Thursday, March 10, 2011

Orphans

"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes." ~David Platt

This week has been an interesting one for us. We found out on Monday about the potential for some drastic changes in the adoption process in Ethiopia. You can go here to read the official announcement from the U.S. State Department. The short of it is that Ethiopia may reduce the number of adoptions approved by up to 90%.

I don't think we've mentioned on here yet that we have been whole-heartedly planning to adopt from Ethiopia. We have been researching for years all of the options that are out there for adoption and have always felt drawn to Ethiopia (not necessarily saying "God told us to").

We are unsure of where to go from here. We know that there is still a MASSIVE need for orphans to be cared for in Ethiopia, but sometimes God changes our perspective so that we'll look at things differently. This doesn't mean that we are not adopting from Ethiopia, it just means that we need to continue to pray for God's direction.

There's a song that's been in my head this week and has been a good reminder for us. It's called "Where You Go I'll Go" and I believe it's written by Brian Johnson. Anyway, here are some of the lyrics:

Where you go I go
What you say I say
What you pray I pray

Jesus
only did, What he saw you do
He would only say, What he heard you speak
He would only move, When he felt you lead
Following your heart, Following your
spirit


Lately I have been so excited to realize that our dream of adoption is finally about to happen. This week there have been moments of feeling as though that dream is slipping away. But, we believe that God has confirmed that the timing for pursuing adoption is coming, so we just need to keep reminding ourselves.

Please pray for God's will for orphans in Ethiopia and that the Ethiopian Government would be led by the Holy Spirit to make decisions that will be in the best interest of the orphaned children. Also, pray that we'll continually seek God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us.

If you wouldn't mind, could you take a few minutes and sign this petition to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia? The details are on the webpage.
We can't give up easily. The road to caring for orphans is a long, bumpy one, but the need is greater than we can imagine!

3 comments:

  1. What a position to be in! We are having a hard time right now but are praying that the Lord works in this situation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a week huh? We are praying as well, and believing God will be revealed in this situation. Praying for you guys as you seek His direction.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Our friends just received the name and picture of their Ethiopian baby girl and then received this news, and have no idea how much longer they'll have to wait now! Matt reminded me, "Who's in charge? God or the Ethiopian Government?" Thanks goodness it is the former!! We'll be praying for you guys, Rex and Amy!!

    ReplyDelete