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.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Reflections on Chongqing



The Chinese character on the license plate is the character for Chongqing (pronounced Chongching). The name means double happiness. If any of you are interested, I can tell you how the city got that name- interesting story going back to the Ching Dynasty. This city has been our host for the last week, and a wonderful host it has been. As I reflect on our time in Chongqing, I am draw to the happiness of the people and the kindness they have show us. We have very much enjoyed our time here.
We have been staying very near to the city center, but it is not at all like the innercities in America. I have not heard one police siren, and have only seen a couple of police officers all week. There are approximately 35 million people in this city and its surrounding area. I have felt very safe and Betty and I have walked about freely where ever we wanted to go. Everywhere we walked, the people smiled and treated us very well. I was taken by surprise by how many people speak English here. Communication was never difficult whether or not we were with our guide. Chongqing and its people have been incredible.
We stayed in the hotel Le Meridian. It is a 5 star hotel and without a doubt the nicest place I have ever stayed. We had a breakfast buffet included with our room cost which included a huge selection each morning of American and Chinese food. The staff was amazing and cared for anything we asked about.
Michael was our adoption guide here in Chongqing. He was the greatest. He had everything lined out for us from the moment he picked us up at the airport. He never tired of answering questions or running us anywhere we needed to go. He is a very special man and we are in his debt for everything related to our adoption of Zach. We are happy to be moving on as our hearts are anxious to be home with Zach and Emily. But... we are very grateful to all we met here. Truly, Chongqing is a city of double happiness.
Tomorrow morning we leave for Hefei and on Monday we will finally hold Emily in our arms.

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