2011 has been a rough year. We’re ready to look it in the eye, throw up two fingers and shout, “Peace out, 2011. It’s been real.”
That’s not to say we aren’t grateful for 2011 and all that we learned within it’s parentheses.
Release. Submition. Gratitude. Contentment. Trust. Faith. Hope. Love.
They’ve all made their presence known the past twelve months, maybe more flamboyantly than they would’ve been had we not walked through the junk of the year. In fact, if it weren’t for the occurrences of 2011, we would not have arrived here. Knocking at the door of adoption. Ready and willing to trust God for the support, the will power, the faith, and the love to bring another child into our family…a little differently than we originally planned.
To be clear, this does not mean that we have stopped hoping for more birth children, it means that God has stalled us just long enough for us to realize that He has an exciting adventure planned for our family. Somewhere, somehow we have a child that is not made of our DNA…but we are convinced that this does not make him/her any less ours.
We have decided to adopt internationally. ONLY because we feel in our spirits that it is what God is asking us to do. I’ve always leaned toward domestic adoption, to tell you the truth, but for whatever reason God has bent Josh’s and my heart toward foreign lands for this child. We are considering Honduras but are not settled on any one country. The obstacles are great. Gigantic, actually, but we believe that God can do whatever He wants [Ephesians 3:20]. And if He asks us to do something, He’ll provide a way to do it.
And that’s it, really. We just wanted you to know where we’re headed…because it affects all of you. You are our family. An extension of who we are…or maybe it’s the other way around. Regardless, we want you on board! This is exciting! We are adding to our family! In a very different way than we can even fully wrap our minds around right now.
Would you be praying for us? For wisdom and guidance and clarity concerning which country we are to adopt from. I’ll fill you in as we know more, and I’m so grateful that I get to take you along on the journey 🙂
Stephen and I prayed for our little neice/nephew last night and I am praying daily that God will open and close doors… making it clear to yall where to adopt from, what agency to use, gender, etc. Can't wait to meet him/her 🙂
Oh, the paths we walk we didn't know we would…wonderful news, Em! Can't wait to take the journey along with you, Josh and Adelle! The child that gets to be one of your very own will be so blessed! Love you!
Emily, what exciting news!I will be praying alongside of you. I have a few friends who are also on the adoption journey and it is amazing to watch all that God has in store, unfold for them. A few of them have blogs that you might want to read and be encouraged by.
http://danna-anewthing.blogspot.com/
http://waitingforyou.weebly.com/blogs.html
I look forward to reading and hearing more about this new road that will lead you guys to your newest addition and all that God has in store for you all.
This is great news!! Thanks for keeping us updated Emily. Will be praying for God's will to be done with the adoption and all that it means for your family.
Praying along with you and Josh..the journey will be amazing…….and one precious child will be so blessed!
Yea! Hoping we get to do this together–not in the alternative lifestyle sort of way–just simultaneously. =) Can't wait to "hear" about it through your lens as it plays out.
I get it!! Know the Clark family is praying!!!!
So exciting! I'll be praying. My friend, Rebecca McKee, is in the process of adopting internationally. She told me to give you this info: Life Line Children's Service–Christian agency based out of Alabama (I think). If you do call them, ask for Lisa Kelly (and tell her Rebecca sent you).
Hugs and prayers!
Hellen Crescenti
Emily, Hellen C. Shared your blog with me tonight. Matt & I are in the process to adopt a 12 year old girl from China. I'd love to pass on a great resource to you: Lifeline Children's Services. They are simply AMAZING. Lisa Kelly is who you want to ask for. I'll be praying for you guys! So excited for what you!!! It's miraculous!
Blessings,
Rebecca McKee
http://Www.loveisonthemove-hope.blogspot.com
and "Pops'" arms will be waiting for the little one God chooses to bless by placing in your care
This comment has been removed by the author.