For longtime readers of Mission Safari, you know the by-line of Mission Safari is "It's not the Destination, it's the Journey." We have certainly experienced that over the past 24 months. And as you may have gleaned from the post from Marti, we are embarking on another journey called "adoption". We have been busy learning the ins and outs of international adoption over the past several weeks.
Last night we completed one major portion of that journey and that was the Home Study. This is the process by which a certified agency studies our home life and makes a written report that is used by the Immigration departments of America and China as well as the courts to make a determination on our "fitness" for international adoption. Although we think there should be no problems with this step, it is a bit uncomfortable "exposing" ourselves in a full manner. But it is also healthy to examine ourselves - what is hidden and needs exposure and healing.
Nonetheless, we are excited about this process. We recently wrote a letter to some of our prayer partners, family, and friends regarding our decision. I will include this letter in this post. I am sure I will comment further on the Biblical rational for adoption in the days to come.
Thanks in advance for praying.
"We have some news we would like to share with you. Over the past couple of months we believe that the Lord is directing us to expand our family through adoption. As you know over the past 6 years Marti has had 4 miscarriages - two before Sam was born and two since he was born. As we have prayed for another child the Lord has drawn us to the opportunity of adoption. At this time we are moving forward with the process to adopt a baby from China.
Why Adoption?
The reasons are many. For each of us God has drawn us to adoption for different reasons. For me (Tim), my involvement over the last 10 years in obstetrical and pediatric care in my medical practice has opened my heart to adoption. Especially as I have participated in the care of young women in crisis or unwanted pregnancies, I have felt a responsibility to not only "prevent" abortion, but be "proactive" in adoption. As I have cared for children who have been adopted I have seen it as a rich opportunity to express our understanding of our spiritual "adoption" by our Heavenly Father.
For Marti, the process has been more gradual but just as real. As we have made our move to Kenya we have had the opportunity to fulfill the "calling" I have in my life as a physician. Marti has also been able to explore and wrestle with this idea of "calling" and it is very clear that her primary calling has been to be a mother. I see no better way of her expressing this call than to expand our family. As it has not seemed to be the Father's will for us to do so "biologically", we see the Lord moving us to adoption.
Why China?
Over this past year, Marti and the children have been studying China and the Far East in their home school curriculum. As part of that curriculum we watched the National Geographic special "China's Lost Girls". It confirmed what we had heard about the current "One Child Policy" in China. Because families are only allowed one child in China, they will often abort, abandon, or kill girls because of the priority placed on having boys in their culture. We see this again as an opportunity to fulfill God's call to "Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with Our God." (Micah 6:8).
At this point we need much prayer - for direction, clarity in hearing God's will in this situation, and patience (it takes between 9-12 months from start to finish)."
Hello Dr. Tim,
I'm forwarding your names and history to our church to pray for you and Marti. You are both such a fine example of the love of Jesus. Only one thing puzzles me; where do you both get such boundless energy? I thank the Lord that you do. God bless and keep you and yours well, Bob T.
Posted by: Bob Travis | September 08, 2005 at 10:54 AM
I will be praying for your family in this regard. I'm a firm believer in the calling of parenthood and I wish you God's wisdom and peace.
Posted by: Christy | September 08, 2005 at 05:57 PM