don't need to pray to see if that is right. Is it right for us now? Do we have the capacity? What about our boys? All important questions, and things that have been the topic of many prayers to our Lord. The overwhelming peace we get is God telling us "Yes, I am in charge. Trust Me."
And so we are taking the leap. Just starting the Home Study phase, we are far from bringing our little girl home. Yes, I did say little girl (at least that is our plan). It is exciting, scary, fun, crazy, and exhilarating. We are adopting from Ethiopia. For some reason in all our reading that was were Dennis and I were both drawn. We are adopting for selfish reasons, for our family and for our enjoyment, but also maybe we can make a difference in the world in just a small way. So please pray for us as we go about this wonderful adventure. Pray for our little one who may or may not be born yet. Pray for guidance and wisdom.
As I close I leave you with these Ethiopian numbers.
4.3 million orphans
One in six children die before they turn 5.
I have had a few people say "Wow, you will have 5 kids!" It is true and slightly crazy, but that is not the number 5 that stays in my head. 1 in 6 children die before they are 5. Now, that will stay with you!
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes Me..." Mark 9:37
Awesome. I think the peace He gives is great confirmation that it's the right time. But sometimes when you feel called to do something, the best thing to do is just to walk through as many doors as he keeps open and stop when the doors close.
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited for you. Adoption is such a blessing in a family. We had some really rough times with Lochlan so far, but he is such a sweet addition to the family. He's really loved. I practically have to physically pull my other kids off of him at bedtime because they all want to hug or sing to him or give him a special animal or something. I'm sure your boys will do the same :)
We'll be praying for you guys.
I LOVE this!! You are such an amazing example of faith and grace. Also, one of my board members is adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. They've done their first visit there and will return soon to bring her home. She is 1 and adorable!!
ReplyDeleteLove you all and holding you in my heart, thoughts and prayers!
Amen! We are so excited for you and your family. Great choice all around. This little one will be welcomed with many open arms!! Sincerely, Tamara and Pastor Bill Heming
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