We’d been dating for quite a while, and the topic of marriage had come up. She looked at me with tears in her eyes, not sure how to say it. “What if I feel God calling us to move to Africa?” I assured her, if God was calling us, we’d follow that call together. Here we stand, in our 10th year of marriage, and we believe God is issuing a call.
But it is not a call for us to go to Africa.
We believe it is a call for us to make room in our home and family for Africa. More specifically, we believe God is moving us toward an international adoption. To offer our home and family to a child who would not otherwise know they are loved and precious in the sight of God. Not simply to offer them the last name “Anderson”, but to offer them and our own children an identity much larger and foundational – child of God.
Ever since getting married, and especially after having children, we’ve prayed about how to “orient” our family around something larger than ourselves. To craft a story we can tell by living it out with our children and grandchildren – one that joins in the story God has been telling for millenia. A story of outward-going love. Love that goes beyond what is expected. Love that is invitational. Love that is striving to beat in rhythm with the very heart of God.
I don’t have to quote scripture here, but just in case you’re unfamiliar with a few of the many verses that reveal the Spirit’s time signature: James 1:27, Romans 8:15, Matthew 19:14, Isaiah 1:17, Isaiah 58:10, and plenty more where that came from. Of course, there are many different ways God desires His people to move and accomplish His healing and “new creation” work in the cosmos. Every family and home must discover what rhythms God is inviting them to move in – this is one that has surfaced throughout our journey of orienting our family around Christ.
As we move forward, there are many unknowns. How will we possibly afford this? (one dollar at a time) How long will this take? (one to several years) Where will our daughter/son come from? (possibly Central Africa, possibly somewhere we’ve not yet considered) How can others get involved? (prayer, fasting, donations as we begin our fund-raising efforts)
Our girls are very excited about the possibility that we may fill the empty seat in our mini-van with another sister. We’ve invited them to be praying with mommy and daddy now, toward whatever God may have in store for us. Our plan is to continue giving you updates, and we will add an “Adoption Journey” tab to www.differentparent.com so that you can follow along and pray with us.
Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for your friendship and support as we move forward – wanting to be used by God. As I’ve said, there are many unknowns at this stage – which makes us depend quite a bit on practicing dependence on God. That’s probably a good place to be. 🙂
words from wick 
I am so excited for your family! Such an amazing way to live out the call to follow Christ. My cousin adopted from Ethiopia and a friend of mine did as well. Both were wonderful experiences. Blessings on your journey!
Ethiopia is a great choice! Since you’ll have to make trips to the adoption country you might as well choose a country with great coffee. Well played my friend, well played.