Our Yes

Last year, January 2015, our family lost the third child God had given to us.  Experiencing the effects of a miscarriage has been, to date, one of the most difficult trials we've gone through.  A quote that I have latched onto brings me comfort and gives me perspective - "God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves."  I understand now the parts of that journey that He of course would love, as do I - we have grown exponentially stronger in our relationship with Him, in our relationships with others and our character has been shaped to resemble His Son a little bit more.  I rejoice that He has done that work through the terrible reality of grief.  Following the loss of our baby, I (Rachael) have endured many health issues, some of which still remain.  As the year progressed and the desire to grow our family (though we have been unable to biologically thus far) never waned, God began to lay it upon our hearts that perhaps His plan to add more children to our home would look differently than what we expected.  In our marriage, we had always said that when we were done having our own biological children that we would consider adopting.  God started to show us in personal ways that maybe His plan was for it to be in a different order.  He was bringing it to our attention by way of repetition.  More than anything, we want to be a people who say Yes to what God is asking of us.  To live open-handed.

We see the call in Scripture that true religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress. We know that this will look different for everyone. We have seen this lived out in many variations through the genuine believers we're blessed to do life with. Regardless, the command is clear.  Our faith should look like something in action. So when the rubber met the road, lots of fears were rising up.  How on earth could we afford adoption, which on average costs around $25,000-$30,000? Have we really counted the cost of what the practical implications will be bringing a child into our home who has been exposed to severe trauma in their first few years?  My mind was spinning.  And then.  Then a friend, who also serves as an "adoption mentor" through our church got together with me.  Through her wisdom, I was able to see that the voice I had been listening to was my own, not the Lord's.  After she left, I spent time in prayer, persisting that God show me if this indeed was what He wanted us to do.  The answer was clear - the time is now for us to say Yes to international adoption.

Since that day, so many puzzle pieces have been falling into place.  Confirmation after confirmation that we are exactly where we're supposed to be.  We know that the safest place to be is in the center of God's will.  There is where we find peace.  We have begun to recognize that when we go poking around outside of it and leaning on our own understanding, we feel the effects of that through restlessness, anxiety and insecurity.  So God, in His mercy, keeps wooing us back over and over, drawing us near.  We want to respond with a life that proclaims Proverbs 3:6 - acknowledging God in all of our ways, knowing He alone will make our path straight.

I honestly wish I could share every detail that has unfolded over the last 3 weeks - every single one speaks to the faithfulness of God and really how unbelievably cool He is.  For the sake of keeping this shorter than a novel, though, I'll refrain. :)  I'm more than happy to share with those of you who want to know more - it would be my joy to have you enter more into our story.  

One of the delights for us has been to see how much Lily and Silas are embracing this new adventure. Lily at 6, processes things mainly through pictures or songs.  So she has been drawing pictures, using her imagination to envision what our new family picture will be like.  Those little kindergarten stick figure pictures are completely precious to me.  Silas at 3, processes things in his own way and usually it's random comments here and there with a huge smile on his face.  He's always been our unpredictable one!  When we have conversations, they talk about adoption like it's normal and always been a part of who we are.  We have confidence that it is the Father who has prepared their hearts to receive it with such joy.

There are many unknowns, as there will continue to be in the long, slow process of adopting.  What we do know though, is that we will see changed lives.  Not only is God going to graciously allow us to be a part of giving an orphan a family, He is most definitely going to change us along the way too. Your prayers will mean so much to us!  Along with them, the love, support and generosity of our family and friends will be undeniably critical in bringing our child(ren) home.  If you'd like to be a part of our story, by giving financially to our trip and/or adoption process, you may visit www.gofundme.com/jonescar.
Join us in this endeavor and let's be amazed at all that God will do!

Jonathan's House Orphanage

We will take a mission trip here this summer which will be one of our first steps in the process.

Psalm 68:6 - "God sets the lonely in families."