After careful prayer and consideration, we feel that God is leading us to adopt a child from Eastern Europe. To say that we are excited is putting it mildly! To say that we are getting bogged down in paperwork is also putting it mildly! And it’s only just begun. Our adoption journey started just at a year ago when we attended an information seminar at Bethany Christian Services in Indianapolis. Quite honestly, we left there somewhat discouraged. The seminar was wonderful and informative, and the people were so friendly. But we were still in debt, and didn’t see any way that we could adopt any time in the near future. The cost of adoption is staggering to say the least. We are looking at somewhere around $30,000 to bring our child home! If that amount of money sounds positively minimal to you, then God bless your heart! Maybe you can help us!
Those of you who know us well, know that Russell is in full-time Christian ministry (read “we aren’t rich!”) He also works part-time at Kroger to supplement his ministry habit. I am currently working as a nurse four evenings per week. Thankfully, Russell’s ministry job does provide us with housing, and helps some with meals as well. We don’t take that lightly! That has partially enabled us to get out of debt! Yes, I’m happy to report that we are debt free, with the exception of one of our vehicles!
So we started feeling the promptings of God once again to adopt. The Scripture is full of references to care for the orphan. One such scripture is found in James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Another reference is found in Psalm 68:5-6: ” A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” God sets the lonely in families! I like that. I can’t think of too many that would be more lonely than the orphan living in an orphanage. Here in the USA, we care for children in the foster care system. Not ideal by any means, but so different than living in an orphanage. When I look at the list of waiting children, and read that some have been there since birth, it makes my heart ache. When I see their little faces, and read about them, I want to bring them all home! I know that’s impossible, but I CAN bring one home!
From the time I was a little girl, I have had a heart for missions. I am told that when I was around three, I asked for a little African baby doll for Christmas. When my family asked why, I told them that I wanted to tell it about Jesus. Obviously, I had been hearing stories in Sunday School about children in Africa that didn’t know Jesus. I don’t even remember that incident, but I did get my baby doll for Christmas. She is in my parents attic, along with my other dolls, and I’m sure she heard about Jesus many times! At this time in my life, I am not called to live on a foreign field as a missionary, though I am willing to go. So what can I do? I can bring home one child, and I can teach him/her about Jesus! That’s what God has called us to do right now, and I can’t wait until we can bring our little one home!
Lump in throat, teary eyes, and behind you all the way!
Dad and I are so excited as well, Cindy and Russell. We can’t wait to have a little Eastern European grandbaby!
I am so happy for you I can now add another adopted niece\nephew to my family (my brother John and his wife adopted a brother and sister several years ago)
Beautiful:) our adoption journey has been amazing and its so wonderful to hear of other people choosing that option. Keep in mind there is the adoption tax credit. Our $18+ adoption ended up only costing $6 after the credit. You still have to come up with the money ahead of time but the credit helps a lot in the long run. Of course, then you can just use it to adopt more children like we are;) good luck and we are sending prayers your way!
I’m soooo excited for you (us)!!!
God bless you and may He give wings to the process!
This is awesome! So happy for you!
Dad and I can’t wait to be grandparents again! You could go for twins! Praying for you both and sending our love.
I am so excited for you guys! What wonderful news! Wish you all the best and will be praying for you.
It will be so exciting to have another child in the family to love!!! So happy for you both!!!
Russell and Cindy, I am soooo excited for you!! There is no greater blessing than being a parent and you will be wonderful parents. Blessings on your journey to your little one.
Yay!!! Go God!! So happy for you!
Hooray! Welcome to the adoption journey! I look forward to reading your blog!
Emily shared your news and I had to come and read it for myself. So thrilled for you. I hope the time will go quickly. You’re going to be a great momma!
What exciting news! So happy for you!!
So thrilled for you both. You will be great parents!