Monday, November 10, 2008

Following God...

to Ethiopia.

Yep, if you had told me a year ago that we would be considering adopting from Ethiopia right now I would have seriously LAUGHED YOU OUT OF THE ROOM.

But, here I am. Honestly, not even sure I have the right words.

In a nutshell, this is what is happening. Jonathan's heart has been burdened for Ethiopia for quite some time. He had mentioned several times that he wanted to adopt from Ethiopia and I would always do the "la la la, I don't hear you" comment. Then, I began praying that I would be submissive to my husband. He IS the spiritual head of our household and I knew his heart and relationship with the Lord was ALL GOOD! Still, after finalizing Mary Elizabeth's adoption, I no more felt led to adopt from Ethiopia than I did to go for a friendly jog (yeah, that ain't happening) We requested the packet from Bethany to pursue our second domestic adoption and yet, once it arrived, I noticed I did not have the same desire to HURRY UP and get it done like I did when it arrived for Mary Elizabeth. I blamed that lack of desire on the fact that I am struggling with migraines, that we don't have our money saved, that M.E. isn't old enough yet, and though honestly, none of those are the real reasons. You see, anyone that has known me for more than a millisecond knows that regardless of circumstance, once I get my mind set on something, I'm doing it.

So, without telling Jonathan, I went online a couple of weeks ago and filled out a preliminary application for international adoption through Bethany. I just wanted to see what countries we would be eligible for IF the day ever came that we decided to pursue an international adoption. When I got the response back that we were ONLY eligible for Ethiopia, I about fell off my chair. With that eligibility, I was also able to see waiting children in Africa and that is where I saw the most beautiful little face waiting for a family.

Again, though, I would not be swayed. How could we leave four kids and travel to Ethiopia for a week? How could we afford an international adoption when we weren't even sure we could afford a domestic adoption?

Thursday night was Bethany's New Friends Dinner. This is our agencies one time a year fundraiser. Jonathan and I hosted a table and as the speakers began speaking and I noticed that Chris, our international social worker from our office, was going to be speaking about waiting international children, I immediately felt that feeling I felt when I saw that beautiful little face the first time. Sure enough, as she flashed that picture on the screen and talked about how this child was looking for HIS forever family, I was officially sobbing. I knew without a shout of a doubt he was supposed to be our son.

So after the dinner, we made our way to Chris and told her we thought we were supposed to be his parents. Today, we officially told Bethany in Michigan (the main office) that we wish to pursue adopting this sweet little boy in Ethiopia. God has changed my heart and our circumstance.

So I am excited, scared, and blessed to share with you that you can begin praying for a little boy to join our family. His name is Ben (the name we had already picked out for our family). His full name will be Benjamin Tucker (Tucker after my great grandpa-did you catch that crazy aunt Jane?) He is 5 years old and is all alone in Ethiopia.

We don't know much about the process yet, except that the paperwork is INSANE and that the process will probably take about 10-12 months before he is home. He may be picked by another family before we get approved, but we are trusting that if this happens it is God's will and the praise will be that Ben will have a home.

We told the kids tonight. Luke and Isaac jumped around like crazy boys, Anna said "oh great" to another brother (although she is REALLY excited), and Mary Elizabeth said "DAH!" which we think means she is really jacked up.

So, please pray for us. It looks like the cost will be about $25K. We know we will get a $5K grant and we have $8K saved already for this adoption, so we are definitely going to be doing some letter writing for more grants and some more fundraising.

THANKS if you have read this far! Sorry I don't have a picture..I can't post it but trust me, he's a cutie! We covet your prayers and are thankful for your support!

16 comments:

Lisa Boyer said...

Brea, Do you know Tracy Cornett, she is adopting from Ethopia as well.

Anonymous said...

WOW.. Brea.. You and Johnathon are amazing wonderful parents... I can't wait to see a pic.. we need to catch up too! Call me!

Vickie

Laura Kelley www.pitterpatterart.com said...

Yea!! Congrats in so many ways.

Anonymous said...

i am ecstatic and this is amazing. you left out the part where the holy spirit nudged me to kick you under the table when ben's picture came on the screen. i knew he was meant for y'all too!!!

guess that family picture is already outdated.

Beckie said...

WOW! Brea we have to catch up soon!!!!! You guys are in my prayers! love ya!

Jennifer Fleming said...

I am so excited for you and your Family!!I hope God continues to bless you! I pray that you will have no problem getting the money together to bring a sweet boy home to your loving family!!

TinyJr said...

You wont believe this, but God has led our hearts to the same country! Talk to Katie! We are pumped for you guys! This should be a fun road to travel together!

Susan said...

Brea- so excited for you guys and praying for you all as you go through the process!!

Margaret and Cordel said...

Congrats to you! What an amazing story!!! I cannot wait to see Ben at home with his forever family..you! :)

Anonymous said...

Hey friend...I am praying for you and this new adventure. I think I know "Chris" that you're talking about. She and I share office space!! Welcome Home little one....you're already loved beyond reason.

Laura

kristina proffitt said...

What an awesome thing, Brea!! So excited for you and your family! I will be praying!!!! :)

Unknown said...

so So SO excited for you! Cannot wait to see a picture of Ben. He is going to be SO blessed!

amymo said...

Congrats to you! Chris T just told me and I remembered you commented on our blog last month. We are adopting a 5 year girl from Ethiopia and are waiting for our court date. We will have to stay in touch!!! -amy severson

Anonymous said...

Brea,

I started crying or should I say bawling while I was reading. God's spirit is truly amazing and his works wondrous! Keep the faith.

C Phillips

Kerri said...

That's terrific news. I'm excited for your family. We'll be praying with you as you travel this new path.

Jenna Marie Howard said...

Hello
I just wanted to stop by and tell you I enjoy reading your blog. I am adopted and have three other adopted siblings and find such encouragement knowing you are an adoptive parent who obviously loves your children. I cant wait to see pictures and read ore news on your baby from Ethiopia. bless you.
I am the Director of Public Relations for a non-profit organization called World Orphans. We build family style church based orphan homes all over the world and our mission is simple E3 to reach each church…each child…each community. I would love for you to take a look at our website and let me know if you have any questions. (www.worldorphans.com) I hope you will have a glorious blessed day!

Jenna M. Howard
-Director of Public Relations
www.Worldorphans.org
Jennah@worldorphans.org
www.JennaMarieHoward.com