Most of the new comers to my blog are unaware that I was adopted. I learned of this when I was 5 years old and I had moments during childhood where it affected me somewhat negatively. However, as an adult and having become a mom the effects are vastly different.

At one point I made statements that I would NEVER adopt a child. I thought that it was confusing and difficult for a kid among other things. What’s that age old saying again? Ah yes, never say NEVER!

Upon having our 3 little ones my love for children began to grow exponentially. My heart would soften immensely when I would see little babies while out and about. The Lord began to grow a desire in me to bring another child into our home through adoption. I soon found myself daydreaming of different races of children sitting around my kitchen table and playing alongside my biological children. It would bring tears to my eyes to think of one of those sweet little ones calling me, “Momma“.

My husband on the other hand wasn’t necessarily in the same boat. He definitely wants more children but at that point it wasn’t by means of adoption. He even made the statement, “We can have babies just fine. I don’t see why we would need to adopt.” I began to pray that if it was the Lord’s will He would change Matthew’s heart. I know how powerful my God is and if adoption was a part of His ultimate destiny for us then He would make that change happen in His timing.

12 months later, WAY longer than I preferred, He did. We were at home and (you must forgive my memory) there was something that triggered a conversation on adoption. It was then that my prayer had been answered! He told me, “You know, I think I would like to adopt an African-American baby at some point.” I was so floored I began to cry! It was music to my ears and warmth in my heart to know that at some point the Lord would bring this about in our family.

Not too long after that my then 3yr old began to ask, “Mommy, when are we going to get a new baby in this family?” It was then we decided as a family we were going to begin praying about adoption. What a joy it is to hear our little ones lift their voices to the Lord with sincerity in their hearts and ask for Jesus to “bring us a new baby“.

While we are still a year out from fully venturing down the adoption road, my heart’s desire grows more and more almost everyday. My husband and I talk about it often especially when we spot a baby! We know the testimony we can make in the life of the child the Lord will hopefully bring to our family some day. I know that during the process we will learn so many things and I know that once we have the child so many MORE lessons will be given by Him.

In the beginning of my adoption experience I didn’t have the right perspective. Now, looking back I am amazed at how the Lord had His hand on my life even before I left the womb. Every single one of these children are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14) I hope that this would encourage you to think about adoption and prayerfully consider if it is something the Lord might have you and your family do someday. Or if the Lord never leads you towards adoption then reach out to those considering adoption by prayer or even financially (upon the Lord’s leading). I know the child is not the ONLY one who benefits. It’s the entire family as a whole!

When we look at scripture, spiritually speaking, we are all adopted sons and daughters of the King. Ephesians 1:5, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will”

I can hardly wait for the day when I look around my kitchen table and see an ethnic mixture of faces made in the likeness of Him. To God be the glory forever and ever AMEN…