We're Adopting!

So, we have been up to something that not many people know: We are preparing to adopt!

After several years of waiting on God's timing, praying, attending adoption conferences, and seeking advice, we are in the paperwork stage of fostering-to-adopt through the state of Texas. While we understand that adoption is usually a lengthy process and can have many setbacks, we are thrilled to finally be taking concrete steps in the adoption direction.

Since we know many of our friends and family (and even strangers) may want to keep up with our family's journey, we will be updating this blog. Which brings us to the title, "Journey to Grace." The first and foremost reason we are adopting is because Christ showed us grace when he willingly gave up His life so we could receive salvation. And, as if that's not good enough, God adopts us as heirs with Christ when we repent and choose to believe in Him! This about sums it up:

Romans 8:14-17
¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

So, because we have been given grace, we want to extend grace to the child who becomes a permanent part of our family! And, even if we foster kids that aren't available for adoption, we will extend grace to their families as a way to minister and show Christ's love. This is our "Journey to Grace."

One of the most beautiful things any family can do is accept a child into their home who otherwise wouldn't have a family who can love, nurture, protect, and, most of all, introduce the gospel to them. We hope to be that family for a child! While we know the journey will be long, hard, and sometimes overwhelming, we will look to the one who first adopted us and cry, "Abba, Father!" If God can send His perfect son to die for us, then we can open up our lives to a needy child.

Please pray for God's continued provision, guidance, and affirmation through this process. We hold each of our family members, friends, and fellow believers close to our hearts and know that their prayers on our behalf will sustain us. Thank you, dear ones, for your prayers!

There will be more to come! :)