Brady and I began our discussion about adoption almost 15 years ago after I returned from a two week mission trip to Haiti with some of Brady's amazing family. His Uncle Len and Aunt Suzette began a legacy of love for Haiti that may have surpassed their wildest expectations. Brady grew up hearing about the needs and beauty of the Haitian people and his love for them began even before my own. Those who have had the privilege to love and be loved by the Haitian people will understand when I say I left a part of my heart in Haiti. I can remember the mournful feeling in my heart as I said goodbye to the last of those I had grown to love. As I got on the plane to leave, the haunting of love for this complicated, beautiful place and it's precious people dug down deep and simply, never left. We were not even married yet, but we were dreaming together of the day we could hold a little Haitian child of our own. Little did we know that we were far from being ready for anything like that yet!
As we started our married life together almost 12 years ago, it became abundantly clear that we were very selfish, immature people. Although the first few years of our new life together were not all that newlyweds hope for, the Lord was gracious. The tough times and disappointments of those early years forced us into a pivotal decision. We could either choose to continue in selfishness and immaturity, or we could give ourselves over completely to living this adventure of love with Jesus at our core. We are grateful to say we chose the adventure! Our life together has strengthened our resolve to live love out in action.
The Lord added so much beauty to our adventure when he brought our son Langston into our lives over 6 years ago. He is a tenderhearted, Lego obsessed, wonderful big brother! His love for the Haitian people began last year when we joined with The Apparent Project to give people the opportunity to purchase beautiful products handmade by hardworking Haitians. Langston spent his own money and gave a Haitian man the payment he deserved for his efforts. Our Banning boy is almost 4 years old now, and so ready to be a big brother to his little sister coming our way! He has a knack for knowing when you need a hug or a laugh, and this adventure is even more amazing because he is a part of it!
As this past decade or so has played out, so has the discussion of adopting a little one from Haiti. We would pick up the conversation, and put it down again. We would talk, and pray, but the peace just wasn't there yet. And then about a year ago we decided we would spend the year praying and researching in order to make more progress in discerning if we should be a family for one of God's lonely ones, or if our role was to help others He led to adopt. God's heart to set the lonely in families (psalm 68) is one that He accomplishes using many willing participants. He equips some to be the family a little one needs so desperately, He equips others to give financially to bring a child home, and He equips all of us to spread the good news of His great plan to rescue not only the orphan children of the world who need love, but the orphaned hearts of the world whom He welcomes to be adopted as His sons and daughters. We did not want to be out of His will for our participation in His beautiful plan. We had pretty much surrendered to the idea that maybe we were meant to play a more supporting role when we were pleasantly surprised to find our hearts burning in unison over bringing a little one into our family. And so, we leave our fears in the hands of the One who began whispering to our hearts long ago. We are not exceptional people. We only long to live the adventure of love that Jesus has called us to. May He be proved mighty throughout our journey and may His heart for this world be more clearly recognized.
Adventure.... here we come!
