Why "Eight Is Not Enough"?
When we were younger, there was a television sitcom that was called "Eight is Enough". The television watching world was entertained with the thought of a family with eight children. Most of us were shocked at the prospect of such a large family- myself included! Then ever so slowly, God began to work on our hearts, until we surrendered to Him all of our lives- yes even gave Him sovereign control over the size of our family and He has blessed us immeasurably, with eight biological children. Each of these children have been an amazing gift to us and we cherish each of them. And we praised God for them and felt to ourselves "eight is enough" - at least for a time.
Then God began to stir our hearts. It was as if He spoke to say to us "these 8 precious children I have given to you, but what have you given to my orphans in return?" A burden began to build on our hearts to adopt. We knew that for us God still had other plans for us as parents if we would be faithful to His calling- that eight is not enough. And so, we followed this call to adopted and He has continued to blessed us through adoption. First a sibling group of three from Soacha, Colombia. They joined our family in November, 2008. In May 2010, we adopted twin infants from Texas. In September of 2012 we were privileged to return to Colombia and adopt a sibling group of two from Cali. At this time, we anxiously wait for our travel date to depart for China where a very special girl and boy wait for their forever family. By the time they all reach adulthood, we will have had the amazing privilege to be parents of children in our home for a half century. Our life is full beyond measure, beyond our wildest expectations, yes even beyond anything we could have ever hoped. Truly, eight is not enough. As of late we have wondered if God's plan for us as parents all along was not for eight children, but rather eight plus eight. Our heavenly Father knows and His word assures us "I know the plans I have made for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." We trust He knows the number of His children He wants us to love and to nurture on His behalf, and whether that is eight or eighty times eight we stand ready and say speak Lord, your servants are listening and are prepared to be father and mother to your fatherless on earth.
Still Waiting
Today we are still waiting on our court date. Hopefully the date will break really soon! Betty and Kaitlyn ventured out today to find a souvenier shop called Maku. We had three sets of directions and in the end went with the Hagerty's directions - they made it! Jim sat in the appartment with the younger kids and worried about them on the streets of Bogota by themselves! They made it back fine with out any adventure or difficulty. However, they got back to the appartment to find me in melt down with worry. David had called about 20 minutes after they left trying to set up for us to go and get passport and visa photos for the new kids. They got back 20 minutes after we were to go for the photos! Fortunately, David was delayed getting to our location for the link up. All ended well, Christ told us not to worry- so why didn't I listen!? it was good to make progress even if it was only photos.
We had chance to start talking to family and friends at home yesterday. Our son Kevin told us about a program called SKYPE. If you are still waiting to travel to Colombia, you must download SKYPE. It allows you to talk via the internet to any other computer in the world if they have speakers and a microphone (for free). We have talked to family back home about 10 times in the last 24 hours. It is such an encouragement to talk to folks back home - it only took about 5 minutes to set it up on our lap top.
Please continue to lift up our court date in your prayers,
God bless,
Jim and Betty
2 comments:
Yea you found Maku. I am glad. And I know about skype. So glad you found that as well. You seem encouraged maybe a little. We watch your blog daily. Barry and I are cheering you on.
God Bless the Porter's tonight.
Jan and Barry
Just wanted you to know we are still praying for you here back home. Okay David is always at least 15 min late you can count on it. Boy how we loved David, he was a lot of fun. And if he is taking you for photos, they know something they aren't telling you. Expect a call in the VERY near future. They don't tell you everything there, as to not get your hopes up, but they know what they are doing and you will be home soon!
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