What does this...
have in common with this?
Way down there in a post dated April 23rd, I mentioned the first inklings I had that we should adopt two children. Jim was a bit more hesitant since, as the sole bread-winner, he tends to think in more... practical terms. We continued to talk about it a lot, though. Okay.... I'd talk and he'd (somewhat sceptically) listen and nod at appropriate times. We eventually left it at this: if a little girl around age four or five came into the orphanage, we would prayerfully consider it and see if we could maybe swing the cost of another adoption.
Things have changed a bit. And I'm not going to tell Jim's story but he has a pretty amazing testimony - maybe (if I can convince him) he'll share it here one day.
Once we decided we could and should add another daughter to our family, we found out that if we were to do so from Asa's orphanage... it could set his adoption back by a few months. We definitely don't want that. We want him home as soon as possible. BUT, our really sweet adoption coordinator had another idea. We have immigration approval for two children from Haiti and she said it was possible to transfer one of those to another country. And that we could do two adoptions simultaneously. YIKES. So we discussed it. The idea was appealing at first because it would cut down on some of the leg work and cost - she said we could have a dossier together in a week or two. But it could also mean two children coming home within a few months of each other (Asa would not necessarily be first). And, while I'm sure it can be done, we really want more time for the first child to bond/attach/adjust before traveling to bring another child home. We can be patient. The plan is to begin the next adoption later next year, so Asa would be home for 6-12 months before our new daughter would arrive. It'll mean a little more money, work and another wait, but we're excited about these new plans. Jim told me yesterday that he actually likes gathering everything for the dossier (thank you, God, for sending me such an organized and methodical husband - I am so undeserving).
If you get a chance, read the very first post I ever wrote on this blog. Our precious son is in Haiti. And Jim was right, too. ;o)
5 of your thoughts:
How exciting! Can't wait to see who God has for you!
That is exciting! How wonderful!
Can't wait to see what develops!
Okay, so that's Ethiopia, right? You know, that child could possibly be home way before your Haitian one. There are people who have been waiting over 18 mo for their kids from Haiti. Just something to think about.
Kathy, yes... Ethiopia's going faster than Haiti right now. That's why we decided to wait and begin the new adoption when Asa is close to coming home. That way, he'll have 6-12 months to adjust to our family and the new environment before a new big sister comes along. When we were initially thinking about doing them simultaneously, that was a big factor. Our agency also does China adoptions and our coordinator said since those are taking about two years now... many of the families are adopting from Ethiopia while they wait. Which is why she suggested it to us when we said we were felt lead to adopt a little girl, too. :o)
Courtney and Melissa - thank you! I don't know who is more excited about this decision... me or our six year old daughter. ;o)
Beth....this is so exciting. Isn't it amazing how God puts these plans together? I'm reminded daily of God's amazing grace and love....each time I look at our sweet little Ian's face. I'm so happy for you guys. Can't watch as God's plan unfolds in your lives.
Blessings!!!
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