It is commonly said that it takes a village to raise a child. The same can be said for completing an international adoption. Support from loved ones and others is essential to making the transition successfully. Below, our guest contributors describes the support and encouragement they received from their faith and the members of their community while completing their international adoption from Nicaragua.
As we embarked on our international adoption from Nicaragua, our church and community rallied behind us and embraced this calling. They allowed Dax, an associate pastor, to travel to Nicaragua every three weeks to be with Michelle during the adaptation period. Three different times, various friends went to be with Michelle and visit her. In addition, we felt supported.
God provided a place to stay in Nicaragua that was in the same facility as the missionaries we supported. God provided an amazing community of friends through a local Nicaraguan church. They invited us for meals, let us borrow cars, gave us rides and even babysat kids for us when we needed a break. Our three biological children embraced and enjoyed the journey of traveling back and forth and even “homeschooling” in Nicaragua.
God gave us the daily encouragement as we clung to particular promises throughout the process. There were times we thought the process would never end. There were times of profound loneliness and fear. There were times when we were barely hanging on… but as I reflect I see how the daily movement of His Spirit sustained us. We can truly say He worked and carried us in spite of us. Promises like Joshua 1:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. 2 Cor. 1:8-9, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Corinthians 15:58 are just a few of many!
One of my favorite stories has to do with a wonderful missionary family there, the Van Zoest’s. When Michelle showed up to Nicaraguan church one Sunday, this missionary family recognized the girls. For several months they had been visiting the orphanage where the girls lived and had gotten to know them. Katy was always outgoing and talkative but at this time, Khloe was introverted, shy and would not smile. In spite of their best efforts she just would not smile. However, after a short time of living in the context of our family, Khloe began to blossom and smile and feel the security of love. The Van Zoest’s were amazed and their testimony of her transformation reminded us of the power of God’s love and the importance of a family.
God gave us two beautiful and precious girls that are full of life and joy. We are humbled by His grace. Upon returning, we have learned that our friends the Van Zoest’s and another family in our church have decided to pursue adoption as well. It’s been neat to see God use our story in the lives of others.
For more information on adopting from Nicaragua, please contact us.
MLJ Adoptions
MLJ Adoptions is a Non-Profit, Hague-Accredited adoption service provider located in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Isles. We are passionate about serving children in need.
MLJ Adoptions
MLJ Adoptions is a Non-Profit, Hague-Accredited adoption service provider located in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Isles. We are passionate about serving children in need.