Kevin and I were married in 1991. We have been blessed with two biological children Kassy, age 14 and Aaron, age 7 and have recently adopted 2 children from Ethiopia. Beza is 8 and Natti is 22 months both are adjusting very well. We are followers of Jesus Christ and seek to bring honor and glory to Him.
In November 2006, God piqued our interest in adoption. We received an email from Focus on the Family and Family Life Today telling about the the need for families to adopt the approximate 143 million children orphaned around the world. 143 MILLION!! I still cannot believe that number. Not hundreds nor thousands but millions. This was so overwhelming. I remember praying can we really make a difference Lord? Then I came across the story of the Starfish (read below). I must admit I was pretty content with the two beautiful children we already had. Was God really calling us to this? As Kevin and I talked about it and prayed, it became very clear. YES! God's word is so clear on this matter. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 We began to go to seminars, research and of course prayed a lot. Kevin was very confident and steadfast. I wish I could say the same but my emotions were all over the place. I knew in my mind this was the right thing to do but was very anxious at times. Who were these children? Would I be able to love them as my own? Travel to Ethiopia? Each time something "went wrong" Kevin would say, "It's just God guiding us. Everything will be okay." As most adoptions, ours had many twists and turns that finally led us to our adorable sibling pair from Ethiopia. God was so faithful and answered our prayers for peace, finances and that the children would weave into our family well. I think the greatest gift through this adoption is to see the gospel in a whole new way since adoption is such a mirror of it. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5. Each one in our family has been stretched and have had to make many sacrifices. Although, it has been difficult at times it is so worth it! Through it all, we have grown closer to each and most importantly to the Lord. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me (Jesus) will save it. Luke 9:24. "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40.
Please do not let anything stand in your way to adopt a child in need of a home. Trust in the Lord and watch Him work through you.
The Story of the Starfish
One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a figure in the distance. As he got closer, he relized the figure was that of a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked, "What are you doing?" The youth replied, "Throwing a starfish into the ocean. Soon the sun will be up and the tide is going out. If I dont throw them all back, they will die." "Son," the man said, "Don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You cant possibly make a difference!" After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. Then smiling at the man, he said,"I made a difference for that one." - Many people believe that there are too many children in the world that need to be adopted. How could we possibly help them all? There are literally millions!!!! With this thinking, no children would be helped. None adopted. Just by adopting one child you have saved them. If we all just took in one child imagine the difference that this would make!
Meet the Kids!!!
These are our beautiful children! Read about each one.
Kassy
Kassy is my oldest daughter and a great help to our family. Her brothers and sister love any attention she can give to them. She is very organized, responsible and industrious. I can't believe she is in 9th grade this year. We started homeschooling last year and joined a group called Classical Conversations. It was quite challenging for her but she worked very hard and learned quite a bit. I know she surprised herself. She has been playing the piano for 9 years now and enjoys it very much. Gardening, scrapbooking, shopping, and hanging out with friends are some of her favorite things to do.
Beza
Beza is one of our newest additions to the family. She is 8 years old, and happy, playful and full of life. She is a very bright, responsible girl who loves to ride her bike and swim. She's a little fish!! It's surprising to see how much Kassy and Beza have in common. Even though they have lived in such different parts of the world, they act as if they have been sisters forever. They share many of the same character traits both being first born girls. Aaron and Beza have become very good friends and playmates. They have a wonderful time using their imaginations as they play together. Of course, she loves little Natti and still "mothers" him a bit occasionally. We thank God for how He has created these special realationships. Painting, drawing and learning to read and play piano occupy her days.
Aaron
Aaron is 7 years old. He is pretty easy going like his dad most of the time. Making his sisters and brother laugh motivates him quite often. He enjoys riding his bike, skateboarding, swimming and playing outside. Legos, army men, and anything that can become a gun or sword are some of his favorite toys. He plays soccer and enjoys it. One of his favorite activies is throwing the football and playing baseball with his dad. He is such a joy to our family.
Natti
At 22 months old, Natti is quickly approaching 2 years old. He is the baby of the family and we all love him dearly. He was recently adopted along with his sister Beza this past February from Ethiopia. He is sooo cute, smiling most of the time. Helping Aaron with chores, touching everything he can get his hands on and babbling all day long, he brings much activity to our home. His favorite book is " My Big Machine Book.", a book about trucks, cars and planes. He is very friendly and lovable. Hugs and kisses are given willingly to many. Squeals of laughter and frustration, come from this little guy. Even though he doesn't speak yet, he communicates well with nods for "yes" and "no" and many other sounds. His comprehension amazes all of us. I'm sure words are just around the corner.
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