Julie and I have decided to press “pause” in our foster care ministry for a season.  It is because we have great news to share.  We are expecting a “new Born” in June.  God’s timing is perfect as are his ways.  Each child that he creates has a very special purpose.  We joyfully anticipate meeting this new one that he has chosen to place in our family.

Last week was a special week for us.  We celebrated the 1^st anniversary of Maria’s adoption on February 19^th!  On February 21^st, we received her new birth certificate in the mail.  It was exactly 2 years ago to the day that we were going to loose her!  What a memory of that moment when the storm was immediately calmed. With one phone call everything turned in our favor.  I sat down and wept for a half hour while Julie jumped up and down for joy while calling friends and family.

Julie and I paused at the end of the day on Thursday to watch the video of her adoption party.  We were blessed to tears as we watched and listened to people declare their love for Maria and their joy that she was part of the family.  (Thanks to my friend Roy for interviewing so many people!) It was a beautiful picture of the family of God celebrating the addition of a new member.  I remember how the experience that day made me think of our Heavenly Father celebrating each time he adopts a new son or daughter.  (I blogged about this at the time and it can be found on my Trinity Church blog.) Jesus said, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7 ESVS)  This is a picture of the adoption party in heaven.  Maybe that’s one of the many reasons why my heart is so drawn to the ministry adoption.

During this time where Julie and I have hit “pause,” I want to dedicate this blog to celebrating adoptions.  I will be looking for stories of adoptions and posting them here.  I want this to be a celebration first and foremost of these precious children that God has made and brought into our families.  Second, I want to celebrate what God has done and is doing as the American church becomes more engaged in this ministry. Finally, I want to be an advocate for this unique ministry of rescuing the orphan and giving them a place in our families.

I wrote the song, “Us Forever,” for the purpose of her adoption party and first sang it to her there.  (Us Forever – live.mp3) It is Maria’s story, but if you listen closely, it is more than that.  Here’s to the next adoption story … cheers!

~w.t. born