Janaa's Thoughts on Caleb

I think that having an adopted little brother would be nice because I am adopted as well.  Then I would have someone just like me in the family. Not just because we are from the same place or from the same continent, but about being adopted different from other people.  I think that Caleb would remind me of a smaller Chay (my foster-brother). When I was adopted I thought it was great to be in a new family, but sometimes I dreamed of having another little person in our family that would be adopted.  Also, it would be good because then I wouldn't be the only child in my family. 

Then I think when I grow up, if I ever have kids they will have an uncle.  That's all I can think of on the top of my mind.

In the words of "Big Sister"

Where Are We in the Process?

We are at the VERY beginning of the process. That means...

1) We need to finalize the placing agency we will use. We are torn between 2 right now, but hope to decide this next week.

2) We need to get our home study. We have chosen an agency for this.

3) There is immigration paper work

4) Compiling the dossier

5) Getting a referral

6) Waiting out all the paper work that needs to be done in the Congo

7) Traveling to get our little guy. 

This is the abbreviated version!

It will probably be over a year before we travel, but still much shorter than the process with Janaa. 

We have been asked a great question that I did not think about clarifying.  We do not know our little guy yet.  We will meet him through paperwork and a photo when we are offered a referral. Agencies always guess at timelines.  The best guess is 1-6 months from the time our dossier is reviewed by the DRC.

Thank you for the encouragement already. When we started Janaa's adoption we didn't know anyone who was adopting and only a few who had. Along the way one other couple we knew adopted domestically.  However, this time around....We have lots of friends in the process of adopting!  It is so exciting and refreshing!!! I can't even explain it. 

Who is Caleb?

Why adopt again?  Why would we not? What does this world have to offer that would be better than loving a sweet boy in the name of Jesus?  We have been so very blessed to have a pastor and elders who have taught us in word and in deed of God's grace in a way that neither of us knew until a few years ago. While we fail greatly in living that Grace on a daily basis we pray that God will mold us into vessels of His Grace to the least of these around us here in the States and around the world. 

Our family has always known that we would love to adopt again, but we didn't know when. We assumed it would be from Thailand or some other South East Asian country.  However, that is not where the Lord has lead our hearts this time.  We realize that Janaa is getting older and the time it would take to adopt from Thailand would leave her an only child for another 2-3 years.  So, how did we make all these decisions?

Gender? We knew we wanted a boy. Janaa has always loved little boys. Probably because she spent the first 4 years of her life with her beloved "brother" in Thailand. Brent and I both grew up with brothers and love them like crazy. Everyone needs a brother!

Country?  Brent and Janaa both quickly suggested an African country for the location. However, most African countries require you to visit then leave your child before you return to bring them home. There are many reasons, which I will not go into right now, that this was not for our family. The Democratic Republic of Congo does not require that and has a shorter process.

Age? In my heart I long to have my baby as soon as possible. When we got to this point Janaa's opinion carried much weight. She strongly suggested a baby as young as we could get so that they didn't have to spend much of their life away from their family. (It's really helpful to have a "consultant" in the family.) Janaa has had  a great deal to do with the decisions that we have made.  Though she is so young she has great insight about the way the Lord has brought our family together. We may make all final decision, but we want her opinion before we do so. 

Why give a name and post it for the world?  Because, we would love for you to pray with us through this. Because, we want you to have a name when you bring him before the Lord. Because, I need a name for my baby so you might as well know who I'm referring to.  

God has called those of us who are believers to love the orphans and widows.  In the Old Testament Caleb stood for the good of the Israelites and honored the Lord in spite of the difficulty surrounding him. Our little guy will see more of this world in a few months than most of us in a life time. He will have issues to deal with that most of us find hard to fathom.  There are millions of little Caleb's around the globe.  Some will be united with their forever family, but many more will suffer unimaginably.  While we pray, for our sweet boy, our heart is for you to pray with us for the millions of other orphans who need to see Jesus in us. 

As we start this process again, we invite you to come with us again or for the first time.