January's Focus: Adopting Couple Brian and Audra

You might have noticed that over the past few years, the issue of adoption has been making its way to the forefront of conversations and various forms of media.  It seems more and more churches and individual families are taking the call to provide for orphans quite seriously.  I think part of this increased awareness of adoption is due in part to Dr. Russell Moore's book Adopted for Life, which was published last spring and is on my reading list for this year.  Believers are now viewing adoption not just as an alternative for couples who can't become parents biologically, but as a mandate from our Father to care for the fatherless.  Families are adopting multiple children- through foster care, domestic adoption, and international adoption- not necessarily because they want to be someone's mom or dad, but because they feel called to obey the Lord in the endeavor. 

We have several friends who have adopted or are currently in the adoption process.  Each and every one of these families inspire me and encourage me to seriously consider in what way(s) the Lord would have us provide for orphans.  One such couple is my college friend Audra and her husband Brian.  They have now been married for over four years, do not have any biological children, and have been pursuing adoption for more than an entire year.  Their first inclination was to adopt internationally, most likely from Ethiopia, but since then have moved to domestic adoption and are currently pursuing adoption through the foster care system.  They recently completed their coursework (which demonstrates amazing dedication in and of itself- they had to give up multiple Saturdays to attend the courses) to become certified foster parents and are now waiting on a placement.  Brian and Audra want to foster a sibling group for six months, at which point they woulc be eligbile to file for adoption.

Audra recently shared with me how their process was going:

"It seems to be taking so long, but I know God is working on something huge...The hardest part right now is that there are so many red tapes and hoops to jump through when working with the state. They seem so desperate for families to be available for these children but they make it impossible for those families that are so willing. It's like we're standing here saying YES to something we know God has called us to but we keep hitting all these brick walls. Our biggest prayer request is that we would find favor with the state DCS, and they would help us bring children into our home. We also are in desperate need of patience to push through all the hoops. Going through this process we have seen the hold that Satan has for this kids in the system. Every time we hit a wall people ask us 'Don't you think this is God closing the door for you? Isn't this just too much?' Quite the contrary. We see what a hold Satan has and believe that with every wall we hit God confirms to us that if we don't fight for these kids they may never be fought for..."

I love how Audra explains that God is not closing doors, but that He is confirming "if we don't fight for these kids, they may never be fought for."  I pray that each of us would consider our role in fighting for these children.  You don't have to be wealthy to care for children who need a home, and adoption may not be the specific route to which our Father has called you, but I encourage you to prayfully consider what route He has chosen for you so that you might fulfill His direction to care for the orphans.

Brian and Audra also have a wonderful blog they have been keeping to chronicle their journey.  Check out A Step Along the Path and leave them some encouragement.