#2

So here it is folks...#2 is on the way. Not in the traditional sense of the way, but in a non-traditional, equally beautiful way. We have begun the "paper pregnancy" phase of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. Why, you may ask? Well, there are many reasons. First and foremost, we know the orphans in the world are near and dear to God's heart. I know that not everyone is called to adopt, but as followers of Christ, we are called to care for the orphans and widows in the world. We feel called by God, very specifically, to enter into this endeavor. For us, care for orphans has translated into adoption. Secondly, we have room! We want a larger family and this is one way to enlarge our tent so to speak. Thirdly, because of orphans like Clinton.

Clinton was a boy we met in Kenya in 2005. His mother had died of AIDS, his father was not in the picture. He had an uncle who had been "sponsoring" him (paying for food, clothing in order so others could afford the cost of caring for him). His uncle came down with AIDS and was unable to continue to sponsor him. So Clinton was sent to an orphanage in Kakamega very shortly before Brendan and I came and stayed there. It was a wonderful orphanage, run by an amazing pastor and his wife. There were wonderful women who worked there. Clinton's basic needs were met- clothing, food, shelter. However, Clinton was younger than the other 20 or so orphans living there. He was too young to go to school. He didn't speak their language because he was from a different tribe. Clinton spent most of the day wandering around the orphanage property, playing by himself, shyly smiling at us, but afraid to get too close. Many could argue that this was the best thing that could happen to Clinton. I mostly agree but Clinton needed a mom and a dad. He needed people who would pursue him, love him, swing him into the air and catch him laughing. He needed hugs and kisses and bedtime stories. He is one of millions. And he is better cared for than most. That trip really solidified for Brendan and I our desire to adopt. Clinton is one face I can hold onto in the overwhemingly numbing statistics. It is because a little girl will be born in Ethiopia that desperately needs a family.

We have talked, prayed, waited, asked, and listened all summer. We have debated the issues of a white family raising a black child, of what special needs we may really be dealing with. We know that this decision will change our lives- like any child does- but will be far more reaching than a biological child. We are excited. This has been God's thing from the beginning. I have been excited to share it. Pray for us! We will keep you updated on the process as it goes along. We are looking at at least 1 year, maybe two, before our Ethiopian princess comes home to us.