The time we spent in Zambia was incredible. It has etched pictures into our minds that will never be erased. Pictures of God's beautiful creation in the area in which we lived. Pictures of hope as we saw some of the good work being done in Livingstone. Yet despite the beauty and hope we also have pictures of pain - children sleeping on the streets, begging, small children (about 3 years old) alone - scantly dressed. These pictures have changed all of us and through this change we are sensing the Lord's leading for the next stage of our lives.
After adopting 6 children, we thought we had a heart for the orphan, but that was only partly true. God has solidified and intensified that desire within us all, including the children and we want our lives to be dedicated to taking care of the orphan. We want to adopt again!
We would love to return to Africa and work there. We have tried to open the doors, but the Lord has kept them closed.
We cannot adopt in England because all adoptions are processed through the Local Authorities and we have already been told by them that we have too many children!!!
So, what is next for us? We will be returning to America where we can adopt.
We are not quite sure of the time frame in which this will happen as there are several hurdles we have to jump through. First we have to get my paperwork in order. I was a permanent resident when we left the States (I had my green card - not citizenship) and because I have been gone from the country for over a year I have lost my right to automatically return. This process should take about 4 to 5 months.
God seems to be opening the doors for us to return because the house we were renting when we left almost 18 months ago is still vacant and a friend of Gary's has some work for him that will help us out while Gary starts his business back up.
Once we return, we have to set up our home again and work to build the business (so we can meet the government's financial requirements) before we can pursue an adoption, but while we wait for those things to happen we will continue to be a voice for the orphan.
We would appreciate your prayers that the paperwork would come through fast so we can start our lives again in Missouri and begin our journey to adoption.
Michelle
5 comments:
It's great to hear your update! Have been waiting to find out how things are going for you all. Very excited about your desire to adopt more children. God has given you an amazing ministry and passion.
Rather sad to hear that you can't fulfil your vision here in the UK. Though not entirely surprised.
Good to hear your news. I was thinking of you today.
love Sarah and family
That is so awesome--thanks for sharing.
TO all of you... I have kept you much in my prayers, and although the world will always question our decisions, I pray that you rest in the fact that when you are in God's will, that is all that matters. How precious is our time to serve the Lord, so just keep listening to HIM...He already has the plan in place for your future.
Love to all of you, Linda B.
Yeah! I will be praying for you and welcome back :)
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