Funny how God answers prayers...

Well, as you saw from my last post, I was partially convinced that God was calling us to adopt from the Philippines. The past 2 days I've been doing some SERIOUS research/calling/talking to people, and now I'm not so sure. Infact, I went through every single country and there was a road block for us in literally every single one except Ethiopia.

Funny, because I had prayed that God would put up road blocks if we weren't hanging on the right path. So....

Ethiopia, we're looking into you. Seriously looking into you.

Last night I found a child on a photolisting at precious.org. He's a little boy and he's 15 months old. I do not know if he lives in Ethiopia, because he was only listed in Africa. I have no name, only a number. But when I looked at him, I felt...something. I don't know how to really put my finger on it. So...I bit the bullet and I've contacted the agency that had listed him. I am supposed to be getting a phone call from a woman named Stephanie who will tell me all about him. I have a feeling that when I speak to her it will go one of two ways; yet another closed door, or a very hopeful possibility.

I will keep you updated!

The Philippines

My college roommate was Filipino. My neighbor is Filipino. A few years ago I met one of my best friends who is also Filipino and lives in Manila. Over the years she has taught me bits and pieces of Tagalog (the official language of the Philippines). The Philippines does not allow you to adopt infants (which works for us, since we're looking for a three year old!), and they don't allow you to pick gender (thank God, because I can't decide)! *I feel like* God might have been directing us to the Philippines for years. But I guess we'll find out.

I researched agencies that have programs with the Philippines and I found one that is based in NC (where we live). It said, "Philippines program now open to NC residents!" I don't know if it was a sign or not. But it was exciting. I have their number and I will call them today and find out if this is something we might be interested in.

Wish us luck! (Or just prayer would be nice... a lot of it!)

Here we go...

My husband and I already have two gorgeous kids. Don't believe me? Take a look.

We also have a 1500 sq. ft. house. Well, 1553, if I'm going to be precise. Which I wasn't, but I guess I am now. Anyway, we also have a Honda civic that only fits 4 people and sometimes a dog. Don't believe me? Take a look.

Oh, you want to meet the dog (and cat?)

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So yes, it's safe to say we're pretty crammed in our house (and car). Yet we've always loved the idea of adoption. "Maybe when we get a bigger house," we'd say. "Or a bigger car."

"Maybe when we've paid off all our debts." "Maybe when you get a bigger promotion." "Maybe when we get a sign from God." Etc, etc. You get the idea. The fact is, there will always be an excuse to not step out in faith and do what we have always wanted to do.

I want another voice to call me mommy. I want to bring a child with no family into ours. WE WANT TO ADOPT!

So, are we ready? Well, we don't have a bigger house. My husband hasn't had a huge promotion. We still have that pesky car payment. We still have 2 Honda civics that aren't getting any bigger. But will we EVER be ready? Will there always be an excuse?

All I know is our hearts are ready. My childrens' hearts are ready. I feel like God has led us to this decision, and even to the country we might decide on. Which country is that, you ask? Well, check in with me tomorrow, and all shall be revealed.

Thanks for reading! And it's nice to meet you.

Oh, you haven't met us?

There you go.