Thank
you for giving us the time during today’s service to give you an update on our
adoption process. It is easier for us to communicate with all of you at once
rather than to repeat this information again and again. We come to you with
heavy hearts as we received word on Monday evening that the three children we
were hoping to adopt would not be matched with us. As of yet, no reason has
been given for why this match will not be allowed.
Last April, a sibling group of 3 was
placed “on hold” for us, meaning that while our paperwork was being processed
in the Philippines, no one else could adopt them. In June, our dossier was
approved by the Inter-Country Adoption Board in the Philippines. We have waited
since that time to hear word, preparing our home for the arrival of these three
precious children. We had a few communications come from the Philippines,
mainly in the form of clarifying questions. Everything was on track to move
forward. We were told that all that was left was the “official” referral and a
court date.
We have struggled to understand why
or how this happened. We were given assurances by both our Bethany social
worker and the liaison between Bethany’s main office and the Philippines that
the children were a great match for our family. Both of those individuals are
still working towards finding out why the Inter-Country Adoption Board for the
Philippines has denied the match. For our part, making assumptions as to why
this has happened is counter-productive to the healing process we must go through.
As our emotions were quite raw for a
few days last week, we waited to tell Rachel and Joshua. Joshua’s age has
proved to be a great buffer for the hurt that goes along with this news.
Rachel, on the other hand, is still processing raw emotions that come with
anticipated siblings not making an appearance. We ask that you pray for our
children as we continue to work with them through this time.
As for us, we would ask for your
prayers as we navigate uncertain waters regarding adoption. Yes, we still intend
to adopt. Yes, we would still like to adopt from the Philippines. No, we don’t
know what our next steps will be. Yes, we place our unknown future into the
hands of a known God.
I have taken great comfort in the
story of Abraham, who, when God told him it was time to move from all that was
familiar to him, also didn’t know what the final destination would be. God
simply said, “I will show you.” We know that adoption is God’s choice for our
family. We don’t know what the destination will be. And that’s OK.
I also take great comfort in the
midst of this great sorrow, as I walk through prepared rooms in my house that
stand ready for children who aren’t coming at this time. My comfort comes from
Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are
crushed in spirit.” I can tell you that I know what it means to be “crushed”.
Rachel knows what it means to be “brokenhearted.” We are all clinging to the
promise of God’s nearness at this time.
We have been so thankful for the
prayers and support of this church during the long process of our adoption. It
has meant so much as many of you have continually asked us how things are
going--if we’ve received word yet. You have rejoiced with us with every little
step, and for that we are exceedingly grateful. We desperately need your continued
prayers and support at this time.
Please also pray for James, Venus,
and Maricris, the three children we so longed to adopt. Pray that they would
have a forever family soon. Pray for their continued healing at the orphanage
in which they currently reside. Pray for the children God will match us with in
what we hope is the near future.
Thank you, once again, for being our
safe place at this time.
