I know this is a question that has been asked in well-intentioned hearts who hear we are adopting from the other side of the world. When people hear about international adoption, there are usually two responses (or, honestly, a combination of both): (1) That is awesome, and (2) Why adopt from another country when we have kids in need here? Both reactions have merit.
As we all know, the string of celebrities who have adopted from Africa make it somewhat trendy, in a very disturbing way. I have never been one to be trendy. Yes, I will usually give in and eventually buy those trendy things, but only after they has moved from cool to normal, and unfortunately, are headed "out" to be replaced by something much cooler. And, I have had an overwhelming desire to adopt from Africa for almost fifteen years. So, I can feel confident that is not what motivated us to adopt from Africa.
Even the conditions in Africa did not motivate us to adopt from there. There are conditions where kids are suffering ALL OVER THE WORLD. You cannot walk into a country--even one as advanced as the United States--and not find children in need. And, honestly, when it comes to a child, one suffering or one million suffering does not matter. In each abandoned and orphanaged child, there is a small spirit in need of rearing and protection that should not--cannot--be overlooked. It does not matter if that child is an American child, a Guatemalan child, a Chinese child, or an African child, one little heart that will see love in action and be given the opportunity to reach his/her full potential.
I really believe it was God's will that we adopt from Africa. The Lord has orchestrated so many things that led us to that continent, then to the country of the Democratic Republic of Congo, then to our little one. First, the Lord softened, even melted, our hearts toward the people of Africa. He opened our mind to the possibilities and need in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Lord also closed the door to adoption here. We inquired of three different agencies--all of which had programs for children ages 2+, some of which we were requested to contact as possible adoption candidates--and were told by all three agencies that there were few, if any, candidates who would fit in our family at this time.
Sometimes, I want to discredit it. Sometimes, I want to say, "The Lord would not move our hearts in Texas for the sole purpose of uniting us with a little boy in the DRC." But, if He knows the hairs on our head, if He know when every sparrow falls and loves us even more, if He came on a cross and died to save me and that little boy, why not? And, then, I am floored by the nature and character of my Loving Father--He is all-knowing and full of loving kindness.
Honestly, as I prepare to travel in the next few weeks, I am asking the same question, "Why Africa?" I don't really struggle with much anxiety, except when I travel. I do not like being locked in a capsule 30,000 feet in the air; I do not like long taxi cab rides when I feel my life is in danger; I do not like the waiting around where I do not know if there will be water or food or a bathroom. It brings out the worst in me: my palms may actually be sweating now. And this time, I may have to go alone. So, I would much rather God's will be that my child is a few hours' car ride away, but I know that's not the case. And, I know He expects me to trust Him. When I travel. When we bring a new little one in our home. When that little one struggles with adjusting or misses the home he remembers. When people still ask the same question as he gets older, "Why Africa?"
And, I can't wait to see what the Lord teaches my husband, my children and me in the process. I am currently reading Hebrews, one of my favorite books, and it ends with this blessing: "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with every good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever." What a beautiful gift we have been given--the ability to do the work of the Creator, to carry out His will, to please Him and give Him glory. May we all--in our homes, in our neighborhood, in the world--have the privilege of such a beautiful calling.
