Wow...this is the first time I've ever blogged! Aahhhh!! Before you read this really long post, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read this and support us in the way you all have so far! And for some of you this might be the first time you are hearing about the path Josh and I have decided to take! It's one that is going to challenge us as a couple by putting full faith in God! So why don't I begin!
About a year ago...still in the newlywed phase of our marriage...we decided that we didn't want to wait too long to start trying for a baby. We had our lives established and wanted to get the process going! I went to the doctor just for a pre-pregnancy visit to see what we needed to do to prepare ourselves...I like to be WELL informed of everything! He gave me some pointers and suggestions and I was on my way. For the next 6 months I just felt like things weren't right. I went back in for some blood tests and found out I have a disorder called Insulin Resistance. It's where my body produces too much insulin. Eehhh...I'm just glad it's figured out now! However, as I type this, sadly we aren't pregnant yet.
When I was going through the process of all the blood tests, Josh and I had to have a serious conversation. What do we do incase a baby of our own blood isn't in our plan? Do we just accept that or do we do something about it? Adoption was always a last resort but a viable option.
On February 9th, I went to a woman's retreat, at our church, with a girlfriend and little did I know that that day was going to change my life! The topic of the day was Transformation. During one of the sessions a women's panel was presented to us-4 women who were in different walk/stages of life. One woman shared her story of her family and how they adopted 5 children from China. I could feel the passion of adoption in her voice and by the grace of God it just clicked in my head!! Kinda like my AH-HAH moment! This was the reason God wanted me at that retreat! I was quickly overwhelmed with emotion...love, confusion, doubt, understanding. Is it possible to have all those at one time?!?! It's so hard to explain! There was a worship set right after and I bawled the WHOLE time!! (My girlfriend can confirm that! lol) During worship it became clear that this was the path God was leading us down.
Once I got home that evening I had to share with Josh what happened during the day and how God moved through me! We knew nothing about adoption but after a few conversations about it we decided it would be best to start looking into international adoption agencies. I called a few and decided on Bethany Christian Services! The ladies I talked to were very informational and completely honest with me about the challenges adoption can bring. But that didn't stray us! If this is how we are meant to grow our family then we are totally excited to start the journey!
The question was brought up to me on why we want to adopt? Because we want a child or because we want a project? To be perfectly honest, it's a little of both. Josh and I yearn for a child so badly. We want to start our family by moving on to the next phase of our life and we want to feel the fulfillment that children can bring! James 1:27 says:
"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring
for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world
corrupt you." (NLT)
This verse I think explains why we see the adoption as a bit of a project. God adopted all of us as His children so we-in return-need to take care of the orphans of this world! Our hearts ache for what orphans have to endure in 3rd world countries...warfare, disease, death of parents, malnutrition. Why not give a child a chance at life? Why not make a difference? Why not put all of our faith into the Creator Himself? All we strive to do is to follow the path God is making for us.
Other things that have been brought up:
-there are children right here in the US
-you two haven't tried long enough
-are you sure your ready?
-are you done trying?
-you haven't been married long enough
All I can say to those statements/questions is that when you know...you know! We feel this is what God is putting on our hearts. We want to adopt a child from Africa! We want to make a difference! We want to give a child a chance at a Christ filled life! Trust me...we hope and pray for a biological child but right now we need to do what God is telling us to do!
Thank you SO much for taking the time to read our story! Please be on the lookout for upcoming posts on progress or on how you can help! Please pray! Keep us in your prayers that as the different challenges come up we stay fixed and focused on Him! We love you all!!
1 Corinthians 13:13-"Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and
the greatest of these is love." (NLT)
-Josh and Renee
I LOVE know the backstory Renee ;D!! Your absolutely right, when you know, you know!! I think the love, courage of your hearts & strong faiths will bring you both the kind overwhelming happiness that you seek. I'll stand behind you and cheer you on!! God Bless and the Best of Luck!!
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Your story is very similar to my parents. They suffered for almost 8 years before they were capable of adoption. They were approved for a Korean adoption and were lucky enough to get my sister within 6 months of the paperwork being filed. They were surprised and amazed when my mother became pregnant two years later with my middle sister and two more pregnancies (to include me) after that. Life wouldn't be the same if we didn't have my sister in the family. You know what you want and you and Josh fully deserve it. My mother was 19 when she started all of her applications for adoption. The hard part is overcoming the obstacles put in front of you. I have faith that you guys will get everything you want. Today my sister is almost thirty and has her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from a prestigious school. Adoption is successful, don't let anyone question that or you for making the decision. My thoughts are with you and Josh and I sincerely hope you have a wonderful journey throughout your adoption.
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