The Decision To Adopt
October 29, 2004
As you may recall this past year, hurricanes devastated the island of Haiti. Watching the news was very troubling as we watched people's lives instantly turned upside down as a result of losing everything they had. But, more disturbing were the images of hundreds of displaced children who not only lost their homes, but also their parents. It was during these events that a burden was rekindled in Tricia's and my heart.
Since before we were married, and periodically since, we have talked about our shared burden to rescue a baby through the process of adoption. Our discussions grew more serious this year as a result of the devastation in Haiti.
While flying back from a convention in Sacramento we developed a 'pros and cons' list. There were numerous items on the "cons" side of the list, ranging from the finances required to adopt to postponing our 'empty nest' a few more years. However, as we looked at that list we noticed that nearly everything on the 'con' side was something selfish. Conversely, when we looked at the 'pro' side all of the negatives were eclipsed by an opportunity to seek after a helpless child and rescue her.
Funny side story: While on the plane we thought we should have something to give to the kids when we got off. We had not purchased them anything so I suggested we simply take them our little packages of snacks. We only had two, so I asked the lady for two more. When she left, Tricia said, "If we get a baby we're going to need three more." When the stewardess returned she plopped down not two packages, but THREE! We mused that it must be God's will ;-)
When I returned to the office I immediately began researching on the internet and came across Steven Curtis Chapman's website which pointed us to Shaohanna's Hope. He and his wife have adopted three Chinese babies and have started a ministry to offer grants to qualified people. The site served me best by providing several links to Christian Agencies that facilitated international adoptions.
We called a couple agencies and decided to settle on A Helping Hand. We felt comfortable with them because of their spirit on the phone and also because Tricia received a glowing recommendation from a lady in Kentucky who had adopted two children.
The cost of this entire process can range between $17,000-$21,000. Because of this, we have been actively liquidating some of our assets to pay for our "rescue mission." We are very much at ease about the finances, knowing that this is a tangible way to invest in eternity and God will provide if He sees fit.
