Our Story Begins
Choosing to adopt. Here we are. You may be asking yourself, how did they get there? Is this some sort of plan B? Adoption seems messy, why would you choose it?
The thought of adoption for us began while leading a missions trip to the Turtle Mt. Indian Reservation in 2008. This wasn't the first time either of us had experienced the poverty and neglect of many of the "kids on the rez" but it was the beginning of something new for us. There was one little girl that stole our hearts and as we pulled away at the weeks end, leaving that little girl standing in the same filthy clothes she had been wearing all week, having only a glimpse of the hardships she would return to, our hearts ached. We wanted to do something more and thus, the idea of adoption for us began.
The four years that followed were filled with many lengthy conversations, prayers, counsel and hours of research as we asked God what He might have for us in a "someday family." What we discovered was something that is central and key to everything we believe to be true. The Gospel.
God was not always our Father. He has always been our creator but not always our Father. We were born in to a world of sin, with a different father, a different identity, and a different inheritance. There was no hope and no life. But, in love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins... (Ephesians 1:4-7). God chose us to be his sons and daughters because of nothing that we have done but because of his grace and mercy. His sacrifice was not one of convenience or wealth, but was the sacrifice of his son. He adopted us and gave us a new family, a new identity, and a new inheritance. Adoption is the Gospel.
Our reason to adopt is two-fold. One, we want to provide a loving home and family for a child who's situation is dark and hopeless. Secondly, we are choosing to adopt, because we were adopted in Christ. As author and pastor, David Platt says, Adoption is the expression in our lives of the gospel in our hearts. As we take this new and unknown step of adoption we take it with boldness. Not that we expect the process to be smooth or painless, but knowing that God will equip those He has called. If you go to Jesus he may ask of you far more than you originally planned to give, but he can give to you infinitely more than you dared ask or think. - Timothy Keller
Paul and Nicki
The thought of adoption for us began while leading a missions trip to the Turtle Mt. Indian Reservation in 2008. This wasn't the first time either of us had experienced the poverty and neglect of many of the "kids on the rez" but it was the beginning of something new for us. There was one little girl that stole our hearts and as we pulled away at the weeks end, leaving that little girl standing in the same filthy clothes she had been wearing all week, having only a glimpse of the hardships she would return to, our hearts ached. We wanted to do something more and thus, the idea of adoption for us began.
The four years that followed were filled with many lengthy conversations, prayers, counsel and hours of research as we asked God what He might have for us in a "someday family." What we discovered was something that is central and key to everything we believe to be true. The Gospel.
God was not always our Father. He has always been our creator but not always our Father. We were born in to a world of sin, with a different father, a different identity, and a different inheritance. There was no hope and no life. But, in love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins... (Ephesians 1:4-7). God chose us to be his sons and daughters because of nothing that we have done but because of his grace and mercy. His sacrifice was not one of convenience or wealth, but was the sacrifice of his son. He adopted us and gave us a new family, a new identity, and a new inheritance. Adoption is the Gospel.
Our reason to adopt is two-fold. One, we want to provide a loving home and family for a child who's situation is dark and hopeless. Secondly, we are choosing to adopt, because we were adopted in Christ. As author and pastor, David Platt says, Adoption is the expression in our lives of the gospel in our hearts. As we take this new and unknown step of adoption we take it with boldness. Not that we expect the process to be smooth or painless, but knowing that God will equip those He has called. If you go to Jesus he may ask of you far more than you originally planned to give, but he can give to you infinitely more than you dared ask or think. - Timothy Keller
Paul and Nicki
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We are so excited for you two as you continue the adoption process. You will provide a great loving home and family for your future children! We cannot wait for our kids to hangout together :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jake and Hilary. We're so blessed by your friendship, prayers and future get togethers. Woo Hoo!!
DeleteWe are blessed by your friendship as well. It is going to be fun to walk through the parenthood process together with you!
DeleteAnd so your journey becomes "official!" :) Parenthood is an incredible journey no matter what path it begins on. Very excited and very hopeful for you and your family in waiting :) Love, Alison and Baby Cousin
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to you on this this new AMAZING journey of yours!
ReplyDeleteI cannot be more happy for anyone than I was reading this tonight. I pray for nothing but the best for ALL of you. Bless you guys.
ReplyDelete