The Answer

The following article popped up on my Facebook today.  I wish I hadn't seen it.  But some things are meant to be seen.  It's an article about unsightly acts done to children unable to defend themselves.  Abortion.  And so much more.  Please read it so you can better understand the following post.  http://usatoday.com/article/news/2072577

Now that we are on the same page, I want to share my heart.

Abortion.  The utterance of that very word can start an argument like a match starts a fire in a haystack.  It's an extremely sensitive topic no matter which side of the coin you are on.  And I think, because of the fear of offending, we as Christians stand back and do nothing.  Or we feel so strongly about our beliefs on the matter that we jump on the bandwagon of hate.  Can I be so bold as to tell you that neither of these actions do anything to bring glory to God?  And they certainly don't solve the problem.

As a Christian, a woman, a mom, and an adopting mom, I do NOT believe abortion is an acceptable solution to any problem.  As a woman, I can understand how our country has come to the conclusion that it is the woman's choice.  And I can respect that.  God gives us free will to make our own decisions.  Abortion is a decision that must be made.

But, fellow women, there is a better decision.

This decision is a hard one.  It's not one that can be brought about through hate, boycotting, picketing, or negative marketing.  This decision must be brought about through LOVE.

Sadly, the church has failed you in this way.  I wish I could apologize for all of us.  But I can only apologize for myself and those around me.  I am deeply and utterly sorry for the hate you have experienced as a result of your situation.  I'm sorry for the judgement I used to pass on you.  I now know how scary pregnancy can be and how much children change your future.  And I respect your right to choose to not raise your child.  I can only imagine the pain that comes with that decision.

But I have a solution for you.  And it's not abortion.  It's called ADOPTION.  A beautiful, amazing, inspiring picture of both LIFE and CHOICE.  The choice to give your child LIFE.

And that's where the church must step in.

Church: we must put aside the hate surrounding this issue and embrace the love and grace of Christ.  We need to step in and help these women who have nowhere to turn.  Stop the hateful speeches and judgmental rants.  Show love.  Show acceptance.  And give a solution.

We need to be a safe haven.  A place of refuge where women can come in their fear and find ANSWERS. And by answers, I don't mean words.  I mean actions.  We need to be ready to step up and offer a family for the child whose mother cannot keep him.  We need to offer support for that mother as she carries on with her life.  We need to be an adoption minded people.  We cannot sit on the sidelines and condemn the choice a woman makes.  We need to get involved.  Get dirty.  Fight for life.  And give the opportunity of life to the women who must make that decision.

Step up.  Share the vision.  Share your knowledge.  Share your story.  And be ready to watch God move mountains!

Reflections

I awoke early Christmas morning in anticipation of the day's excitement. The hum of the coffee maker was soothing as I pulled the creamer from the fridge. After carefully turning the coffee into a sweet, creamy, somewhat coffee-tasting beverage, I turned on the tree and stuffed the stockings. I re-organized the presents under the tree for the third time before finally curling up on the couch the wait for the pitter patter of feet upstairs.

Christmas is my very favorite time of year. People are happier, the air is (sometimes) chilly and crisp, and I get to spoil my kids rotten. I also get more opportunities than usual to tell them about Jesus and his love for them. I remember His birth as I reflect on His sacrifice. And I give thanks.

This Christmas was different, however. I watched with joy as our kids opened their presents in very loud wonder. My eyes met with my husband's as we sat on the couch and played tea party with two very cute little people. We celebrated Jesus' birth with friends we couldn't be more blessed to know.

But despite the cheer and laughter, there was a hole in my heart.

You see, halfway around the world there is a 7 year old girl who doesn't know what Christmas is. She did not awake to the smell of cinnamon rolls and the sound of Christmas music in the kitchen. She didn't snuggle in bed with her family before running down the stairs to find presents under the tree. She wasn't here to unwrap the handmade blanket her grandma gave her the night before. She missed the stockings and breakfast and trampoline jumping. She missed the hugs and kisses and the Christmas story.

And I missed her.

But I rejoiced in the hope that she will be with us next Christmas. I rejoiced knowing that we are doing everything we can to make sure she never spends another Christmas alone. Her story is only just beginning.

There are other kids who don't have that hope. Kids who may not ever spend Christmas with a family. Children who may never learn what Christmas IS. Children who may never know the Savior whose birth we celebrate.

And that's the cause of the hole in my heart. Yes, I long for the day we bring Miah home, but I am at peace because I know that day will come. The despair in my heart is not for our daughter's current living situation, but for the children who will never be held or loved or wanted. The children who have no hope.

I don't know that a heart can be mended once it has been broken this way. I don't know that it SHOULD be mended. I pray that my heart will always be broken for orphans. May I never forget their struggles. And may I never stop doing everything in my power to pray for, advocate for, and love them.

A new year is coming. It's a big year for us. It's the year we bring our daughter home. It can also be the year you decide to step out and do something great. Is your heart broken like mine? Do you weep for these children? Did you know you can DO something very tangible to change the life of a child? Are you ready to step out in faith? Adoption is beautiful. Will you consider it? I can tell you without a doubt that it is the most exciting, powerful, inspiring step we have ever taken. Will you take that step with us?

Hope

Hope.  Webster defines hope as "cherishing a desire with anticipation".   You might currently be hoping for a promotion.  Or a bonus at work.  Or even a new job altogether.  Maybe you're hoping for a new car or the latest smart phone for Christmas.  Maybe you're hoping for healing.  Or peace.  Or reconciliation.  We hope for all sorts of things.  We don't hope for things that mean nothing to us.  We hope for what's important to us.  Whether it be material, emotional, or spiritual, we hope for that which we desire.

Hope.

It has a completely different meaning for Quinn.  You see, Quinn's hope is fading.  It has been for a while.  Hope for Quinn is a dimly lit candle who's flame is barely providing light at all.  There's not much left to hang on to.

Quinn was transferred from his orphanage earlier this year to a mental institution in Eastern Europe.  He now spends close to 24 hours a day in a crib.  No eye contact.  No stimulation.  Just himself, his self-soothing behaviors, and the little hope he has left.

Quinn hopes for a family.  His down syndrome made that next to impossible in his birth country. International adoption was the hope he clung to. But transfer to an institution changes things drastically.  80% of children transferred to an institution die within their first year there.  EIGHTY PERCENT.  That statistic doesn't help Quinn's chances at all.

He needs a family.  Now.

He needs someone to step out in faith. Someone to say "yes".  Someone to be his family.  Down syndrome should NOT be a death sentence.  But without a family, it will be one for Quinn.  Children with down syndrome are shunned in this country.  They are placed in orphanages and left to die.

When did we go so very wrong?  These are children of God.  And yet we have allowed the world to corrupt our thinking as we let children like Quinn sit in an institution and die.  God made Quinn just as he is.  He loves him.  I have this image in my head of God weeping over the state of these children.  The ones He created in His image.  The ones He loved enough to give His Son for.

Quinn needs a family.  It's the only hope he has left.  Could you be his family?  What are you scared of?

 Friends, God is MORE than capable of providing.  We're living proof that He can provide the funds for your adoption.  He can provide the doctors, counselors, and support for you as you walk this road.   He can put people in your path who have walked the same road.  There is nothing to fear.

Will you pray that Quinn finds renewed hope soon?  Hope in the form of a family.  A family to rescue him.  To love him.  To provide for his needs and so much more.  A family to show him Jesus.

I was blessed to watch a video and read a report of Quinn today.  This little boy has so much life left in him!  I know he can bring so much joy to someone out there!  You just have to look at that smile above to see it.  

If you might be Quinn's family please email Nina at nina.t@chiadopt.com.

***I so desperately want Quinn to find a family that from today on, every dime I make from the Owls for Orphans project will be set aside for the family who comes for Quinn.  Our adoption is not yet fully funded, but we know God will provide.  Miah has a family coming.  Quinn still needs one.  I'm stepping out in faith here knowing someone out there will come for him.  Is it you?

Our Adoption Story (Video Style)

Craig and I were given the incredible honor of being able to directly participate in Orphan Sunday yesterday at our church.  Our family as well as some close friends of ours had the opportunity to share our adoption story and raise awareness of orphans and the role adoption plays in orphan care.  Check it out below.

Disclaimer: I've been told tissues come in handy.


Adoption-Miah from Freedom Church on Vimeo.


Many thanks to leanncannonphotography.com for the amazing video production!

Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday.  The Sunday where churches around the world join together to raise awareness of orphans.  In fact, the entire month of November is adoption month.

I don't know the statistics.  Statistics change so rapidly I never really know how accurate they are anyway.  But did you know that there are around 147 million orphans worldwide?  Did you know that about 50 million of those orphans would benefit most from adoption?  Did you know that there are 3 year old children in Africa caring for their infant siblings because there is no family to care for them?  Did you know that there are children in Eastern Europe who spend their entire lives in cribs?  Did you know that there are children in the United States who are moved from foster home to foster home while they await a family?  For those of you who are local did you know that there is an orphanage right in your backyard where children face every day without parents?  Did you know that prior to July of this year, nobody ever wanted this girl?

Nobody loved her.  Nobody wanted to give her a family.  Nobody cared if she lived or died.  

Except for the One that matters most.  HE loves her.  HE cares for her.  HE wants to see her redeemed.  HE knows what amazing things she can do for His kingdom if she will only be given the chance.  

Friends, did you know that because of your sin you look weak, fragile, and unlovable?  At least to the world you do.  But not to the One who created you.  While you were still in your sin, Christ died for you.  God adopted you as his very own child - a co-heir of Christ.  You have a family!  You have an eternity!  You have an inheritance!

And it's because of that very love and sacrifice that we in turn should freely give our love to the orphans of this world.  

With tears I tell you now that the little girl pictured about is LOVED by so many.  Because of God grace, she has a family coming for her.  Because of His mercy she has an entire community waiting to meet her and spoil her rotten.  He has big plans for her.  And He's using us to help bring those plans to fruition.  

But this one girl doesn't solve the crisis.  There are another 100+ million out there still waiting.  

What can YOU do to help end the orphan crisis?  Would you consider one of the following as a starting point?

- Adoption.  Internationally or domestically.  Infant or special needs.  There are so many kids who need families.
- Foster Care.  Even kids who are temporarily orphaned need care and hope.
- Sponsorship.  Sponsor a child.  Your sponsorship could very well keep them from becoming an orphan.
- Financial support.  Help an adopting family financially.  Support a local orphanage financially.  Give to your church's orphan care fund if applicable.
-  Advocate.  Spread the news about orphans and how we can help end the crisis.
-  Prayer.  Friends, prayer changes things.  Pray for these kids.  Pray for the families who will potentially come into their lives.  Pray for their caregivers.  Pray for those who are doing all they can to make a difference.

How can you help?  What is God calling you to do?

Meet "Boo"

Isn't she a cutie pie?  

Sadly, she doesn't have a family.  This little girl NEEDS A FAMILY.  I thought about not even publishing this post.  I've never advocated for a child before.  Our blog is not hugely followed, and those who follow most likely aren't planning to adopt any time soon.  And that's okay.  Maybe there's ONE of you who will be touched by this post.  If so, this post has served it's purpose.

Boo is listed with Children's House International - the adoption agency we're using.  I cannot say enough good things about this agency and our case manager, Nina.  Boo has been lovingly nicknamed "Boo" because she looks so much like the little girl in the movie Monster's Inc.  According to Nina, Boo has a mild form of Spina Bifida.  She had surgery in June to repair her back.  At 2 years old, she is pulling up, crawling, and trying to walk on her own!  She's doing SO WELL!  She does have scoliosis, and will need surgery at some point in the future.  But y'all.  Surgery is not a big deal when you look at the big picture!  Her cognitive skills are good and her CT scans were normal.  She's going to be the perfect daughter for someone out there.  It's actually hard to believe she doesn't have a family yet.  She's so sweet!

Would my friends with blogs be willing to share this post on your blog?  Who knows - you might have a reader who wants Boo!  Would my friends on Facebook and Twitter consider sharing this link?  The more we can get Boo's picture out, the more likely it is that her family will find her.  

If you might be interested in adopting Boo, you can email Nina Thompson at nina.t(at)chiadopt(dot)org.  She can answer any of your questions and send you a sweet video of Boo!  

If you might be interested in adoption in general, feel free to email me and I'll answer what questions I can.  If I don't have answers, I'll find them for you!  amybmoss(at)gmail(dot)com.  I'd love to talk with you.