Angels in Adoption

Sixteen years ago I met an amazing friend. By chance (ha ha), we showed up at Scholarship Days at our college of choice, started talking, became quick friends, and requested each other as roommates for the upcoming year. We wrote letters all summer and in August of 1993 embarked on the journey we called higher education. I can't even begin to list all of things we got ourselves into that year (some she wouldn't want me to), but we had a great time.

Life took us our separate ways off and on, but in 1996 she reconnected with an equally amazing guy, who proposed to her in front of 500 people at FCA Conference. I had been dating my fiance for 2 years, and we had been engaged for 9 months already, so I think my first words to her were, "Don't you dare get married before me!" What a sweet friend I was. She did not listen to me, and three months later they were married and started on their ministry journey together.

Some people called them crazy, but they quickly jumped into foster parenting and adoption of kids floundering in the system. They did not wait and try and try for years to have their own children, as most people do, they felt God's call to help kids who needed a loving home.

Over the course of several years, they have adopted seven children, ranging in ages from 9 months to 17 at the time of adoption. They have rejoiced in the times of celebration of finalized court dates, and this month cried tears of sorrow when the adoption of twin baby boys fell through. Through it all, their faith is strong, amazingly strong.

Today is a big day in the lives of these friends of mine. This morning they will face the reality that no child wants to face - laying a parent to rest. My friend's loving father passed away last Friday at the early age of 56. Please say a prayer for this family today. They have been on an emotional roller-coaster for several weeks.

Then this evening my friends will board a plane for Washington D.C. In the midst of all the heartache and suffering they have experienced in the past two months, God reminded them of how special they are. They were nominated by Congressman Jerry Moran to receive the 2009 Angels in Adoption award, which recognizes individuals who have made an impact in foster care and adoption. Past recipients have even included Bruce Willis, First Lady Laura Bush, and Muhammad Ali.

So, to these friends of mine...you truly are incredible. You are on our hearts and minds today as you continue to balance your topsy-turvy world. May you feel an immeasurable amount of peace this day as you celebrate your father's life and mourn his passing. My prayer is also that you will be able to relax this week, enjoy the time with each other, and allow people to lavish you with praise! You deserve it!