What are we thinking?

Waiting.

That’s where things stand right now as we move through the process of adopting again. It isn’t easy. It never has been. Having been through it twice doesn’t lesson the anxiousness of waiting between meeting our son in December and bringing him home. Having two kids at home to keep us busy helps, but in those down times – such as when they’re asleep – the anxiousness rises to the top again.

So in the midst of waiting we’re obviously preparing: nursery - check; clothes (mainly down from attic) – check; miscellaneous toddler “stuff” – check. And so the list goes. We’re also imagining. Imagining the court date. Imagining seeing him again. Imagining the trip home. Imagining our family of four becoming a family of five – the fun, the stress, the chaos, the joy. Terri shared the news with an acquaintance today that we were working on our third adoption. The person, who really should have known better, responded saying “What are you thinking?” As in “What are you thinking – you already have two kids, you both work, etc.” Seriously.

So since we’re in the time of waiting, I’ve come up with a list of some of what we’re thinking.

1. Children need homes.

2. Millions of children all over the world (and around a million in Russia) live without homes, without families, without hope.

3. Children in Russia live in orphanages where they are cared for as best as can be but that is no substitute for a home.

4. In Russia, kids “graduate” from the orphanage at 15 or 16. That means they are out on their own. By some accounts, 60% end up in prostitution while 15% take their own lives.

5. The Bible has an unmistakable thread running through it about taking care of the orphan and fatherless. God’s pretty serious about that. Adoption is one way to follow the way of Jesus in caring for the fatherless.

6. We’ve seen the orphanages. We’ve seen the statistics.

7. We’ve been blessed with good jobs, a good home, and the ability to adopt.

8. We know what a blessing our children have been to us.

9. We can’t imagine not adopting.

10. We’ve counted the cost – we know there is sacrifice. But we’ve also considered the cost if we don’t. To the little boy in Russia who deserves a home. And to us in missing out on the chance to be his Mama and Papa.

It’s not an impulsive decision, but it is a decision borne of passion. Passion to see a broken world made whole. This is one of the parts we play in that. I guess that’s what we’re thinking.

Comments

[Syd]

Okay, so you interrupt my date night with an intriguing email about how we should be on facebook, blah blah blah, and then to this. SO proud of yall. SO love yall, and your three babies, and love the influence of the Holy Spirit in your lives. that you listen, and obey and can't wait to hug little D.
Love you both. Well, Love you FIVE.
S&Crew