Two Months Home

     It’s been almost two months since we’ve been home with Lydia and Isaiah.  It’s been a crazy, exhausting, wonderful two months for sure.  So many sweet friends have been asking us how we’ve been adjusting.  We’ve been so appreciative of all the kind words and prayers for our family.  Both Lydia and Isaiah seem very happy and content with their new life in the States.  Initially, Isaiah had some stomach issues that we had to work through.  But after a few weeks, they are both eating well and sleeping pretty consistently through the night. Adam, Emma, and Nathan have been such big helps and absolutely adore them.  I love watching them all play together, laughing and enjoying being together.

     Lydia and Isaiah have blessed us so very much. I am so thankful for this journey the Lord called Keith and I on over the past couple of years.  He has taught us so much about His love and mercy.  Many of you know while we were in Ethiopia, we had the opportunity to meet Biruk, the boy we sponsor through Compassion International.  We were so excited to meet him and his family.  After arriving at the community center that day, they brought Biruk to us.  I gave him a big hug, but immediately noticed the sadness in his eyes.  He was guarded, quiet, and a reserved 15 year old.  As we talked, I learned for the first time that both his parents were in prison.  He was living with his two brothers in Addis… alone. As I listened to the interpreter, I tried to hide the tears in my eyes. On our visit, we were able to go to his house and meet his brothers. Solomon, who looked a little younger than Biruk, greeted us with a big smile. Their youngest brother, Nehemiah, was only five. They welcomed us graciously into their small home, made of mud with a tin roof. I looked around to find their only possessions were a small bed, a few dishes, a small table, and a few chairs. We asked how we could pray for them, and Biruk explained how they had very little money to buy food.  Their only source of income was their Compassion sponsorship ($38 a month), and renting out one of the little rooms in their house.  And the renters were not always reliable in making payments. Biruk was debating quitting school so he could make more money to buy food.  He explained little Nehemiah would wake up in the middle of the night, crying because he was hungry. Biruk said he often would not eat, so Nehemiah could have a double portion. As I listened, it was all I could do not to burst into tears. I looked into Biruk’s eyes. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders. In his eyes, I saw my son, Adam.  I tried to imagine Adam wondering where his next meal would come from…dealing with the burden of being the sole provider and caretaker for his younger siblings.  I could not fathom it.  I looked into Nehemiah’s eyes and saw our little Nathan.  This sweet little boy had no mom or dad to give him a kiss goodnight, comfort him when he scraped his knee or help him with his schoolwork. Our visit was so special, but honestly very sobering.

     The truth is there are over 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone. One in six children will die before they turn five years old. 60% of the children there suffer from malnutrition.  How the Lord has broken my heart for “the least of these”. I pray that the Lord will use our amazing journey to bring glory to Himself and fulfill His purposes in the church.  I pray He would burden the hearts of others and cause them to show love to the orphan.

     So looking back at these last couple of months..Am I tired?  Yes.  Am I sometimes overwhelmed? Definitely.  Do I feel stretched thin at times?  Of course.  Would I change a thing? Never.  These two sweet babies now have a mommy, daddy, two brothers and a sister who love them very much. They do not have to worry about where their next meal will come from or being all alone. I pray the Lord would  USE ME UP in this lifetime. May I never become complacent or satisfied.  May I never choose to look the other way, whether  these sweet children are across the ocean or in my own town. God has given us every bit of strength we have needed. He has provided for us financially in more ways we could have imagined.  I continue to pray for whoever is taking the time to read this entry. What is the Lord calling you to do? Sponsor a child?  Foster? Adopt?   I pray He will break your heart.  And not leave you alone until you move in obedience.  And oh how He will bless you!  Trust me. I know. 

Referral! Originally written in 12/11

Well, a great deal has happened with the Johnson family during the last six weeks. On Thanksgiving weekend, we received a call from our adoption agency, stating that they had two sweet children available: a 9 month old litlte girl and a 2 month old little boy.  She wanted us to think and pray over it and let her know if we were interested. As I hung up the phone, many questions filled my head..."Could we really manage TWO babies?"  "Didn't we want them to be closer in age to the 3 we already had?"  All along, we had anticipated bringing home toddlers or preschoolers. Keith and I talked for several hours, and even consulted a friend who had recently adopted two small children from Ethiopia. At the end of our conversation, she said, "Just pray and seek God's face. Look to Him for that peace of mind in your decision." After further discussion, Keith and I knew two babies would be challenging. Going through the baby phase again would mean sleepless nights, changing of diapers, making bottles, etc. Yet, we felt a peace about these two little ones. The same peace that urged us to start the adoption process to begin with.  Very quickly, we got used to the idea of having them join our family. After contacting our agency, they sent pictures for the first time of our sweet babies. First, was Elsabet, our Lydia. She was absolutely beautiful with her curly hair and gorgeous eyes. I yelled to Keith to get our 3 kids out of bed to come see. Instantly, they came charging down the steps. Following, were screams of joy, jumping up and down, joyful laughter...Next came precious Endashaw, our Isaiah. He looked so little, frail and helpless. Repeated screams, jumping, and laughter behind me.
     I can not describe to you how surreal it is to see two children for the first time on a computer screen, and know they are meant to be yours. To know they were meant to be Johnsons before creation. That moment was just as exciting and joyous as the instant our other three were born and introduced to us in the delivery room. At that moment, I knew God had planned for them to part of our family. Instantly, I loved them, and that love has grown with each day we wait to bring them home.
     On December 28th, we learned our court date would be on January 16, pending a judge's examination of our paperwork. On January 4th, we learned we would definitely be heading to Ethiopia on the 12th. As this was earlier than expected, we ran around frantically trying to get everything done. However, we were so thrilled that the process was continuing to move forward. The sooner Lydia and Isaiah get to their forever family, the better! Please continue to pray for us on our journey.

An entry I had originally written in April 2011. Better late than never. : )

     Upon finishing our dossier in late February, we were required to pay another large fee of about $5,000.00  When we started this process, we had only a fraction of the amount needed to get us started. However, knowing adoption was God’s plan for our family and with His affirmation that He wanted us to start the process, we took a step of faith, not knowing where all the money would come from. Thus, when it was time to turn in our dossier, we had already used most of the resources we had saved.  With our tax refund, we were able to take care of part of it.

     As March approached, I knew that money would be tight after making this big payment. Just as I am known to do at times, I began to focus on what we needed and where the money would come from.  I began to focus on the problem and not how big our God is! During this time, I prayed intently, pouring out my heart to God about our needs. He graciously gave me the Scripture, Isaiah 46:11, “ What I have said, that will I bring about; What I have planned, that will I do. “   I was reminded of God’s provision in many ways during this time.

     During the first week of March, someone sent us a sweet card anonymously with a monetary gift enclosed. Upon receiving our referral, another big fee will be due. What a blessing that we already have a gift to begin saving for the next fee. How special that someone cares for our family’s finances during this time.  How thankful we are for our Christian family.  But even more special is that someone we love cares about the two sweet children that are soon to be part of our family. They’ve not even met them yet, but they wanted to help us in bringing them to their forever home. Someone cares about the orphan, the least of these. How thankful I am for that!

     So God has continued to provide for us financially, one step at a time.  It reminds me of the Israelites when they were in the desert (Exodus 16) God only gave them enough manna and quail for the present day.  Each day they had to trust God for their food, never able to rely on their own resources.  In the same way, God has provided financially for us, just what we need as each fee becomes due.  We have been forced to depend on Him each step of this process.  And He has always made a way for His plan to continue.  In April, we discovered we received a $3000.00 grant from Lifesong!

     In March, rumors began that MOWA (the organization that processes court hearings in Ethiopia) would be slowing adoption cases to 5 a day, supposedly a 90% decrease.  As this story developed, I became a little more anxious, but trying to wait patiently on the Lord. During this time, God ministered to me in such a great way through His Word.  In Isaiah 49:23, 25-26, it says, “ Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed…I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save….Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, you Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. :”  There were moments when I just clung to these verses.  And it was during this time that I decided if the Lord did decide to bless us with a little boy from Ethiopia, I would want his name to be Isaiah.  During this difficult time, I grew in that I knew I could trust God’s plan for us ( not my own plan). And that my chief desire is to completely trust in Him, and see Him glorified…not that I would get My way for what I think His plan should be. 

Starting our Dossier

So we started our Dossier this month. I admit as I read the long list of "paper chasing" I became a little overwhelmed and discouraged. But I was quickly reminded and convicted of what God  sacrificed to adopt me. He had to sacrifice His beloved Son on a cross so that I might become a child of His. And suddenly all the paperwork, notarization, and busy work did not seem so bad after all. How very thankful I am for His zealous love for me...that he would love me so much to provide his beautiful plan of salvation for me. Again, I am reminded in His word, " I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." in John 14:18   So, as I collect my documents, make my phone calls, and run my errands, may I do it with thanksgiving. Please continue to pray for us...that God's timing would be perfect, that He would continue to teach Keith and I through this crazy process, and, most of all, that He would be glorified and would fulfill His purposes through our adoption.

Adoption - A New Beginning

As some of you already know, Keith and I are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. My hope is to write our testimony about this experience to bring glory to God throughout this entire journey.  I am so very thankful for all the Lord has been teaching me over these past several months. Last Christmas of 2009, a friend, Dave Conn, approached me with our Christmas card and said, “There is someone missing in your card. “ I smiled, but deep down felt he was right. Keith and I already have three beautiful children and had already decided we were “done.” However, I never truly had a peace that our family was complete. I never would have thought Keith would be open to more children.  It was very soon after this that Keith approached me about the possibility of fostering one day, and his desire to minister to at risk children due to some of his childhood experiences. During this conversation, I responded jokingly, “We ought to just go over to Africa and bring home a sweet little baby that needs a family.”  Much to my surprise, Keith responded with a “Well, let’s look into that.”  Needless to say, I was completely surprised! We continued to talk about adopting through fostering and international adoption, discussing the pros and cons. We continued to research both by attending the Southeast Christian Church’s Adoption Conference in March of 2010.

                During these months, God continued to speak to me about adoption and faith. In a Bible Study Fellowship lesson, the lecturer spoke about the cost of worship. Costly devotion is precious to Jesus. She asked, “What is Jesus worth to you? How much time? How much money? What sacrifice is He calling you to do to bring glory to Him and be fruitful to others?” I knew God was speaking to me about adoption during the lecture. Again, God spoke to me during another BSF lecture in February 2010. The leader spoke about the peace that comes from the Holy Spirit and how it surpasses all difficult circumstances. The peace given by Jesus does not depend on the world’s circumstances. The speaker went on to tell the story about how this peace led her to board a plane to China to complete the adoption process with her daughter. Wow! Again, I felt God tugging on my heart towards adoption.

                As God continued to lead and guide us, we decided to take a “Considering Adoption” course offered at Highview Baptist Church.  Here, God revealed so much to me about adoption. With regards to Christianity, God reminded me of His plan of salvation for us all as orphans. As orphans, we are in slavery to sin, have no hope, and no future. In Isaiah 59:2, it says “but your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”  But, praise the Lord! God had another plan for us. In John 14:18, He says, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you.” I am so very thankful He came to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Ezekiel 36:26 says “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  What a beautiful picture. Though we are sinners and do not deserve His love, grace and mercy, He chose to adopt us and make us His children. The Father of creation, omnipotent God desires to know us and love us. Psalm 8:4 says, “What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

                God has also spoken to me about God’s commands concerning the orphan. In James 1:27, it says,” Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Also in Matthew 25:40, it says “And in reply the king will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ “Sadly, I had always considered adoption to just be a wonderful option for a couple desiring to have children, who were unable to have biological children. God has opened my eyes that adoption can not only be about just adding to your family, but to see it as a calling, and a command as we are required to care for the orphan. During this time, God spoke to me more and more, confirming His calling that we should adopt.

                In July 2010, Keith and I learned that adoption through fostering became much more difficult and the “adoption tract” no longer existed.  Though I had always had concerns about fostering, but was willing to explore it, we felt like this meant God was closing this door right now. However, we are both open to looking into this again later. We felt the Lord leading us to international adoption, but the financial burden of it caused us to hold off on officially starting the process. In that same month, I was a chaperon for Adam and Emma’s church camp called Crossings. The theme for that summer was “Adopted”. (Don’t you just love God’s sense of humor?) There, I unexpectedly saw Tera Melber, our adoption course instructor from Highview Baptist Church, and got to update her on our process. On the last day of camp, the Crossings director, Scott Bidwell, spoke to the chaperons about adoption. He had just recently finished a domestic adoption with his new infant son. He said something I will never forget.    ” In Joshua 3, God told the Israelite priests to carry the ark down to the Jordan River and that He would stop the waters. He didn’t stop the waters when they were 100 yards from the Jordan. He waited and stopped the waters when they took a step of faith into the river. God will provide a way, if we are obedient. If you feel God calling you to adopt, do not let the money stop you. Go home and start filling out the paperwork.”  Wow! So do you ever feel like God is speaking directly at you despite everyone else that may be in the room? I went home and talked with Keith. We agreed to diligently pray about what country we should adopt from.  After speaking with some friends who had adopted, on 9/3/2010, we agreed to start the adoption process with Ethiopia, and began our home study.

                So here we are stepping out in faith into the Jordan River, confident that God will work out every single detail of this new adventure we are about to embark on. We are so looking forward to see what blessings He has in store for us. Please keep us in your prayers.