Our Growing Family: Adopting from Haiti

Adoption...it is an exciting and yet somewhat frightening path to follow. I've decided to create a blog to describe this journey for several reasons: to document our adoption process, to help others who may have some of the same questions and concerns that we have or once had, and to share our experiences with our friends and family.

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord." --Romans 12:11

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Medical Visa

We've had some interesting news this week regarding to medical visa. It seems that all our paperwork is complete and ready to go to the embassy, yet because the woman who is working on our visa is out of Haiti right now, everything has been delayed a little. But to be honest I'm so thrilled that it's done that this doesn't worry me. I just keep reminding myself that God's timing is perfect, and that although I might not understand why, He has a reason and He is in control. Thank you Lord Jesus.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Loving the Children of Haiti

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." --Matthew 19:14. As I watch the video from the recent trip to Haiti, my heart swells with love for the children. They are so innocent, so pure, and their hearts are ripe for the love of Jesus. That is how the Lord calls us all to be. Whether we live in the United States, Haiti or some other place, we are to live our lives searching for His kingdom and His righteousness. In the book of James one verse that really stands out to me (this is a paraphrase) says, true religion is to care for orphans and widows and to not let ourselves be polluted by the world. Children have not yet been polluted by the sin the world offers. And as adults in this world, we are to love and nurture these children, to protect their innocence, and teach them the ways of Jesus.


I'm many times asked about the work we do in Haiti, and yet I feel that my responses are inadequate. How do I express a burden that God has put on my heart and make others grasp what I'm feeling? I can't. I can show pictures and tell stories, stories that many times bring my listeners to tears or gives them goose bumps. But I'm not sure how to communicate my feeling, my love for the people of Haiti, my need to help ease their suffering -- to bring them food, supplies, and most importantly the hope of Jesus Christ. It is that hope that is going to change the country of Haiti beyond a simple meal that I may be able to provide. It is that hope that will give them a future. Haitians are beautiful people inside and out, and God loves hurting people; He sees their needs and hears their cries, and as true followers of Christ we are called to do the same. Adoption...that is one way I can make a difference, but I love the children and the adults far beyond one child, my child. So while I wait for Judson to come home, my heart aches not just for him, but for all the children and I pray for the Lord to send people, people with a heart for children, for Haitians, into that country to bring the hope of salvation.

People sometimes ask: what can I do in Haiti? I have no special training like a doctor or nurse, so what could I do to help? My response is simple, can you hold a child? Can you love a child? If you are willing to sit and rock a baby, to play games with children, to hold someone’s hand, your love is needed in Haiti. For every three months a child spends in an orphanage, that child is one month behind a child who grows up in a loving home. These children need attention and interaction. They need things as simple as eye contact and to engage with people. The ladies who work in the orphanage are wonderful loving people but there are too few of them for all the children who need love. It was estimated that before the earthquake there were over 100,000 orphans in Haiti. Can you imagine how many more there are today?

Saturday, June 12, 2010

The Waiting Game

Each day I think about writing a new post for all our friends, family, or whoever wants to read our blog, but then I think . . . why? I have nothing new to say. Each day is another day of the waiting game, which seems never ending. But then I look at the big picture and think about how fast life goes by; Rosey is now in 10th grade and Joey 5th. Where did the time go?

This week we were sent pictures of Judson crawling...unbelievable. And even though he weighs only 11 lbs or so at eight months old, he looks healthy. His expressions are lively and engaging. He laughs easily and takes a few steps if you hold on to his hands. His skin and hair show no signs of malnourishment. I thank God for his health and pray that he continues to thrive inspite of his inablility to eat beyond a bottle. If I look past missing him, I have a lot to be thankful for and a great deal to write about.