A Leap of Faith

I've been encouraged by all the interest in adoption lately and have fielded many questions from prospective families.   So many families ask the same thing - how do you know?  How do you know which child, when the time is right, and when to "take the leap of faith?"  And the answer is always the same - "you just know."  When you see your son or daughter, you are compelled to move forward - both husband and wife - and obstacles fade in the light of your desire to bring that child home.

For this adoption, the timing seemed all wrong; two kids off to college in the fall, the expenses involved in tuition, and hubby’s overwhelming workload.  Yet when we saw our child, we found ways to overcome those objections easily. 

When our second daughter became available, we were at the end of our problem solving ability.  The money wasn’t there – wasn’t going to be there – and there was no more margin to fund the expenses.   The international adoption doctor gave a gloomy prognosis, and recommended against going ahead.  But all we could think about was the glimmer of hope in the medical report, the wonderful assessments by those who knew her, and the desire she had to be part of a family.  All we could see was a young girl who needed a mom and a dad to tell her she’s beautiful. 

And so we took the leap of faith.

It wasn’t the smart thing to do, or even necessarily the “right thing” to do, but it was the ONLY thing to do.  And the funny thing is that God has graciously confirmed the decision many times in the past week – providing for our paperwork and financial needs in unexpected ways.    After using Sarah’s adoption fund to pay for Jenny’s paperwork expenses (scary), a check arrived a week later in nearly the exact amount!  As a fairly self reliant person, I wept at God’s provision.  He’s daily teaching us to rely on Him and to trust His leading – even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. 

We know that God will lovingly care for each member of our family as they adjust to the big changes – and we continue to walk with joy along the path He’s appointed.  When we encounter an obstacle we now look up rather than to ourselves – to the One who’s economy is unlimited and who’s grace is sufficient. 

Blessings, 
Kim


Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6