"Follow Me"

is the answer to the question, "Why are you adopting?".  It's not about me, it's about Jesus.  I know not everyone understands this whole adoption adventure.  I know not everyone agrees.  But, I don't have to answer to everyone.  I have to answer to the One who gave His life for me.  This is what He has called our family to do, and we will follow Him.

The journey so far:

When I first felt God calling our family to adopt from Uganda... I was full of questions.  I questioned whether He meant "adopt" or "sponsor".  I questioned whether or not I was equipped to adopt.  I questioned the country choice.  I questioned whether or not I would be able to love adopted children as my own.  I questioned my motives.  I questioned how adoption would work out for our family.

After spending much time in prayer, my questioning turned into a desperate plea for direction.  My heart cried out to my Jesus... 'please, don't let me fail You'.   And His gentle answer was "follow Me". 

He led us to meet Pastor Jackson and Eve Senyonga of Christian Life Church and Ministries.  He led us to sponsor children in Uganda through their ministry.  He led us to Uganda for the National Celebration for the most amazing worship experience.  He led us to visit CLM's orphan village to visit our sponsored children.  We have been forever changed by that experience.

After visiting our sponsored children, I started asking questions again.  I questioned whether or not we were just supposed to sponsor children.  I questioned whether or not He really said "adopt".  Again, I prayed.  His answer was again "follow Me".

He led us to a foster home to take pictures of some precious girls for a "bloggy" friend, who has become a dear friend.  He led one of His faithful to bring several children, that did not live in the home, to a party planned for our arrival.  And He spoke to our hearts that day when we saw them, "these are your children".

I had no questions.  I knew they were mine.  I knew I could love them.  I knew that He would equip me and our family in every way to care for them.  I knew I didn't have to figure it out, because He would take care of it.  All I had to do... was follow Him.

There is no part of this story that is about me.  It's ALL about Him.  He is faithful.  In my weakness, He is strong.  In my questions, He is the answer. 

He says, "follow Me" and so I will.

So today, I encourage you to take a step of faith and follow Him in whatever He is calling you to do. 

He will not fail you.  You do not have to figure out the details, He will.

His gentle call is "follow Me".

"He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice." John 10:4