My "Job"

Back in May, I took a contract position with All Blessings International to do home studies for local families wanting to adopt.  It was a HUGE answer to prayer and orchestrated totally by God.  If you have known me long enough, you know that adoption is a big deal to me.  Adoption has had a large chunk of my heart for 12 years and I have prayed and prayed to one day be able to work in the adoption field, and here I am.

I have been surrounded by adoption for a long time.  My near and dear friends who have adopted have heard me time and time again say to them, "Adoption is HARD!"  In my heart of hearts, I don't believe God's perfect plan was for adoption to even have a place in this world.  But, in case you've lived in a hole your entire life, we live in a fallen world.  One full of sin, bad decisions, pain, and heartache.  Adoption is both beautiful and ugly all in the same boat.  It requires hurt and restoration.

But, boy oh boy do I see God all over adoption.

I sincerely believe that God has a soft spot for the orphaned.  Those innocent babes are held in His arms and it is a beautiful thing.  He calls families to open up their homes and hearts and places these precious babes in forever families.  I have been a part of home comings, first meetings, good byes, and referrals.  The tears of joy and pain abound.

In the adoption world there are the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  Recently, I've seen a low. ABI partnered with an orphanage in a very remote location in DRC two months ago. In the last three weeks there has been a dysentery outbreak which resulted in 33 of the 52 orphans losing their life. Two of these babes were twins who were recently matched with a sweet friend. This hit close to home and my heart was broken.

BUT GOD (famous Jenny words)...

He knew this pain was coming and held these babes when their moms and dads couldn't. I believe these 33 babes are no longer suffering and now all who know of their story; the moms and dads, ABI, friends of the families, and anyone who has read the information and blogs about this story, get to be a part of stewarding their story well.  We get to be a part of the highest of highs. 

ABI is currently raising funds to help with immediate and long term relief for this orphanage and the community surrounding it. Right now, they are trying to raise $15,000 by Friday to provide materials for a team leaving this weekend. Will you please consider making a donation?  Even $5 can make a huge difference. You can donate here and read more about this situation here.