Tuesday, June 1, 2010

If We Can Do It


I have never blogged before. I have never wanted to blog. I really don't want to now. Not any more than you really want to read this. And you wouldn't except that you have been directed here by an "invitational" email from my wife. Many of you, even though you have not expressed it to us directly, think we have lost our minds. You ask questions like "Exactly what is the age limit for adopting a child over there" and "Really, can people your age do that"? After all, Susan is 48 and I am 51. Yep, each of us with one foot in the grave. What ARE we thinking? Let me fill you in.

The Bible talks a lot about orphans, and when the Bible speaks about taking care of orphans and widows, the actual translation for "taking care of" means to relieve the problem. Now to me that is a pretty clear directive. I am definitely not sure of the exact numbers, but I'm thinking there are millions of orphans out there. Sadly, there are probably millions of families who could offer those fatherless, motherless and abandoned children hope, and love, and provision. Families who could relieve the problem! But they don't. As a family, we want to do what we can to relieve the problem. In these times of great economic uncertainty it would sure be easier not to do this. At our age, it would be easier not to do this. Considering my extreme fear of flying, it would definitely be easier for me not to do this. I did everything I could to have Lily delivered to my door. Sadly, China would not acquiesce so I am reluctantly, but also excitedly preparing for the 23 hour trip. Since I don't do medications it should be fairly miserable. Even worse, since Susan and our budget do not allow for first class air travel, it should be very miserable.

Nevertheless, here we go. After an arduous four year wait, on June 18th we head for Jinan, China to adopt our little girl, and our whole family can not wait. We have jumped through countless adoption hoops. We have been fingerprinted, background checked, tested, re-tested, home studied (and yes, I passed), expired, renewed, mismatched and then finally matched with the little girl God has picked out for us. We really are overjoyed to be near the end of the first part of our adoption journey, and excited to be parents again.

I hope you will follow us as we head into this new and uncharted chapter in our lives. And while you're at it, why don't you see what you are willing to do to help relieve the problem!

Chip

17 comments:

Edie said...

Hi Chip,

It sounds like we have alot in common. We also have 4 biological children. Jack and I are both 47. Oldest boy is 18 and three girls 15,12, and 10. We are adopting a boy Lewis age 2 from Xian. Apparently we are in your travel group with Lifeline. Like you I have FINALLY started a blog but it isn't just about adoption although it'a priority right now.

Edie
www.mymartinhouse.com

Vicki said...

Well, we have a lot in common too! We also have four bio kids, but much younger at 10, 8, 6, and 2. We decided we might as well add to our craziness (and help 'relieve the problem') while we're in the thick of it.....and people think we've lost our minds as well, I'm sure! Our new addition is also 2 and is in Guangxi. We also are in your travel group! Looking forward to meeting Susan in GZ! You have a beautiful family.

Vicki
www.ourcrazynormal.blogspot.com

Christen Blair said...

You guys are amazing people and amazing parents! Thank you for sharing what God is up to in your life with the world!

Paul T. said...

I know this will be one of the biggest things you two have ever done! Barb and I will be praying for you!
Paul

doddie said...

Blessings on all of you!

Jennifer Epperson said...

We will be praying for you all along the way! So glad you'll be keeping us posted through the blog!!

Ashley Vice said...

I think ya'll are awesome!! We will be praying for ya'll as you go to fulfill God's will for your family!! We love you guys and can't wait to meet precious Lily!!

Susan Gaines said...

I am so excited about Lily. She is absolutely precious. What an amazing God, who has placed this little girl in one of the most awesome families in the world. I can't wait to see what He has in store for all of you.

Lisa Temple said...

I couldn't be more thrilled with the new addition to our family. I'm counting on Lily to keep all of us young. Considering the products of your and Susan's parenting, (smart, beautiful, talented, unwaveringly moral children of God)you SHOULD spread the wealth. You two obviously have a talent for child-rearing!

marcia calender said...

We love you and Lily and we agree that Lily is such a blessed child to be getting such an incredible family. We are lifting you up for this God ordained trip.

Christen Blair said...

You guys are the most amazing parents, and I'm SO excited for another little one to get to experience growing up in your home! Love you!

Beth Owen said...

Wow!!! Exciting. Will be praying for your travel Chip and Susan while she travels with you. We leave for Uganda one day before and return one day before. Who knows maybe we'll see you in Amsterdam. Susan and Chip we are so very happy for you and certainly understand God's Words on this matter. God bless you!!! Love you and that sweet baby already.
J.R. and Beth Owen

Anonymous said...

I think it's awesome and it's making God SMILE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

I think it's AWESOME and it's making God SMILE !!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

We can't wait to meet Lily... especially Jackson!! I hope everything goes smoothly. Let us know how we can help while you are gone. We miss Daniel and want him to come over soon.
Lovingly, Amery

Teddy and Emily said...

Bring Lily home! We can't wait. Love you!

doddie said...

What a joyous Father's Day gift to both of you. Very special for a Grandparents as well. She certainly is a sweet little doll!