Adoption Journey. . . what got us here

To describe our journey to this point in one blog seems a bit overwhelming. For Greg and I the journey was a bit different. . .I have wanted to adopt from the time I was little. I have wanted to go to Africa since I was a toddler. (my first "I want to be. . .when I grow up" was "missionary farmer". . .not sure what that means!) Growing up, I wanted to be a missionary to Africa ~ though the country would change with whatever missionary book I was reading at the time =)
So, when Greg and I got married, I told him the plan. Yes, that tells you a bit about me. I'm pretty sure that in the beginning, I TOLD him the plan. Not that Greg was opposed, he just wasn't positively sure that he wanted to have 2 bios, 1 adopted from Africa and 1 from the states. Let me note, after Greg's involvement, this has grown to include not only the ones I dreamed of but also a child from South America!! Throughout the last 7 years, God has made Greg more and more tender towards adoption and to orphaned children throughout the world. Thanks to all my friends who have adopted before me and Greg crying at each of their children's dedication videos!

Ok, fastforward 7 years. Greg and I decided about 6 months ago that we were ready to pursue adoption. I began to research both South America and Africa. (we had already decided to wait on the home adoption b/c that child may need lots more attention because of an abusive background, so we'll wait till our other kids can be in school). Well, pretty quickly we found that most countries in South America require a long stay in country. With 2 toddlers at home, that seemed a bit unrealistic for us. SO, I turned my attention excitedly towards Africa. We soon discovered that the 2 major countries are Ethiopia and Liberia. I requested much information from agencies in both countries as I googled adoption for both these countries. Along the way, I came across Acres of Hope, Liberia.

Why Liberia? I have always told people that I wanted to adopt from West Africa, either Uganda or Rwanda. Well, after very little research I realized. . .duh! Neither of those countries are in West Africa. (Maybe I should have studied more geography in 4th grade!) Also, I tend to be drawn to any location on the coast (silly, I know!) Also, the trip. While travelling to Ethiopia, you stay at a 4 star hotel. While that is wonderful, I wanted a more "african" experience and wanted to see more of where my child was from. The biggest thing for us, however, was the relief work. I know that when you adopt, your heart is drawn to the country from which you adopt. So, I really wanted to work with an agency that ran its own orphanage. Which brought me to Acres of Hope, Liberia. They not only run their own orphanage, but they also have a feeding program (8,000 kids a day), a school training and supply program and a medical clinic with plans to add more!!!

So, I presented all of my research to Greg and asked him to pray. 1 month later, Greg told me "YES, Let's Do it! Let's go to Africa!" I am thrilled, scared, excited, nervous and a thousand more emotions!!

Please join us in prayer for our journey, our hearts and a little one halfway across the world who may be hungry right now.