Tuesday, June 19, 2007

We are adopting!

Over the last 8 months Eric and I have been in deep discussion and prayer about expanding our family through adoption. We want to provide a home and loving family to one of the millions of children that may otherwise not have either. We recognize the amazing blessings God has given us throughout our lives--in our family, friends, life and church community. We are overjoyed at the thought of sharing these things with another child.

We made our final decision in April 2007 after attending an informational meeting at Childrens Hope International. Over the months we have read, researched and had many conversations that lead us to adopting from Ethiopia. We learned that Ethiopia has allowed International adoption for several years. We have learned that there are roughly 5 million orphans in need of homes in Ethiopia, and that the culture is such that, though the people are very poor and ill, they value their children and try to treat them as kindly as they are able, even in the orphanages.

Everyone who decides to adopt is faced with many decisions (above and beyond the first big decision to adopt); such as the country from which to adopt, age range of the child etc...We always new Africa! There are not many countries in Africa, who allow international adoption and ultimately this feels best for our family. It has been difficult to explain every thing involved in our decision to pursue Ethiopian adoption, but once we did, there was no turning back.


So....This is the day that the official process begins to bring home our baby girl!

Please keep our family and this process in your prayers...
Eric and Cheryl

10 comments:

Robby and Lynsey said...

yay! Your first post. :) We are SO EXCITED and look forward to hearing more about this process and supporting you in whatever ways we can. We love you guys.

Robby and Lynsey said...

I'm so excited that you are coming to class with me!!! ;) Go here to see the Gresham center's page
http://jes.jazzercise.com/jes.dll?JCLS:ISFacilityPage:0:FacilityObjectID=1813&SearchObjID=7025446&CameFrom=Index

This class (should) be free. You'll get a $25 discount if you sign up tomorrow. There is more pricing info on this page. You can bring the kids tomorrow, too. It will be $1/child. The class is at 9:30am ... but I think we should meet there about 10 minutes before because there is a small amount of paperwork to fill out before class (and we can be sure to get a spot together!) I'll call you tonight to discuss it more after I get off of work. :) Thanks for being brave! And for your sweet comments. ;)

John E. said...

We are very excited for your family! Know that we will walk this out with you every step of the way. What you have turned your hearts to is an amazing expression of kingdom love and faithfulness and we are learning God's way as we journey with you in this. You are all so dear to us and we love you very much, and can't wait to welcome your new baby girl!

kelsey Bryanne said...

why did robby and lynsey already get 2 posts!!! :) Anyway, I too am soooooo excited and overjoyed about our new little klobas girl! know that I am in prayer for the process, her mother who is carying her and for her. I love you very much and God is truly going to bless this babies life by bringing her into your home as she will also bless yours.
much love!
kels

JW said...

We love your blog, we love you, we love your
future with a new little one!
(J=john and W=wendy) get it?

Anonymous said...

We are very excited for you. Our family rejoices with you. Let us know how we can support and encourage you.

Fenn said...

Yay!!! I am so excited for you all! I know that this will be a crazy time but know that I am walking with you as well as EC and we will help in any way possible! I am praying for your sweet little girl and pray incredible blessings on you all as you go through this crazy time. I love you!!!!!

Blessings and joy, Amy

Jen said...

Congratulations on a blog and on a child! I can't wait to meet the little person God has in mind for your family. It's neat to think that he is creating a special little girl especially for you just like he created Blake and Kaylin especially for you. We will be here through it all. We love you!

I added your blog onto mine!

Lori Ann said...

I am so happy for your family! What a wonderful expression of love.
I will be praying for you all and excited to read your journey.

Tara said...

congrats!! i hope the process goes quickly and smoothly..so far God has been so good to us and our adoption process is moving along pretty quickly...so i will pray that you are blessed even more!