Tag: adoption

Posted in Adoption Journey

any news?

Posted on by Wick

I love getting this question.  I also hate it.

We’re surrounded by so many amazing people in our lives, who’ve connected themselves with what God is doing in and through our lives.  I know that so many of our friends and family carry the burden with us, and bring it to God on a regular basis.  I’m reminded of that every time someone I haven’t seen or spoken to in a while asks, “any updates on Phoebe?”road

Or the even funnier question we sometimes get, “So do you have her home yet?”  Ouch.  That’s right, we’ve been traveling this road since March 2012.  Over 2 years now.  It’s possible to see people we don’t see very often, who honestly think “surely they’ve got her by now.”  So many of you have been on this road with us.  So many of you have given, way more than we could ever have anticipated/expected/asked.  We’re humbled as we are constantly reminded how “not alone” we are.

We know that national attention is being given to so many parents who’ve completed the adoption process, and still are not being allowed to bring their children home.  I can’t even imagine what that’d be like.  But I know I’d love to be in that stage.  I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating.  I had no idea how much simply the journey of adoption itself, would make an impact on our home, our family, and our community/relationships.  My children will not only remember the fact that our family was involved in adoption…they will remember how we prayed and waited on God for years as a part of this.

I know it could have been faster.  There are plenty of countries in suffering, where children are being adopted and brought home.  We celebrate whenever we hear of a child finding a home.  But this was the road we followed God down, and even though it seems like a really hard season to travel…we know that as we’ve offered each step to God, He’s brought purpose and redemption to every moment.  We are not waiting to bring Phoebe home, safe and sound, before we declare “Look, this was indeed the call of God and He has provided!”  We are declaring it even now, even when the road ahead is still long, and the dust gets in our eyes from time to time. 

Because that’s our story as God’s people, right?  That God isn’t waiting until it’s all “made right” to bring His redemption and life-transforming purposes.  The formative years of our home, are being wrapped around having to trust in God.  Our relationships are being flavored by prayer and honest burden-sharing.  Our marriage is strengthened by the mutual “labor pains” of bringing our daughter home.  Children and families in the DRC are being prayed for, conflict/wars are being prayed against, and support is becoming connected to an area of the world that has been desperately needing it for a long time.  Our story is just a small part of that bigger story.

A lot of this came to mind, as I heard a song earlier today that I’ll share the lyrics from as I close:

“We found hope on this long and dusty road
at the table we were fed as he broke the bread
We found hope on this long dusty road.

We found hope on this long and dusty road
In His presence we found truth, that we bring to you
We found hope on this long dusty road.

We found hope on this long and dusty road
He’s alive and brought us peace, now we gather to feast
We found hope on this long dusty road.” – Von Strantz (free download here)

So keep asking us if there are updates. We may initially struggle with getting our answer out…but it’s worth contemplation…:)

 

Posted in Uncategorized

New Facebook Adoption Auction!!!

Posted on by Wick

2014FBAuctionHere we go again!!  Tons of scarves, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, tea gift sets, tea pots, infuser mugs, random items, MLB Cardinals Ring, NCAA Suitcase, NCAA Messenger bag, NCAA Leather Coasters, lots of other great gift items, PEZ Dispensers, and NCAA office items!

In order to bid by placing a comment on a picture, you must be a member of the Facebook Group.  To join the group, simply send me a message on Facebook, and I can invite you!!  Thanks for joining us in prayer to help bring our daughter home from the DRC!!

Posted in Uncategorized

an adoption psalm.

Posted on by Wick

Oh God, I cry out to you. We cry out to you.
In the midst of reccuring needs for paperwork, we’re frustrated.
After far too long with no official update, we’re discouraged.
Aren’t we following your call? Why have you been silent?
Hope seems to tease us over the horizon, and vanishes before the dawn ever comes.
Time stands still, and flows steadily on without us.

Stop. Breathe deep.

I see others following you, Jesus, and doors swing wide open.
I watch those who don’t even know you get what they desire.
I hear others struggling, and praising you for quick response.
Meanwhile your daughter is waiting. Your son is waiting.
Your children are waiting. Will you move? Will you speak?

Stop. Breathe deep.

God you hear our cries.
In the midst of our notarizations and birth certificates.
As we check our e-mail hourly.
As we flood our agency with reminders and requests.
You are near. You have not turned away. You will not leave us.
Hope is not over the horizon. Hope is here in our midst.
Hope is with your children, as they are waiting.

Stop. Breathe deep.

In a last minute late-night e-mail – you are here.
In the potential for immunizations – you are here.
In an overwhelming response to a fundrasier – you are here.
In the prayers of our children already tucked into bed – you are here.
In the transformation of a heart that might otherwise feel too easily contented – you are here.
And there. With her. With them.

And so the Truth comes – as we spend time with you, we are with her.
Lord, come near. I want to be with her.
With you.

Stop. Breathe deep.