Our Decision to Adopt

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

Seamus and I have decided to adopt a baby girl from China! We are convicted in this decision and know that God has personally placed this call on our hearts. We also know that many people will not understand our decision. I’m hoping to shed some light on our journey so that everyone involved can encourage us, pray for us, and support us through this long and difficult process.

The journey begins deep in my heart. I have had a passion for the ministry of adoption for at least 2 years. It has been a recurring theme in my life, through friends, testimonies, sermons, music, billboards, you name it, but especially in listening during prayer. God began by softly nudging me to realize the need. Over time, he has convicted my heart on a much deeper level. Most recently, I spend time laughing at his overtness. I have mentioned it to Seamus many times, but only casually to see how he would respond. He never dismissed the idea but never (until recently) showed a deep connection to the idea. Several weeks ago, I was praying about adoption and where God wanted me in this. I turned to my end table to grab a pen to write some thoughts down and I grabbed a stone that I hadn’t seen since I acquired it. The stone says, “hope”. I knew God was speaking to me so clearly and reassuring me of  ”hope”… The hope I have in glorious eternity because of what Christ has done, the hope that a child in need will have when they are brought in to a family who loves them, the hope that God would soften Seamus’ heart, and the hope that God will always provide for us. His speaking to me was clearer than ever. It’s at this point I brought it up to Seamus again and not only was he open but he was clearly feeling called to this as well! Since that talk, we have had many more like it, and many precious moments praying together, asking God to use us to further His kingdom. Seamus shares that God continually places 2 questions on his heart. “Is there a need? And, are you available?” It’s that simple. Adoption is not only loving a child in need but loving God himself. “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ” (Matthew 25:40)

My longing to adopt comes from my knowing that I was graciously adopted by my Father in heaven. "In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." (Ephesians 1:5) He sacrificed His own son who bled and died, paying the ultimate price, so that He could adopt me! Wow, I was purchased with the most valuable item ever. Do I have doubts? Do I fear the unknown? Do I question my ability to parent another child? Yes, yes, and yes. But I don’t have to be capable, only willing. God is way bigger and way more sovereign than my little mind can comprehend. He promises never to leave me and he assures me that I need not fear. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8)

Why have we chosen international adoption? The reasons are numerous but here are a couple. Most importantly, the need is greater in other countries. For every baby up for adoption in the US, there are about 4 adoptive families waiting for a child. If we had a heart for foster care or older children, which we don’t at this time, there would be plenty of opportunity for us in the US. Also, the conditions for an orphan in the US far exceed conditions for an orphan in most countries. Beyond need, we are interested in a closed adoption. This means we do not want to have any contact with the birth parents after the adoption has been finalized. Closed adoption is difficult to accomplish in the US and the risk of having a child taken from your family is much higher. We don’t open ourselves up to this possibility by adopting internationally.

The cost of international adoption is not cheap, to say the least. This will not keep us from being united with our precious baby. God has plans for another Loman and money will not prevent his perfect will from unfolding. Look for updates on my "Fundraising" tab for opportunities to help. We have no doubt that the resources of money, love, energy, patience, and discernment will come. If I really believe in a God who created this universe, who created ME, then I have the faith to know that He will provide all things through this adoption.

I stumbled across a video that sums it all up for me. “Depraved Indifference”. That’s what I am feeling, uncomfortable in our perfect life and I want to serve Christ with all that I am.

I am humbled and honored that God is choosing us to serve Him in this capacity. I am praying that you will lovingly join us on this journey. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:15-17)