Eight Is Not Enough: Time to Go!

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.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Time to Go!

Quite unexpectedley, we recieved our travel date yesterday! Rejoice with us as we prepare to leave for Cali Colombia on the 24th of September! We were expecting to have 3 to 5 weeks of advance notice - not 2 weeks- yikkes!! We know that God's plans and His ways are perfect and so we have begun the scramble to get everything done so we can leave on the 24th.

As you can guess, we are feeling every emotion you can think of from excitement to stress and everything in between. Most though we feel joy and anticipation for the opportunity that God has given us to love and nurture these little ones for Him.

We covet your prayers in so many ways. Just to mention a few:

Travel arrangements/ safe travel

That God will prepare Anyi and Jose's hearts for our first meeting

For our accomodations in Cali

Speedy processing in country and a quick return

Safety for Betty when I return before her

The children will integrate well and quickly

They will come to know Christ as Savior

I will remain calm and patient travelling with 9 children including two 2 year olds!

Jose and Anyi will see our love for them

WISDOM

Jim

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: We will be praying for all of you! They are beautiful!! God Bless.; September 10, 2012 at 7:52 AM
Jerica S said...: So happy for you'all! We will definitally miss you while you are gone! You guys are amazing to be able to have 15 kiddoes to love and 15 kiddoes to hug! Love you guys!; September 12, 2012 at 3:56 PM
Katie said...: Praying for your family, and safe travels! :)I cant wait to hear all the wonderful stories!!!; September 12, 2012 at 5:02 PM