Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Eyes Wide Open

Scroll down and let the video buffer while you are reading the post. The video is worth the few moments it takes to watch.


We have been in full swing of trying to get our adoption paperwork done for our homestudy. Just a little background for those of you new to the idea of adoption, we are required to complete a homestudy in order for our state to approve us to adopt. It is more than just someone coming to our home and snooping around. Though the history of it is from when in the mid 1800's and the orphan train was popular, it was a small inspection to make sure that home had an adequate water supply. It is a series of meetings with a case worker who will write a report about our family. In order to do this, we fill out lots of paperwork and questions about ourselves, our feelings on adoption, our marriage, child raising, we complete medical exams, finger printing, background checks, financial reports...the list goes on. We also are required to take a 5 session education course to help us better understand adoption and how to prepare for it and hopefully help us succeed in it.

All that to say, last night was our first education class. We sat in a room with 6 couples, all adopting internationally (4 from Ethiopia, 1 from Nepal and 1 from Uganda). We were so blessed to come together with others who also have the heart of adoption. We had a genuine open discussion on different aspects of adoption and it gave us much to think about and should help us form our adoption plan.

We were reminded that it is our job to educate those around us that will be part of our new child's life. We need to set the tone and attitude for those around us of positivity and confidence. We have already in our hearts committed to this child and we are hoping to find support from our friends and family.

One of the benefits we have of emotionally being where we are is talking with other adoptive families, reading books and articles, and following blogs of others who have gone before us. We have spent months and even years doing this. God has opened our hearts to this call and we desire to follow in obedience to where He leads. We are going into this with our eyes wide open, we are beginning to understand that this will not be an easy road. Both emotionally and financially, even spiritually. We will be stretched, but it is there where God prunes us to be more like Him.

I wanted to share a youtube video that blessed me as I was searching the web one day. I hope that it will help be part of your education as you learn more about adoption through us.

11 comments:

GardenofGems said...

That is awesome. Adoption is so different now, than when I was adopted. Back then, everything was so secretive and almost taboo. It was very difficult to struggle inwardly but not being able to talk to others about what I was going through. I am so glad that has all changed. Outside support is so important for the family and the adopted child. I am praying for you daily. Your child will be very blessed as part of your family.

greta said...

I am happy for you all.

Sherry said...

Ok Cris, that one had me crying. Adoption is from the heart of God. May God bless you as your family is on this journey!

carrie said...

What a great video, Cris! Such an amazing journey you are on- thanks for sharing the process with us. I continue to pray for you.

Elle J said...

Beautiful video!! Speechless. What a blessing you are giving to your children and new child. Thank you for sharing your journey and God Bless.

Karen said...

That was a beautiful video... tears streaming with joy !! Thank you for sharing... I can't wait to follow you on your journey!

Sean and Lisa said...

I have seen that video before and yet I am still bawling my eyes out!!!
It really is full of so many emotions, so many highs and lows, and it really gives you a better picture of God's adoption of us.

Anonymous said...

Girl, you just messed me up!!! Thank you so much for sharing. You guys are awesome!!!

Andrea said...

You know I just have to respond to the Nepal mention! I'm going to have to send you a Facebook message on that. So excited to follow along on this journey with you all. Thanks for letting us!

Tim and Susan said...

I have to admit that this video had me crying for hours...oh, the JOY of that sweet mama fincally holding her precious gift from God in that little orphanage.

I am happy for your family that God is blessing you this way. Really wonderful. I am sure you will be a blessing to so many along the way.

Lee and Bev said...

Already praying earnestly for T--. (Surely this child will have a T name, right?) Bless you for opening your heart and home to "all God's children."