In honor of Orphan Sunday, I want to share something that’s been on my heart for a little while. And here lately it’s been getting quite heavy, so I figure it’s a perfect time to share…
I’m pretty honest with y’all. That’s just the way I roll. I’m not very good at keeping things to myself. In a nutshell, I prefer to spill my guts.
And that’s just the way God made me. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
One of the things I’ve shared with y’all is how stinkin’ scary it is to step out of the boat in faith, and decide to adopt. When we determine that indeed, God is knocking on the door of our hearts. Yet again.
Are you sure, God?
Can you come back later, God?
Hey God, maybe give us a free pass? We’re pretty full here.
As you might have guessed, He didn’t fall for any of those excuses. He kept on knocking, in different ways, until we answered.
And you’d think, that when I finally abandoned my paltry excuses and said “yes”, and laid it out at His feet that we’d do what He wanted… however He wanted… that I’d have an overwhelming sense of peace. That the clouds would part, the sun would shine and the birds would sing.
Not so. In fact, this has been a difficult road here since we began this process. And this isn’t the first time we’ve been through this process that there have been many tears shed and many anxious moments spent wondering “how?”, “why?” and “what the heck, God?”
I’m gonna level with you. I grow incredibly weary of being so darn un-ordinary. Of being stared at, giggled about, pointed out. Someone recently said, after our family walked by, “There must have been a discount sale.” I don’t mind swimming against the tide, y’all. But really? Life is just different for us now. In a big way. And sometimes it makes me oh, so tired.
And this world, God! This world says, “Don’t do that!” It says, “WHY would you do that?” And my personal favorite, “You’re CRAZY for doing that!”
Crazy.
Sometimes I even feel crazy. I let the words of this world seep into the cracks and get to me. I start listening to what the world says and soon it becomes my own response to the decisions we’ve made.
“We are crazy for doing this.”
When I’m tired, when I’m frightened, it’s so easy to believe.
But lately God has gently been whispering something different. That although it’s easy, even tempting, to listen to the “world”… to those that are living lives content with the status quo and afraid of obeying a big, bad and, yes, crazy God. To listen to those that are focused on the here and now: on college funds, extra curricular activities, the happiness of the children they already have, retirement… generally not rocking the boat.
But He wants me to listen to Him. And not listen to the world.
I can’t serve two gods.
God has revealed this to me through His Word. Through much of the Old Testament, God promised His people a land flowing with milk and honey. Pretty much all they could have ever dreamed of, He was giving to them. GIVING to them. During the exodus, God was in the midst of His people, leading them in a pillar by day and by night. And He shared with them, through Moses, that one day they would received their inheritance.
After forty years in the desert, they arrived. They were on the verge of receiving all God had promised. The same God who had miraculously saved them from the Egyptians, from starvation, from disease, from sickness. And right when they were bumping up on happily ever after, the Israelites sent in spies, to see, with their own eyes, just what this ‘promised land’ looked like.
Twelve spies went out for forty days. And they came back confirming all God had promised. Clusters of grapes so big two men had to carry them on a pole. Huge fortified cities, theirs for the taking. Wells dug. Gardens planted. Vineyards blooming. All He intended for them. But the spies came back with more than just stories of how wonderful the promised land was. Ten of those spies also brought back frightening tales of how huge the people were that lived there. How they could never even dream of actually taking the land from the inhabitants. Too big. Too strong. Too scary.
It just wasn’t possible.
In fact, it was crazy.
But two of the spies came back, not with different stories, but with a different perception. One of victory. “Let’s go at once to take the land. We can certainly conquer it!” Not based upon the fact that they were stronger, or better or more qualified, but that God was with them. That God had made a promise and that God was good to keep His promises.
God wants me to ask myself, who am I listening to? Am I listening to the ten? The doubters? The worriers? Those content to live a life filled with the status quo, wandering in the wilderness, giving in to the fear of ‘what ifs’?
And believing that this is the life that God has for me?
Or am I listening to the two? The faithful? The ones who have gone in and seen the blessings ahead, as well as battle that needs to be fought, and who have no doubt that God will give the victory?
If you know the story, you know how it ends. And it ain’t pretty for those who doubted God, and for those who caved in to the doubt of those around them. Who bought into the doubt. Who allowed the doubt to seep into their cracks and take them away from what God had called them to do.
I want to listen to the few. The few who know God so intimately, that they also know He will not fail or forsake.
Because I know a God who is so very real. And His plans are so very good. For me, and for His children. And especially, for the orphan.
Because this?
Is the face of an orphan.
And this?
Is the face of my daughter.
This?
An orphan.
And this?
My son.
Oh, if we had listened to the many.
And allowed the doubt to seep in. And steal our belief that the God who called us was the same God that had revealed Himself again and again to be Love. And Truth. The same God that promised He would never leave us nor forsake us.
Let’s just say, I’m awfully glad we didn’t.
Thank you God, for the gentle reminder.
Chasing Dreams Photography says
Beautiful!!!!!!!! Simply Beautiful!!!!!! Don't ever doubt yourself or what you do…you are doing exactly what is intended for you to do…
{{{{hug}}}}
Your Southern Peach says
Beautiful post and gorgeous family! I adore your blog and the fact that you are so "unordinary!" We are all called to serve in different ways and your calling is "extraordinary." Satan has a sneaky way of planting the seed of doubt in our minds. Let your light shine!
Jennifer says
Stef, thank you. Thank you being such an inspiration, a voice and for being real. My husband and I have had very similar talks. We are getting ready to go "against the flow" so to speak. We know people will talk, question, and second guess. It's scary to not be "the norm" but we're following the path God has lead us to. We are ready to be his hands and feet. To literally walk by faith. I so appreciate your honesty and openness. You keep goin' girl. Head up, following God's path for you and your family. You guys are such an amazing family and you inspire us! {{HUGS}}
clearness says
You have a very unique family and while it's beautiful people are always afraid of different, that's why they doubt. But you keep on doing what you do best because you are amazing and so are your children.
Freedom Hollow Farmgirl says
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and I am so glad you didn't listen to the world. ๐
Blessings,
Suzanne
Mary Beth says
God is amazing. Your faith and ability to step out and do what God tells you has not just affected your children, but many. God used you to open my eyes to the Waiting Child program. To realize that we could do it. And we are. It took us a while, but we are there, and so grateful. Thank you for being unordinary.
groovy mama says
AMEN sister, thanks for sharing….It is ashame the 'world' doesn't hear 'him' too! So what, you have a billion children, i would too if MY 'world' would just listen to 'him'!
hugs
Donna
Chrissie says
Thank you, for that heartfelt post and sharing so deeply. I read your blog each and every day and am always inspired. God bless you and your family!
jennifer says
Wow! What an amazing post! Thank you for sharing this today. It was God speaking straight to me. Exactly what I needed to hear.
Robyn says
Amen!
Jenny says
Once again, Stefanie…goosebumps.
DiJo says
Oh Stef!!! You are such a gifted writer! God has blessed your pen with this post!! Amen Sista is all I can really think to write!!! I LOVE that you have listened and had the guts to get out of your comfort zone!!! For that He has trusted you with another one of his precious children!!! I can not imagine my life with out the two little orphan girls sharing a room upstairs. Sometimes I do wonder, how God chose me for this most amazing of blessings.. To mother them! His precious ones. Well said, my eloquent friend! It is a privilege to watch your journey as a faithful woman of God! You inspire me!!
Hugs,
Diana
Tavianna says
Your honesty is a transparent heart bent on belonging to God and God ALONE. Our own family stands at a promise land decision. Do we shrink back? Or do we hold our lives with open hands? Thank-you for the reminder of what being eternally minded really looks like in the daily routine of the world's cross-cultural flow!
Aaron and Erica says
Amen and Amen!!! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Annie says
Beautiful Stefanie!! You just keep looking at the glorious faces of those wonderful kids of yours and the rest of the nasayers will fade away!!! I try to remind myself daily that it doesn't matter one little bit what anyone else thinks. It only matters what God thinks and I think God thinks you and your beautiful family are pretty cool!
Sophie says
I can't believe someone would say something so ignorant, people are so nasty at times. I praise God that our faith has made us un-ordinary.
This is a great post Stephanie I started a similar one but your definately a better writer than I am!
Mrs. Sanders says
Like you, we hear comments all of the time. But we do have to listen to God. And not everyone thinks you and Chris are crazy. Many think you're a gift. โฅ
TanyaLea says
Oh Stefanie ~ WOW! (got Kleenex?!) Seriously, I don't know why, but this really got me. I have big ol' ugly croc tears right now!!
I SO don't want to follow the ways of this world. I SO don't want to be affected by their words and let them seap into the cracks. I SO don't want to live a complacent, 'status quo' life. Yet when we allow doubt to sneak in, then we do begin to grow weary in doing good and following His path.
Thank you for speaking your heart so well. Thank you for NOT being able to keep it all in! Thank you for setting the standard by which we ALL should follow the lead of our AMAZING Heavenly Father… that we should carry the burdens of HIS heart for the orphans, and seek to live our lives out the way He designed them, without being drawn in to the cruel 'crazys' of this world. (and let me tell ya, anyone who says something so stupid as the 'discount sale' comment, is nothin' but stupid. Just say'in!! …seriously, that got my blood boiling!!)
As Christians, it is SO important that we not conform to the ways of this world. It is SO important that we remember that we may live in this world (amongst the crazys and all!) but we are NOT OF THIS WORLD!! So let them call us what they may…they are just being led by the enemy anyway, and their ignorance is nothing but selfishness and stupidity at it's best. I want my family to be more like your's. I want to be like YOU when I grow up!! ๐
God bless you Stefanie… aren't you glad that God's plans aren't always are own… Especially on a day like Orphans Sunday when you look into the eyes of the children He has blessed you with… YOUR children!! <><
Love you Girl!
~Tanya
Leslie says
What a terrific post, Stefanie! I've just today been directed to your blog, and I love it already. God bless you for listening to HIM, to the few.
jdavis2 says
thank you for sharing your life & heart once again. beautifully written.
Colin and Jill Canada says
Incredible post Stefanie.
Jill
Walking to China says
Oh thank you for not following the ways of the world! As someone who lives, works and fosters in China, I know the grim future of the many who remain orphans and not sons and daughters. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for swimming against the tide? Discount store? No- priceless jewels.
Daisy Dreams says
What a wonderful post! Something I really needed to read today. Being a single mama (by choice) to three and soon four kids, I receive so many ugly comments. One being from my brother who has labeled me as "selfish." It does hurt sometimes to go against the norm but then I have to remember that I am following the path that God has set forth for me.
Jennifer and Greg says
Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
You have found the narrow road. The walk is sometimes hard, sometimes painful, sometimes full of joy. Just keep walking!
May God bless you and your family for all you have done for the orphan.
Heather says
Beautiful!
It makes me cry in fact, thinking back to my own path. Barren, worried, wondering why me??? Why me, to bring home orphans, that's why. Things I said I'd never do, I began doing. I shared personal information with strangers too near to my home- and brought home my first son. Later, we'd go with God and bring home a daughter. Finally God proved, I was not barren, he just wanted my obedience towards adoption, and I birthed my third child. I'm thankful you followed the path of the few. I pray God will strengthen us each day to continue that straight and narrow path:)
Much love-
Heather
Donna says
Amen. And wow.
I have way more thoughts in my head than I can possibly put down here. But thanks for reminding me that we are not alone. ๐
Football and Fried Rice says
Okay, so can I make a confession?
I have followed you for a long time, since right after you got home with Isabelle. I have told you before that reading your story to Sophie while we waited for Mya was part of what got me through! I just loved to hear you write about God & your family and our call to the Orphans.
I have been guilty of wondering if you are crazy too. I am I "supposedly" not "of" this world (merely in it) I am "supposedly" a Christian who believes in fighting for the cause of those left behind.
Yep, that's me. Broken in my humanness. You see, I don't really WANT to think that way. But I have.
And I confess and repent.
And you have to know I still love you ๐
And I DO think you are crazy. In a good, selfless, CRAZY LOVE kind of way!! If you weren't CRAZY, you better just throw in the towel now. The rest of us need to ASPIRE to crazy!
I think God finally allowed me to "get" your family a few weeks ago when I was listening to the story behind the song of "One Less" – when the guy says that he really doubts that God is going to ask him, "WHY did you bring that orphan home!?!"
Which is what I think about your family – certainly God isn't going to condemn you for bringing one more home (and WHO elses' opinion matters!?) On the contrary, when he speaks to you (me!) and you pretend not to hear Him, He might as you why you DIDN'T bring that one home…..
Thanks for being CRAZY. Thanks for showing us what it looks like to be IN the world and not OF the world. Thanks for showing us that the ONLY one that matters is the ONE true God whom we will all bow down before one day.
Lots of Love,
Sara
Kim says
I'll I can say thru the tears is thank you. I am praying this post will soften hearts … one in particular!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
Gene and Annie says
Thank you for sharing!! It was just what I needed to hear! God's calling our family to be different and most of the time of I am okay! Every so often though I just want to be normal and not have all these dreams that God has called us for. Luckily, those feeling are only every once in while and in the end I would much rather follow God then the "norm". There is so much more beauty in the God's plan!! Thank you once again for sharing!! I love your beautiful family!
Nicole says
Thank you for sharing this, through the tears, I tell you I feel this way a lot. For me, it's not really the "world" and their comments that get to me, it's Christians. Most of the time we get these comments from "friends" and church people, those who SHOULD know better.
I often wondered how and if you dealt with it, it's nice to know you tire of it too!
Thanks for being so honest!
Debra says
God bless you and your family. I wish I could have a house full as well. Do what is right, with love.
Machell says
Amen, Great post! We get some of the same comments "you must be crazy" I reply 'yeah, just crazy about God". PTL, He has blessed us with 3 beautiful children from China and you know what … God is not finished with us yet!!!;)
Machell
Leigh says
Beautiful!
Ellie says
perfect. I'm doing the Bible Study "1 in a million" right now. You pretty much summarized it with this post.
Thank you. for obeying God's call and being an inspiration to the rest of us to do the same.
LOVE the photos!
Anita says
That scripture passage is EXACTLY what the Lord gave us several years ago on our journey to Kaleb today and what we hang on to as we walk this journey in faith to him. We cannot look at the giants (financial mountains, unknowns) and have to remember what blessing we will miss, our promised land, if we choose to listen to those around, to the enemy's lies or to our own doubts. I'm so glad that I'm not the only one scared to death as we walk….but we keep walking and watching the Lord provide and bringing Glory to Himself!
Thank you for walking this faith walk, Stef and closing out the voices that don't get it. We do, all of us on here, and we're walking it with ya! Now…if only we could all move to some cute little town and enjoy it each and every day together! LOL!
Amy says
Your kind of crazy is a kind of crazy I want to be. Your heart for orphans and God is a true inspiration. Thank you for your honestly and example.
Beautiful post
Amy
Aus says
Good morning Stef – you are well and truely given over to the Spirit – and for my part I'm glad! I'd share a story from my days as a Franciscan….The year is about 1200, the location Assisi Italy, and Francis is walking in the woods with his first 12 novices….As the men walk down the road they encounter many different trials, a leper, a robber – and so on until – as the light fades into evening Francis stops and calls his brothers together. After a moments prayer Francis looks at his novices – tells them a joke – and runs off into the woods. Of the 12, 2 laugh and run after him – but the remaining 10 stayed on the road – speaking about how crazy Francis really was….and eventually those 10 returned to the town and understood that following Christ means being a little bit crazy – and a lotta bit joyful and humorous!
Thanks for running off into the woods – it really is the best place to be!
hugs – and great joy for you guys –
aus and co.
sasa98 says
Forget the negative comments — YOU ROCK!!! Keep listening to God and to your heart; you are doing *amazing* things! You inspire me to do great things.
Suzanne says
Stefanie,
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. He calls us to be "in" and not "of" this world and the Enemy sucks me in to the "of" more often than I'd like to admit. I needed your words today…this day. I'm in the middle of some big life changing decisions…decisions that will be very lifegiving for my family of 2 but oh, it's a step in faith…ok, it is HUGE STEPS in faith. I am a single momma through adoption. I have an amazing 4-year-old, Cate, whom I adopted from China when she was 13 months old. ~If we never meet on this earth, I am so jazzed that I get to spend Heaven with you and your family.
~So excited for your family and praying for you as you prepare for Poppy!
He is good…crazy good…
Suzanne
Jen says
Stef,
In tears here. Here's a question. What if…you hear God speaking to you. And you know what you need to do…but your "other" have won't even talk aobut it. What if your heart won't stop talking to your brain telling you this is something you should be doing…but you can't get everyone else on board…what if every day you feel like your child is waiting fo you…and no one will listen?
The Gang's Momma! says
Beautifully written, and heartbreakingly honest. I love it. Thanks for sharing in such a vulnerable way. It's exhibit one pointing to why you are my favorite bloggy hero.
For the past 8-9 months, The Boss and I have gone back and forth over whether or not we really feel if God is beckoning us to adopt again. Whether or not it is just the emotional reaction to what we now know. Whether or not we are "done" with the building of The Gang. I've been staunchly on the YES side. Going so far as to tell him that I just know that our next daughter is out there waiting for us to step out in faith.
And when The Boss, on our 20th anniversary, told me he's done wrestling with God and that YES we need to start another paper chase? I mini-freaked. Shut down. Doubted. Wondered. Shut down. Cried. Shut down. And requested the application anyway. I'm done being fearful (for now, hahahaha!). I'm done questioning. I'm stepping forward. Just one step at a time.
That's all the Lamp is shedding light for right now – and I'm good with that. Most of the time anyway…. I will admit to having never been a fan of not really knowing the next step. But I'm not doing it alone. And as TM's blog post on the power of the adoptive community says – not only do I have The Boss and The Gang to walk with me thru all this, I have the moms in this community. And that is so comforting – to have all these folks with Jesus all over them. I'm in good company. You are in good company.
Let's all be crazy together. ๐
The Gang's Momma! says
I'm so linking. And "outing myself." As "crazy." Right along with you.
Janet and Kevin says
We are "crazy" right along with you as we are in our early 50's and going for our third adoption in three years – yikes, with little money, little energy, and lots of fear.
But God . . .
Each morning I wake up and have to say out loud that I trust God above all.the.other.voices! Oh, but those other voices are strong! But God is stronger and able to do what He promises.
Hugs,
janet and gang
Shanny says
Drying my eyes over here! Thanks for the heartfelt post. I'm so looking forward to meeting you and your beautiful family in heaven one day.
Rachel says
A beautiful message from God. Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding me to keep my eyes fixed on Him. We are starting our second adoption and recently decided to move forward to adopt a little boy we saw on a waiting child photolisting. Every time I tell someone about him, I wonder if people are going to think we're crazy…but as my husband often reminds me, does it really matter if they think that? All that matters is doing what the Lord has asked of us. We cannot wait to have our little one in our arms! Thank you again – your blog has been a big encouragement to me.
Chelsea Gour says
That was one of the best posts I have ever read! Truly it was. Thank you for saying things I could not find the words for. And, just so you know, I'm one of the "crazy" people that looks at your family and hopes that God will ask us to step out that much!
Jill says
Wow, wow, wow, wow….I do so love it that you like to SPILL your guts…by doing so you speak the words that so many of us THINK.
You challenge me…
megadog says
I thought this was really, really beautiful. I was so sad at the cruel and thoughtless comment you received about your beautiful treasures. I read a quote the other day that I try and remember when things get rough:
"People are down on what they're not up to."
Whenever we get criticized or people look at us strange for what we are doing, I just try and remember that quote and think to myself that they are just down on it because they aren't up to it. Love ya Love ya!
Tami and Bobby Sisemore Family says
LOVED this post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blessings,
Tami
PRAYING 4 a MIRACLE 4 Jeremiah
http://www.tillGodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com
Sharon says
…and God's people said, "AMEN!"
Awesome words from an awesome mama!
Hugs!
David, April, Joel, Hannah, Olivia, and Josiah says
Thank you so much for writing beautiful words that exactly mirror my thoughts. You have a gift.
April
Jami says
Oh Stefanie – I like you so much! Thanks for this post. Thanks for sharing your heart. Thanks for living it all out for Jesus! He is so very faithful!!
Laine says
Oh my heart, my heart, my heart.
Bursting with similar cries yet not feeling like I even have a voice to cry out some days.
YOU are the voice of me, of others who are fighting doubt, fighting the status quo..
YOU are the voice of the orphan, Stefanie.
YOU GO GIRL. And God IS with you every step.
Nicole says
Like one of the other comments above….I, too, feel this burning in my heart to adopt. Heck, I even work in the field of adoption. But my "other half" is not even willing to discuss. I keep praying that the Lord pierce his heart because I am so wholeheartedly bought into the idea of adopting one day.
Swede at Heart says
All I can say is Wow. I have chills. I so admire the brave faith you live.
Lisa L says
Thank you so much for this. We brought home #7 in September and last week my mother (someone who herself has done 'crazy' things because God has asked her to) told me that the only new chairs my family needed to fill at the Thanksgiving table would be from great grandchildren. Sigh. It's so hard to feel like you are doing the right thing when others just can't understand. I just keep listening to Him and following His lead. I have no idea if there are more children for us, but I am sure not going to let society tell me that I have 'done enough'.
Team Gilbert says
Beautifully said! Faith is the road that leads us to only one place……Thank You Jesus!
trina says
I'm with ya sista. :)I understand. The other day, someone asked me if I ever felt like the "Old Woman in the Shoe…she had so many kids, she didn't know what to do." Yeah, her. I answered, "Yeah sometimes." LOL I get crazy questions. Crazy, not so nice attitudes towards my kids. How could someone not love my sweet children? Racist? I don't know. But then there are a 'few' like you said, that 'get it.' You can tell they get it..and they love my children so much. They 'cheer' us on…thinking I'm a hero..haha. Thank God for those dear people that 'get it.'
Thanks for posting this Stefanie. I feel your pain…and I understand the blessings..all in one. ๐
Ann Marie says
We so know where you are coming from. We have 5 aged 6 and under (3 from China with SN). I too get tired of being looked at, stared at and commented on. Everyone is called by God to do different things and everyone is accountable to how they answer that call. Looking different from the world is not easy…but know you are in goo company. We've been terrified with each adoption but God has managed every detail for our kiddos. It does not mean it was easy, or that we're not TIRED. Yet I can't imagine living a simpler easier life without my kids. We'd be missing out on so much joy.
Kristine says
I hope you don't mind, I shared this on my facebook page and linked this blog entry. There are many couples in our church who are sitting on the fence and this may help them to make some decisions. Thank you!
Karen says
I loved this post so much that I linked it into a post I wrote. I hope that is ok.
Linds says
Thank you for this post. We are just beginning our second adoption after we brought our son home in March. Today I felt so defeated, like we were swimming agains the stream and everything seems against us. Your words bring so much encouragement to me. Thank you.
Amie says
Beautiful.
๐ Amie
Kate says
With this statement ~ "I'm gonna level with you. I grow incredibly weary of being so darn un-ordinary. Of being stared at, giggled about, pointed out. Someone recently said, after our family walked by, "There must have been a discount sale." I don't mind swimming against the tide, y'all. But really? Life is just different for us now. In a big way. And sometimes it makes me oh, so tired." ~ you have gained another reader.
I'm a mom of 9, five who have special needs. The youngest 2 were recently adopted from Ukraine. Your paragraph above absolutely nailed my feelings. To a tee. I can't tell you how relieved I am to read those words being written by someone other than me.
Thanks for being real. And honest. And for following the few. ๐
Vivienne says
thanks for this beautiful post that speaks of God's faithfulness to His people. Reminded me that we need to be patient and wait on Him to fulfill His promises. I don't want to be like the complaining Israelites always forgetting God's goodness in providing…but like Joshua and Caleb ๐
Jewels of My Heart says
Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom, truth and love…..
oh, if only more people "got it"….
God's Speed,
Daleea
Joanna B says
Awesome! And you made me cry…again ๐
Shasta says
Great post. I so enjoy reading your site….and others too. I have started my own blog but haven't gotten the hang to all of it. Hopefully one day. Thanks for the inspiration…..God is tuely using you and your life so that others see him in you…keep it up….don't worry we are all CRAZY! Some people just don't understand blessing's from God even when it hits them right in the face.
Shasta (taleoftwosons.blogspot.com
connie says
Where oh where was I that I missed this post?!? I'm sure God was saving it for me in this weary moment. The path can be weary at times, but He is so faithful to grant all we need. I love the idea that His faithfulness is NOT dependent upon our faith! Thank you for listening to the two!
Lindsay and Joe says
I just wanted to share with you about my in-laws. They were told 60 years ago that they could not have children so they decided to adopt. My father-in-law spent time in Korea during WWII and they felt that is where they would get their child. All these years later they have 19 children. The first 7 came from Korea and various places around the U.S. Then, they conceived and had another, followed by 9 more adopted from various places (some were left on their doorstep).After the first 17, 2 of the girls got pregnant as teenagers and my in-laws adopted those babies before they were born. Now, they have a total of 19, 11 girls and 8 boys. 9 are from Korea. The first 17 are between the ages of 46-55 and the two youngest are 32 (my husband) and 31. They are saints and I so appreciate God placing them in my life as such an amazing example of obedience, God's provision and faithfulness. So much for being told that they'd never have children! My father-in-law just celebrated his 90th birthday and their 65th wedding anniversary is in May!