We’re Expecting!!
No, Lori’s not pregnant. However, after countless discussions and prayerful consideration, we decided that we really enjoy being parents and have more love to offer. Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This action-packed verse is challenging, to say the least, and would take most of us more than a lifetime to master and actually live out. The question any of us can and should ask ourselves is “what can I do right now to make a difference?” For each individual and family, the answers will be uniquely different. For Lori and I, one of our answers is adoption.
Statistics estimate there are more than 140 million orphans globally and the effects of growing up without parents are alarming. Aside from a lack of basic needs such as shelter, food, clean water, education, medical care, and vocational training, the stage has been set in developing countries for more gruesome issues such as sex trafficking, child labor, prostitution, death by HIV/AIDS, and child soldiering.
After researching the various aspects of domestic versus international adoption, several factors helped us make our decision of where to adopt. First, the statistics and harsh reality of orphans in developing nations really jumped out at us. Government assistance is virtually non-existent for orphans and hope for a sustainable future on their own is bleak. Second, we have a great love and passion for Africa and its people. Our past experience living and working amongst the poor and orphaned in Kenya brings life to the grim statistics with real names and faces.
So, without further ado, Lori and I are very excited and privileged to move forward with adopting 2 children (a boy and girl) from the Democratic Republic of Congo. We would be honored if you would join us through our adoption journey!
**To read more check out the Adoption tab on the menu bar at the top of the page**
Lori, I am so excited and happy for you and your family. You have such a wonderful heart and a passion for God that you have carried with you since Elementary school. I am praying for you and your family during this journey.
March 2, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Hurray! Excited for you guys!!!
March 2, 2012 at 4:46 pm
I am amazed and blessed by your sincerity and passion and follow through. Rachel and I look forward to seeing what God has prepared for you and your future family!
March 2, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Thats really awesome and i’m praying for you guys. God bless.
March 2, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Hi! My husband and I are pursuing adoption from the DRC. What made you decide on 2 children versus 1? I keep playing that thought in my mind – I want to help them all! Did you decide you wanted to help a pair of siblings (is that even possible, do they even know if they have siblings?) or did you just want to grow your family by 2 or??? Thanks!
February 27, 2013 at 5:47 pm
We knew we wanted 3 children, and we currently have 1 biological son now. So we thought, “Why not just make this a one-time event and just adopt 2 at once?!” So we are hoping for a sibling set, but the agency will also inform us of other options, i.e. a boy/girl that has been together in the orphanage and get along well, cousins, etc.
February 28, 2013 at 8:13 pm