Lonely

It's what she said.  I read a blog post yesterday and now I can't find the link to it.  The post resonated in my heart and my mind.  It was as if the blogger was writing my thoughts.  Her words weren't eloquent.  Her story wasn't super exciting, didn't share any "dirt", any miracles, or crazy things that would typically grab attention.  I won't share her whole story.  Instead, I'll share the feelings it stirred inside my heart, which are much of the same as her words.  (Sorry mysterious person who I can't find right now to give credit to).

It was about this time of year four years ago when we began the adoption process.  We had prayed for months, educated ourselves for months, and researched for several more months before jumping into the adoption paperwork.  We adopted because we wanted to.  We adopted because we wanted more children and felt that we could provide for a child in need.  We adopted because the need was great.  We adopted because the bible calls us to care for orphans.  We adopted for a hand full of reasons.  A side benefit for adopting was for our community (whether it be our town, our church, our family, or our friends) to see adoption happen.  To be aware of the need.  To be encouraged to adopt.  To see an example.  To know that it's totally do-able.

Our communities have been supportive.  They've loved us.  They helped us fundraise.  They kept our kids when we picked Judah up.  They provided meals for us after we got home.  They've watched the 3 kids on various occassions.  While I'm super thankful for that, there's something missing.  And before reading the mystery lady's post, I didn't know how to explain it.  We don't know what seeds we've planted, or how people have supported orphans, we don't know who's felt led to do missions trips (unless they've told us). But people we interact with on a day-to-day basis haven't adopted.

I remember during the process of adoption thinking and praying about how our journey to Judah might encourage families to adopt.  There's a sinking feeling in my stomach when I realize that no one has.  I'm not naive enough to think that ALL of my friends and family would adopt.  However, I did think a small hand full would.  Lonely.  It's such a simple word.  But not one I ever thought to use to explain how I've felt.  As I consider that feeling, I have these quiet conversations with God where I ask Him what I've done wrong.  Have I not given Him the glory?  Have I not been a good example of adoption to those around me?  Am I not purposeful enough in my conversations with others about adoption?  What is His plan?

Some years ago, I was given a passion for orphans.  Not all of those in my day-to-day life have that same passion.  I thank God for the passionate heart I have for serving those in need.  I love sharing about it.  I love getting others involved too.  I would love to share my  heart with you and bring you along on a challenging and rewarding journey to serve those in need in simple ways like raising funds to buy livestock for widows in Ethiopia, raising funds to help repair a disheveled home, help send a widow to nursing school, or sewing school, or even sponsor a child.  Would you join me on this journey????