What a ride....

Adoption is pretty crazy.

We had no idea when we began this journey that we were strapping ourselves in for a pretty LONG rollercoaster ride. There have been unpredictable twists and turns, and we have cried and wanted off this ride at times.

But, we are sensing more and more that every twist and turn was for a purpose. God has been present every step of the way. We can't pretend to understand everything that the Lord has done, but we do know that it is all for our good and it will all be for HIS glory in the end. We have had to seek Him constantly, and that is NEVER a bad thing.

For a year, we prayed for a little girl that we thought would become a part of our family. Getessa became a household name for many in our church, and circle of friends. This child was prayed for daily. The life of an orphan became real to us, our children and those closest to us. 

Those prayers were not wasted. God only knows the protection that this afforded her. I can't wait to one day understand the fullness of His plans.

A friend of ours came to Christ after hearing about Getessa.

We made new friends, who wanted to follow us on this journey.

There were countless blessings along the way, all that point to a more perfect plan.

We were so sad when we knew that the door was closing for us to bring her home. We still pray for her daily. Her picture is still on our mantle and it will stay there.

We are more determined than ever to follow God wherever he is leading.

Our adoption agency asked us if we would consider TWO brothers. We were one of the few families on file that was open to adopting a child of either sex up to the age of 7. They had two brothers that they were trying to keep together, and thought it might be worth asking us to consider them.

We were intimidated at first. We had not thought of adopting siblings.

How much would it cost? Could we afford it? Could we parent 4 children?

We prayed, and prayed, and prayed........and prayed.

Our agency sent the complete referral, and we prayed some more.

We found that the only excuse not to do this was the additional $5,000 in costs it would add to our adoption. 

A child's life is worth way more than $5,000. Money could not be the reason.

We prayed some more. We talked about it to our kids, and they were on board.  Willing to share with two more.

As we talked, we felt that this was double the blessing.  We could bring these boys into a loving home, where they will hear the name Jesus on a daily basis. They will be together, and they will be loved.

WE can love them. And we will....

We hope that you will continue with us on this journey as we follow the Lord's lead and prepare to welcome two more smiling faces into the Schmidt family.