We passed!!!

On November 17, 2009 Ethiopia approved our adoption.  One year, one month, and one day later, the State of Missouri recognized the adoption that had been granted by Ethiopia.  We have come to what some would consider the completion of our adoption.  However, our journey is most definitely just beginning.  Our mission started with a call to obedience.  We clearly heard the call of God to care for the widows and orphans.  For us, that included a trip to Ethiopia.  For others, that may be working with Habitat for Humanity, supporting an orphan overseas, or purchasing a cow or group of animals for a village in a far away country (see World Vision).

The point is when you see a need, what do you do?  Do you just spend time "admiring the problem".  By that I mean, do you sit around talking about how bad the situation is in Haiti, or AIDS is really bad in Africa, or the bad accident that left some kids without a Dad...  The problem is worth looking at, talking about, but not really doing anything about.  Instead of "admiring the problem", why don't you do something about it!?

Sure, we are thrilled to have our "adoption" complete, but our obedience is ongoing.  Lately, in the midst of all of the commercialism that has become "Christmas" in America, the needs of those around us is quite a stark contrast!  How can we even think of buying a camera for $600 dollars when that would buy a cow and a goat!  Those two animals alone would help feed several families in an impoverished country!!!  So, really, it comes down to that.

No, I'm not bah-humbug.  I am totally the opposite.  The real reason for Christmas was that the Christ Child came.  But, not just that he came....he came to serve others.  He lived here on earth - without possessions.  He had no home, no place to lay his head.  He spent his life, a mere 33 years, serving others and pointing them to His Father, God.  Can we do anything less?

I pray that you find what God is calling you to.  And I pray that you have the guts to do it!

Audra