We officially announced to the world thru announcement letter and of course facebook (how could we do without that) our plans to add to our family thru adoption. Wow, it feels good to be able to tell people, and talk about it, and ask for prayers. We have been getting some of the same questions, so I'm going to post the answers here.
Q: When will your child get here?
A: It's really an educated guess at this point, but according to our estimates we've been given, possibly she'll be coming home next fall! We're looking at a timeframe of getting a referral of an infant at the first of the year and then travel is about 4-6 months after that. Of course, the Congo program is new and unpredictable in many ways. We are not as much worried about how fast it will go, because of course Eli is so little. We are praying it goes smoothly and that things will remain so we are able to adopt from the Congo. God opens and closes doors, we're leaving it in His hands.
Q: Aren't you worried about traveling there?
A: Yes and no. We are not oblivious to the fact that it is very dangerous. We have done our fair share of research, be assured. The agency will provide us an escort and translator at all times. We will stay at an embassy-recommended hotel. Truth be told, we will probably not leave our room except to go to court. Daniel says we'll eat whatever we can fit in our suitcase and that's it! (Kidding...I hope). Most likely, there will be a group of us families traveling at the same time to pick up our children. In case you are wondering, we will be traveling to Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. The most dangerous region is eastern and north-eastern. Our daughter will be flown in from the orphanage to Kinshasa. The orphanage is in the eastern region of the DRC. Pray pray pray! We believe God has called us to adopt from the DRC. The way doors open and things fall into place, there's little denying it. We are trusting in Him to keep us safe.
Q: What about health issues for your child?
A: It is to be expected that she will have some health issues. Malnourishment and parasites are almost expected. That is treatable. In the referral, information on test results for HIV, hepatitis, as well as a social history is provided. When coming home we'll no doubt have some catching up to do. We are praying for her health even now, before she is conceived. God will watch over her just as he did our first two babies.
Q: Are you prepared for interracial marriage in the future?
A: In a word, yes. Traditions dictate that marrying outside of your race is wrong, some would say sinful. However, where in the Bible is this found? I'll save you some time...you can't find it anywhere. Our main goals for our children is a)to go to Heaven, b)live a Christian life, c)marry a Christian and have a God-fearing home. (We believe these tie in together). Notice our goals do not state that our children marry WHITE Christians. Just Christians. Isn't there enough to worry about with your children, all the ways Satan tempts them and tries to lead them astray, to worry about them marrying someone with a different skin tone. People are people and God loves and died for everyone. Period.
Feel free to call, text, or message me or Daniel if you have any more questions. We'll answer what we want to and if we're not comfortable, we'll let you know that to. We appreciate anyone willing to talk with us about anything or their mind. Thankful for the support of those who have offered encouragement and prayers.
We are not seeking praise or compliments by announcing this. Want to make that clear. We are not special because of this. We are wanting to spread the news because a)we're really happy and excited and when you feel that way it's hard to keep it in, and b)we want your prayers.
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